Nestled at the foothills of Mount Kenya, Ol Pejeta Conservancy is more than a safari destination—it’s a symbol of hope, a sanctuary for endangered species, and one of Africa’s most innovative conservation landscapes. Whether you’re a wildlife enthusiast, researcher, or eco-conscious traveler, Ol Pejeta offers a profound experience rooted in nature, science, and sustainability.
📜 Background & History of Ol Pejeta Conservancy
Originally a colonial-era cattle ranch, Ol Pejeta was transformed into a wildlife conservancy in the early 1990s. In 2004, Fauna & Flora International and Arcus Foundation acquired the land and established Ol Pejeta Conservancy as a non-profit wildlife sanctuary.
Since then, it has become East Africa’s leading conservancy, balancing wildlife protection with community development and tourism.
📍 Location, Land Size, and Geography
- Location: Laikipia County, central Kenya, about 200 km north of Nairobi
- Coordinates: Near Nanyuki town, accessible via road and air (Nanyuki airstrip)
- Size: Spans 90,000 acres (approximately 364 km²)
- Altitude: Between 1,800m and 2,000m above sea level
It borders the Ewaso Nyiro River, which acts as a natural wildlife corridor connecting it to Mount Kenya National Park and the greater Laikipia ecosystem.
🏞️ Landscape and Geology
Ol Pejeta’s terrain is a mosaic of savannah grasslands, acacia woodlands, open plains, riverine habitats, and marshlands. This biodiversity supports a wide range of flora and fauna.
- Soils: Primarily volcanic, with black cotton and red soils conducive to grassland ecosystems.
- Geological features: Gentle undulating plains, occasional rocky outcrops, seasonal rivers, and freshwater wetlands.
The variety in terrain makes it ideal for a range of species and also offers picturesque landscapes perfect for game drives and photography.
🌍 Why Visit Ol Pejeta Conservancy?
🦏 1. See the Last Two Northern White Rhinos
Ol Pejeta is home to Najin and Fatu, the last two northern white rhinos on Earth, living under 24/7 armed protection. Nowhere else in the world offers this experience.
🧬 2. Pioneering Conservation
From rhino IVF to cutting-edge tech in anti-poaching efforts, Ol Pejeta is a global hub for modern conservation science.
🐘 3. Big Five Safari Experience
Spot lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo, and both black and white rhino in a single day, with chances to see wild dogs, giraffes, zebras, cheetahs, and over 300 bird species.
🧒 4. Family-Friendly & Educational
With wildlife education centers, chimpanzee sanctuary visits, and interactive tours, Ol Pejeta is ideal for families, students, and researchers.
💚 5. Community-Centered Tourism
Proceeds from tourism fund schools, health clinics, water projects, and sustainable development for local communities.
🦧 Chimpanzee Sanctuary
Ol Pejeta houses Kenya’s only chimpanzee sanctuary, a rescue and rehabilitation center managed in partnership with the Jane Goodall Institute. It provides a safe home for chimpanzees rescued from the illegal pet and bushmeat trade across Africa.
🛡️ Conservation Highlights
- 130+ black rhinos: One of the largest populations in East Africa
- 30+ southern white rhinos
- Last 2 northern white rhinos
- Chimpanzee rescue sanctuary
- Reintroduction of African wild dogs and Grevy’s zebra
- 24/7 armed security units, drone patrols, and canine tracking teams
- High-tech labs for IVF and genetic research
Ol Pejeta is a conservation innovator, using technology, science, and partnerships to tackle threats like poaching, habitat loss, and climate change.
🌦️ Climate and Weather
- Climate type: Semi-arid to temperate, due to altitude
- Dry seasons: January–March and July–September
- Wet seasons: April–June (long rains), October–November (short rains)
- Average temperature: 12°C to 25°C (54°F to 77°F)
- Cool mornings and evenings, warm days
🕒 Best Time to Visit Ol Pejeta
- June to October: Best for wildlife viewing—animals gather around water sources.
- December to March: Clear skies and great photography weather.
- April–May: Low season due to rains, but fewer crowds and lush landscapes.
Tip: Always carry a light jacket—mornings and evenings can be chilly.
💵 Entry Fees (as of 2025)
| Category | Resident (KES) | Non-Resident (USD) |
|---|---|---|
| Adults | 2,300 | 90 |
| Children (3–11 yrs) | 1,150 | 45 |
| Students (in uniform) | 350 | – |
| Vehicle Entry | 400–1,500 (depends on size) | – |
| Night Game Drive | Additional fees apply | Additional fees apply |
Note: Entry fees are subject to change. Always check the official Ol Pejeta website or with your tour operator before visiting.
🚗 How to Get There
- By Road: Approx. 3.5–4.5 hours from Nairobi via Thika Superhighway
- By Air: Daily flights to Nanyuki Airstrip, 45-minute drive to the conservancy
- 4×4 recommended during rainy season
🏨 Where to Stay in Ol Pejeta
Ol Pejeta offers a variety of accommodations to suit every budget:
🏕️ Budget & Mid-Range:
- The Stables
- Kongoni Camp (outside the conservancy)
🛌 Luxury Lodges:
- Sweetwaters Serena Camp
- Ol Pejeta Bush Camp (Asilia Africa)
- Porini Rhino Camp
🎒 Camping:
- Designated camping areas are available with advance booking
🧭 Top Things to Do in Ol Pejeta
- Guided game drives (day and night)
- Visit the Endangered Species Enclosure
- Chimpanzee sanctuary tour
- Bush walks and horseback safaris
- Behind-the-scenes conservation tours
- Rhino tracking experiences
- Community village visits
- Bird watching (300+ species)
🌐 Relevant Entities & Partners
- Jane Goodall Institute – Manages the chimpanzee sanctuary
- Fauna & Flora International – Helped establish the conservancy
- Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) – National conservation partner
- BioRescue Project (Germany) – Collaborators in northern white rhino IVF
- Laikipia Wildlife Forum – Regional conservation and tourism network
- Tourism Fund Kenya – Promotes sustainable tourism development
🙌 How You Can Support Ol Pejeta
- Visit and spread the word
- Adopt a rhino or chimpanzee online
- Donate to the rhino IVF project
- Volunteer or intern with conservation programs
- Shop from Ol Pejeta’s official merchandise store
❤️ Final Thoughts
Ol Pejeta Conservancy stands at the intersection of adventure, conservation, and community. It’s a place where endangered species are given a second chance, local communities thrive, and visitors leave transformed by what they’ve seen and learned.
Whether you’re planning your next African safari or simply want to support meaningful conservation, Ol Pejeta should be at the top of your list.