Ol Pejeta Conservancy, Nanyuki

Ol Pejeta Conservancy, Nanyuki . Exclusive Kenya Safaris . Iconic Wildlife Encounters

Ol Pejeta Conservancy is a superb revelation! This groundbreaking wildlife sanctuary combines incredible wildlife, breathtaking landscapes, and world-leading conservation into one remarkable experience. Whether meeting the world’s last two northern white rhinos, learning about wildlife conservation or simply taking in the stunning beauty is your goal, every moment at Ol Pejeta feels special yet meaningful.

Ol Pejeta Conservancy, at a Glance

Located between the foothills of the Aberdares and the snow-capped Mount Kenya in Laikipia County on the equator, Ol Pejeta Conservancy is one of Kenya’s most extraordinary wildlife viewing destinations.

The name “Ol Pejeta” comes from the local Kikuyu language meaning “place of abundance”, a fitting title for the 360-square-kilometer (140-square-mile) not-for-profit wildlife conservancy which is known for its rich biodiversity and thriving animal population.

The sanctuary uniquely balances ecological sustainability and the protection of endangered wildlife (especially rhinos) with community development and tourism, hence serving as a model for modern conservation and offering hope for the future of wildlife in human-dominated landscapes.

From a working cattle ranch in colonial Kenya to a trailblazer of conservation innovation

Originally established as Ol Pejeta Ranch, a commercial cattle ranch in the 1940s owned by British settler Lord Delamere, the property sat on an elephant migratory corridor. As elephant populations increasingly took up residence on the 90,000-acre landscape, knocking down fences and making cattle ranching impossible, it was purchased by Fauna & Flora International, a UK-based conservation organization which later transformed it into a dedicated wildlife area.

Scenery

Ol Pejeta offers a variety of glorious backdrops featuring grasslands, woodland, riverine forest and wetlands, and all flanking the scenic Ewaso Nyiro River.

Why visit Ol Pejeta Conservancy?

Black rhinos in Ol Pejeta

Ol Pejeta Conservancy is the most accessible of all the Laikipia conservancies. It offers a safari that goes beyond game drives and creates a lasting connection with Africa’s wildlife. Here’s why you need to visit.

Rhino Sanctuary: Ol Pejeta Conservancy boasts the largest rhino population in East and Central Africa and is home of the last two northern white rhinos (Najin and Fatu) on earth, proving to be a role model for integrated conservation.
Sweetwaters Chimpanzee Sanctuary: Ol Pejeta Conservancy is home to the Sweetwaters Chimpanzee Sanctuary, a safe haven for orphaned, abandoned, and rescued chimpanzees. It is also the only place in Kenya where you can see these primates.
The Big Five: The sanctuary is home to a thriving population of Africa’s iconic Big Five animals (elephant, buffalo, rhino lion and leopard) and has the largest portfolio of activities of any park in Kenya.
Livestock & Wildlife: It operates the largest pure Boran cattle herd in the world, successfully combining conservation with commercial ranching, offering unparalleled wildlife experiences.

Other Wildlife in Ol Pejeta Conservancy

Ol Pejeta Conservancy boasts a rich array of wildlife ranging from the Big Five to giraffe, eland, Thomson’s gazelle, Grant’s gazelle, black-backed jackals, ostrich, baboons, waterbuck, cheetah, hippos and hyenas. Endangered species like the African wild dog, Grevy’s zebra, beisa oryx, and Jackson’s hartebeest also shelter here. Avid birders will not be disappointed, as several hundred species can be found across the conservancy.

Activities

Game drives: Game drives offer the chance to see diverse wildlife in their natural habitat. Night drives allow you to spot nocturnal animals that roam these grasslands.
Walking safaris: Explore the conservancy on foot with expert guides to have unrestricted views of the park.
Cycling safaris: This is a unique way to experience the wildlife and landscapes.
Lion tracking: Take part in tracking lions with the conservancy’s research team. A few lions have been fitted with tracking collars to help rangers establish the pride’s location.
Cultural visits: Engage with local communities and learn about their way of life
Horseback riding: Organize horseback riding and running with the rangers.
Conservation: Offers a prime opportunity to witness wildlife conservation efforts firsthand.
Visiting the Chimpanzee Sanctuary. It is open daily between 10:00 to 15:30.

Best Time to Visit Ol Pejeta

The best time to visit Ol Pejeta is during the Dry season from June to October when vegetation thins out and animals are gathered around waterholes, offering better wildlife viewing.

Sample Trips

These Kenya safari packages are meant to give you an idea of what is possible. Use them as starting points, or to draw inspiration. Then get in touch with our expert team to help craft the perfect itinerary for you.