Ol Pejeta Conservancy is one of Kenya’s most wildlife-rich and accessible safari destinations. Spanning over 90,000 acres on the equator in Laikipia County, it offers an unbeatable setting for game drives—with open savannah, riverine forests, acacia woodlands, and sweeping plains.
From spotting lions and leopards to seeing the Big Five, the last two northern white rhinos, and rescued chimpanzees, game drives at Ol Pejeta are structured for maximized wildlife encounters, flexibility, and conservation impact.
🧭 Why Go on a Game Drive at Ol Pejeta?
- Encounter the Big Five: Lion, leopard, rhino (black & white), elephant, and buffalo
- Visit iconic species: Najin and Fatu, the last two northern white rhinos
- Experience Sweetwaters Chimpanzee Sanctuary
- Explore diverse habitats with rich biodiversity
- Support one of Africa’s most impactful conservation organizations
🚗 1. Types of Game Drives at Ol Pejeta
| Type of Drive | Timing | Duration | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Morning Game Drive | 6:30 am – 10:00 am | 3–4 hours | Predator sightings, active wildlife |
| Midday Drive | 11:00 am – 2:00 pm | 2–3 hours | Birds, herbivores, relaxed pace |
| Afternoon Game Drive | 3:00 pm – 6:30 pm | 3–4 hours | Elephants, big cats, sundowners |
| Full-Day Game Drive | 7:00 am – 6:30 pm | Up to 12 hours | In-depth exploration |
| Night Game Drive | 7:00–9:00 pm / 9:00–11:00 pm | 2 hours | Nocturnal animals like hyenas, aardvark, genets |
🕖 Conservancy driving hours: 7:00 AM to 7:00 PM (unless on a night drive with a guide)
🚙 2. Game Drive Vehicles
✅ Private Guided Vehicles
- Modified Land Cruisers or Safari Vans
- Roof hatches for optimal viewing and photography
- Accommodate 6–7 guests comfortably
- Driven by trained ranger-guides from Ol Pejeta or partnered tour operators
- Best for those who want expert insights, safety, and comfort
✅ Self-Drive Vehicles
- Guests may enter with their own vehicle (4×4 recommended)
- Must follow all rules and stay on designated tracks
- Great for experienced travelers or locals
🚫 No off-road driving is permitted. Stay within speed limits (max 40 kph).
💵 3. Game Drive Fees & Pricing
🎫 Conservancy Entry Fee (Per Day)
| Category | EA Citizens | EA Residents | Non-Residents |
|---|---|---|---|
| Adults | KES 2,000 | KES 3,500 | $110 |
| Children (3–11 yrs) | KES 1,000 | KES 1,750 | $55 |
| Students | KES 500 | KES 500 | $32 |
🧒 Children under 3 enter free.
🚐 Vehicle Entry Fees
| Vehicle Size | Fee (KES) |
|---|---|
| Up to 6 seats | KES 1,000 |
| 7 – 14 seats | KES 5,000 |
| 15+ seats | KES 12,000 |
🚙 Game Drive Vehicle Hire (Ol Pejeta Vehicle + Driver-Guide)
| Duration | Rate (USD) |
|---|---|
| 8 Hours | $200 (per vehicle) |
| 12 Hours | $250 (per vehicle) |
🌙 Night Game Drives
- Available daily from 7:00 – 9:00 PM or 9:00 – 11:00 PM
- Must be booked in advance
- Use Ol Pejeta’s specially equipped vehicles
Night Drive Cost: Confirm pricing at time of booking (typically $90–$120 per person)
🦁 4. Wildlife Sightings & Routes
🌾 Eastern Grasslands
- Great for spotting lions, cheetahs, zebras, and buffalo
- Open plains—ideal for photography and predators on the move
🐘 Southern Plains & Ewaso Nyiro River
- Frequent elephant sightings
- Hippos, waterbuck, and diverse birds
🦏 Endangered Species Enclosure
- Home to Najin and Fatu (northern white rhinos)
- Guided visit required—learn from rangers about IVF conservation efforts
🐵 Chimpanzee Sanctuary Drive
- Visit Sweetwaters Chimpanzee Sanctuary, home to 40+ rescued chimps
- Open 8:30 am–12:30 pm & 2:00 pm–4:30 pm
🦓 Predator-Free Zones
- Ideal for horseback safaris and family-friendly self-drives
- High chance of viewing giraffe, eland, gazelles, and warthogs
🧠 5. Additional Game Drive Experiences
- 🦏 Rhino Tracking on Foot – walk with rangers in secure zones
- 🐴 Horseback Safaris – ride among plains game in predator-free zones
- 🧬 Behind-the-Scenes Conservation Tours – visit research labs, K9 units, and ranger posts
- 🧒 Morani Information Centre – learn about predators, conservation, and rhino care
- 📸 Photography Drives – private vehicle with guide focused on camera setups and positioning
📅 6. When to Go for Game Drives
| Season | Months | Game Viewing Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Dry Season | June–Oct, Dec–Feb | High visibility, easier tracking |
| Green Season | March–May, Nov | Lush scenery, fewer crowds, great for birding |
✅ Wildlife is viewable year-round, but the dry season offers optimal conditions for game drives.
📝 7. Booking Your Game Drive
You can book:
- Self-drive entry via www.olpejetaconservancy.org
- Vehicle & guide hire by emailing: reservations@olpejetaconservancy.org
- Through your lodge or safari operator (some lodges include drives in their rates)
- In advance or at the main gate (limited same-day availability)
For guided drives, a 50% deposit is usually required. Remaining balance is paid on arrival via card, MPESA, or link.
📌 8. Tips for an Exceptional Game Drive
- ✅ Start early or go late – dawn and dusk are the best for predators
- 🧴 Bring sunscreen, hat, reusable water bottle
- 📷 Use a camera with a zoom lens (200mm+ ideal)
- 🧭 Ask for recent sightings at the gate or from guides
- 🐾 Respect wildlife—never block animals or get too close
- 🍴 Pack snacks or plan lunch at Morani’s Restaurant
🛡️ 9. Game Drive Rules & Etiquette
- Stay on designated roads and tracks
- No off-road driving, speeding, or littering
- Never feed or approach wildlife
- Do not leave your vehicle, except in designated areas
- Wildlife always has right of way
- Night driving only allowed with Ol Pejeta guides
🧡 Final Thoughts: Game Drives That Matter
Game drives in Ol Pejeta offer not just thrilling wildlife experiences—but a chance to be part of a bigger mission. Every drive supports conservation, community empowerment, and education. Whether you’re tracking lions at sunrise or meeting the last northern white rhinos at sunset, your journey through Ol Pejeta is a safari with a purpose.