Largest Black Rhino Sanctuary In East Africa, Mount Kenya Backdrop
USD 250 - USD 900 Per Person Sharing Per Night
Last Few Remaining White Rhino, Only Place In Kenya to See Chimpanzee (Sanctuary)
Jul - Sep
Jun - Sep
Location
Ol Pejeta Conservancy is located in Kenya’s central region in Laikipia county. Situated on the equator, the conservancy lies between Mount Kenya and Aberdares.
Size
Ol Pejeta Conservancy is approximately 224 square miles in size.
History
Ol Pejeta Conservancy was originally a cattle farm in the 1940s, owned by Lord Delamare, an influential British settler. Once elephant hunting was declared illegal in 1973 and the Sweetwaters Game Reserve was established in 1988, a sanctuary was created for the protection of many animals, including the black rhino. Ol Pejeta was established 2003 as the community and wildlife non-profit conservancy destination.
Entrance Fees & Permits
Entrance fee pricing fluctuates depending on when guests are visiting. From January to July, entrance fees are USD90 per adult, per day and USD55 per child under 12 years old, per day. During the peak season of July and August, entrance fees are USD110 per person.
Hours of Operation
Ol Pejeta Conservancy is open daily between 7am and 7pm.
By Road
Traveling by road from Nairobi, the journey to Ol Pejeta Conservancy is via the A2 and takes approximately four hours. The distance covered is 138 miles, of which the last 8 miles are on a dirt road. During the rainy season between October and May access will only be possible by 4×4 vehicles.
By Air
There are daily scheduled flights from Nairobi’s Wilson Airport to the Nanyuki Airstrip, the flight time is one hour. From the airstrip, the drive to Ol Pejeta takes 45 minutes. Charter flights are available if clients prefer.
Weather & Climate
The climate in Ol Pejeta is fairly consistent throughout the year, with moderate temperatures around the mid-seventies during the day. The dry season runs from June to September, with a slight chance of rain falling in August. The heavy or long rains fall from March to May, temperatures known to fall to around 50F later in the season.
Avoiding Crowds
Guests looking for a quieter experience in Ol Pejeta Conservancy should consider traveling in the off-peak months falling between November and the end of May. Heavy rains, however, fall from March through mid-May, creating muddy conditions which may not be ideal for game drives and other safari activities.
Value for Money
Accommodation options in Ol Pejeta vary from basic camping options to luxury and intimate lodges and camps. Offering fluctuation in pricing and something to suit every budget. With pricing ranging from USD 200 per person sharing per night to high-end options with a price tag of approximately USD 950 per person sharing, per night, spending time in or just outside this small conservancy definitely offers a value for money safari experience.
Popular Wildlife Sightings in the Ol Pejeta Conservancy
Ol Pejeta is home to the “Big Five”: lion, leopard, elephant, rhino and buffalo, as well as grazing favorites such as giraffe, zebra and the Jackson’s hartebeest. Guests can visit the Sweetwaters Chimpanzee Sanctuary and learn about these fascinating animals as well as the efforts being taken to protect them. On a night drive, keep a look out for the “zorilla”, also known as the “African Polecat”, and if fortunate, the chance to see a leopard on the prowl.
The Terrain
The terrain of Ol Pejeta Conservancy ranges from pockets of open savannah to marshlands and to thick bush made up of acacias with yellowy-green fever trees.
Game Drives
Early morning and late afternoon game drives are the best times to experience a safari in Ol Pejeta Conservancy. The crisp mornings bring the animals out to explore while sunset sets the scene for what could be a dramatic predator vs prey showdown. Night drives are offered in Ol Pejeta Conservancy which is an exciting opportunity for guests to see nocturnal favorites such as aardvark, white-tailed mongoose and bat eared fox..
Guided Walking Safaris
Qualified guides will take visitors on safari walks through Ol Pejeta Conservancy, along nature trails that wind across the savannah and beside ravines and rivers. Capture the views and keep an eye out for predators and prey roaming nearby.
accommodations located within the Ol Pejeta Conservancy and many located nearby, all with easy access to the wonders the conservancy has to share.Ol Pejeta Conservancy Lodging – Distance from park entrance
Lodge or Hotel Distance to park entrance (in miles)
Sweetwaters Serena Tented Camp 1.8 miles from the Rongai Gate, driving in a westerly direction from gate to lodge
Ol Pejeta Bushcamp The Camp lies on the banks of the Ewaso Nyiro River and is a 45-minute drive from the Kamok Airstrip
Ol Pejeta Safari Cottages
Porini Rhino Camp 22 miles from the Rongai Gate, driving in a westerly direction from gate to lodge
Sweetwaters Chimpanzee Sanctuary
Visit the heartwarming Sweetwaters Chimpanzee Sanctuary and gain an understanding of the conservation methods in place to rehabilitate and protect these fascinating animals.
Endangered Species Boma
Spend time in the presence of beautiful and endangered animals such as white and black rhinos and other species such as the Jackson Hartebeest and Greyv’s Zebra. Learn interesting facts about the animals as well as all conservation efforts taking place.
Mount Kenya
As you set out on game drives or wildlife walks you will notice the majestic Mount Kenya overlooking the conservancy. Combinations of hiking Mount Kenya and enjoying a safari in Ol Pejeta Conservancy is possible, or guests can simply enjoy the view of Africa’s second highest mountain.
When is the best time to visit Ol Pejeta Conservancy?
Consider visiting Ol Pejeta Conservancy just before or after peak safari season in Kenya, late May and the month of June as well as September and October offering outstanding game viewing without the crowds. The peak months of July and August will present cool, dry days which offer optimal/optimum game viewing conditions.
How much does a safari in Ol Pejeta Conservancy cost?
With accommodation options located inside the conservancy and others a short distance away from the gates of Ol Pejeta Conservancy, safari package pricing ranges from approximately USD200 to USD800 per person sharing, per night. The packages are inclusive of safari experiences and can include either selected or all meals depending on where guests are staying.
How to get to Ol Pejeta Conservancy?
The drive from Nairobi is 138 miles and takes approximately four hours, safari-goers traveling along the A2 highway. Part of the journey, around 8 miles, is on a dirt road so 4×4 vehicles are required for this.
What makes an Ol Pejeta Conservancy safari so special?
The conservation efforts in place, the overall priority to protect various endangered species, and the dramatic setting with Mount Kenya as a backdrop are some of the reasons enjoying a safari in Ol Pejeta Conservancy is special. Wonderful wildlife sightings await with the exciting opportunity to enjoy a night game drive are further experiences that make visiting Ol Pejeta special.
What animals can I see in the Ol Pejeta Conservancy?
Besides the “Big Five”, (which are lion, leopard, rhino, elephant and buffalo) there are protected animals such as Jackson’s hartebeest,Grevy’s zebra, and a chimpanzee sanctuary that is not to be missed. The conservancy offers the chance to spot unique nocturnal animals such as the African polecat and zorilla.
When is Ol Pejeta Conservancy open?
The gates of Ol Pejeta Conservancy are open daily between 7am to 7pm.
Do you need to book in advance to visit the Ol Pejeta Conservancy?
It is necessary to pre-book your safari experience at Ol Pejeta Conservancy. While there are a variety of accommodation options, availability can be scarce and with many activities in the area, it is best to have your stay pre booked.
What’s the best way to see Ol Pejeta Conservancy?
Open-vehicle or enclosed 4×4 game drives are the most popular way to experience Ol Pejeta Conservancy. There are also options to enjoy a mountain biking or horseback riding experience in select, predator-free areas of the conservancy. Visitors can also enjoy guided bush walks in the conservancy.
What hotels, lodges, and camps are near Ol Pejeta Conservancy?
The popular Serena Sweetwaters offers around 56 rooms and a wonderful location in the conservancy. Luxury can be felt in every aspect at Asilia’s Ol Pejeta Bush Camp with a classic and intimate camping experience at Kicheche Laikipia Camp with only six tents located in this idyllic setting.
What restaurants are near Ol Pejeta Conservancy?
There are no stand-alone restaurants located in or near the Ol Pejeta Conservancy. Meals will be enjoyed by the guests at the specific lodges and camps they are staying at.
What attractions are near Ol Pejeta Conservancy?
Guests can enjoy a visit to the Rhino Boma and Sweetwater Chimpanzee Sanctuary, to observe heartwarming conservation and protection methods and spend time with these incredible animals. Guests can enjoy the view of Mount Kenya and for active visitors, kayaking, bush walks, mountain biking, and horseback riding adventures are offered in Ol Pejeta Conservancy.
