Nestled on the equator in Kenya’s Laikipia County, Ol Pejeta Conservancy is one of Africa’s most exciting and accessible safari destinations. Home to the Big Five, the last two northern white rhinos, Kenya’s only chimpanzee sanctuary, and a diverse landscape of grasslands, riverine forests, and woodlands—Ol Pejeta offers an unforgettable safari experience with a powerful conservation mission.
Whether you’re a first-timer or seasoned safari-goer, this guide walks you through exactly how to plan, book, and enjoy a safari in Ol Pejeta—step by step.
🧭 STEP 1: Understand Why Ol Pejeta is Special
Before you plan, here’s what makes Ol Pejeta a top-tier safari destination:
- Home to the Big Five (lion, leopard, rhino, elephant, buffalo)
- World’s last two northern white rhinos
- Sweetwaters Chimpanzee Sanctuary – only one in Kenya
- One of East Africa’s most successful private conservancies
- Fewer crowds than Maasai Mara or Amboseli
- Opportunities for self-drive, guided drives, horseback safaris, and conservation tours
- Easy access from Nairobi (3.5–4.5 hours)
📅 STEP 2: Decide When to Visit
| Season | Months | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Dry Season | June – October, Dec – Feb | Best wildlife viewing, photography |
| Green Season | March – May, November | Lush scenery, birding, fewer crowds |
✅ Wildlife is viewable year-round, but drier months offer better visibility and road conditions.
🛫 STEP 3: Plan How to Get There
🚗 By Road (Most Popular)
- From Nairobi to Ol Pejeta: ~200 km, 3.5–4.5 hours
- Route: Nairobi → Thika → Karatina → Nanyuki → Ol Pejeta
- Roads are tarmacked except for the final short stretch
✈️ By Air
- Fly to Nanyuki Airstrip (~45 mins from Nairobi)
- Transfer to the conservancy by road (~45 mins drive)
4×4 vehicles are recommended during the rainy season, though a regular car can manage in dry months.
🏨 STEP 4: Choose Your Accommodation
Ol Pejeta has something for every budget:
🏕️ Budget
- The Stables (dorm-style)
- Campsites (bring your own gear)
🛏️ Mid-Range
- Kongoni Camp (outside the conservancy)
- Pelican House (self-catering for families/groups)
🌟 Luxury
- Sweetwaters Serena Camp (tented luxury with waterhole views)
- Ol Pejeta Bush Camp (eco-luxury, conservation-focused)
- Kifaru House (exclusive-use, private luxury lodge)
🎒 Self-drive campers can book public campsites like Ewaso Campsite or Hippo Hide.
📞 STEP 5: Book Your Safari
You can:
- Book a guided safari through an operator
- Plan a self-drive safari if you’re driving your own vehicle
- Mix it up: drive yourself and book activities like rhino tracking or chimp sanctuary tours
Don’t forget to:
✅ Book entry tickets online in advance
✅ Reserve your accommodation early (especially in high season)
✅ Plan activities like:
- Night game drives
- Meet the northern white rhinos
- Rhino tracking on foot
- Behind-the-scenes conservation experiences
🖱️ Booking portal: www.olpejetaconservancy.org
💵 STEP 6: Know the Entrance Fees (as of 2024/2025)
| Visitor Type | EA Citizen | EA Resident | Non-Resident |
|---|---|---|---|
| Adult | KES 2,000 | KES 3,500 | $110 |
| Child (3–11 yrs) | KES 1,000 | KES 1,750 | $55 |
| Student | KES 500 | KES 500 | $32 |
| Vehicle (1–6 seats) | KES 1,000 | KES 1,000 | KES 1,000 |
🎫 Entry includes access to:
- Game drives (7am–7pm)
- Chimpanzee Sanctuary
- Morani Info Centre
- Baraka the blind black rhino
🎒 STEP 7: Pack Smart for Your Safari
Essentials:
- Valid ID or passport
- Safari clothing: neutral colors (tan, brown, green)
- Hat, sunglasses, sunscreen
- Reusable water bottle (Ol Pejeta is plastic-free)
- Camera with zoom lens
- Binoculars
- Flashlight or headlamp (for camps)
- Comfortable closed shoes
- Insect repellent
- Personal medications
🗓️ STEP 8: Plan Your Safari Activities
🦁 Must-Do Experiences:
- Big Five Game Drives: Self-drive or guided (7am–7pm)
- Night Game Drives: Booked through the conservancy
- Meet Najin & Fatu: The last northern white rhinos (extra fee, advance booking)
- Chimpanzee Sanctuary Visit: Included in your ticket
- Baraka the Black Rhino: Feed and learn his story
- Horseback Safari: Ride among rhinos and antelope
- Rhino Tracking on Foot: With rangers and guides
- Conservation Behind-the-Scenes Tours: Veterinary labs, monitoring units
📸 STEP 9: Enjoy the Experience
Once you’re there:
- Arrive at the gate by 7:00 AM for best wildlife sightings
- Pick up a map or use a GPS app for self-drive
- Drive slowly (max 40 kph)
- Be patient and observant—this is nature at its pace
- Respect animals’ space—don’t chase or feed
- Break at Morani’s Restaurant for lunch or sundowners
- Log your sightings and share them with rangers or the Ol Pejeta app
⚠️ STEP 10: Follow Safari Etiquette & Rules
- No off-road driving
- No loud music or shouting
- No littering or plastic
- No getting out of your vehicle unless at a designated spot
- No drones without written permission
- Don’t harass or follow wildlife
- Always give animals the right of way
❤️ Final Thoughts: An Authentic, Impactful Safari
A safari in Ol Pejeta is more than a wildlife experience—it’s a journey into conservation, education, and ecological connection. Whether you’re spotting rhinos at dawn or watching wild dogs reunite at sunset, you’ll be part of a legacy that protects endangered species and supports local communities.
By planning thoughtfully and engaging responsibly, your visit to Ol Pejeta becomes not just a trip—but a contribution to something bigger.