Ol Pejeta

Introduction

Ol Pejeta Conservancy is not to be missed on your Kenya itinerary. The private-fenced Conservancy is home to a distinct wildlife corridor that has been preserved with grand efforts from the administrators as well as the locals, along with many goodwill organizations.

An Ol Pejeta Conservancy tour is the perfect Kenyan vacation because it provides you with the unique experience of viewing rare and endangered wildlife, along with the mighty African predators. The Conservancy houses all of the African Big Five, which includes the endangered black and white rhino, elephant, buffalo, lion and leopard.

Visiting the Ol Pejeta Conservancy gives you a chance to see the Northern White Rhino. The last two surviving Northern White Rhino of this planet reside right here in Ol Pejeta Conservancy. It is a miracle in itself how the officials and the locals managed to diligently create such a unique ecosystem and corridor.

Ol Pejeta is a wonderful place for birders as well. If you like observing birds and their activities, spotting exotic birds or regional birds and clicking photographs, this is the right place to be. Commonly spotted birds include the Rosy-throated Longclaw, Secretary bird, Black-winged Lapwing, Hildebrandt’s Starling, and Ostrich. You’ll see a lot of these birds and more, on your frequent game-drives or African horseback safari.

In 1993, Jane Goodall Institute and Kenyan Wildlife Services came together to make Ol Pejeta a safe space for abandoned or orphaned chimpanzees, from all over Africa. Sweetwaters Chimpanzee Sanctuary is an integral part of Ol Pejeta Conservancy. People say chimpanzees often behave a lot like humans; come to Ol Pejeta and find that out for yourself!

Ol Pejeta Conservancy is the perfect destination for family vacations or an adventure trip with friends. You’ll even find solace if you come by yourself. There’s something for everybody.

OVERVIEW

Location: Kenya

Nearest airport: local airstrips at Nanyuki. JKIA is the nearest international airport.

How to reach: from Nairobi by road or flight

Famous for: Reticulated giraffes, Northern White Rhino, Black Rhino, Grevy’s Zebras, White Rhino, Chimpanzee Sanctuary

Months open: Entire year

Best time to visit : June to March

WHAT TO SEE

Wildlife all along the park

Chimpanzee Sanctuary

Endangered Northern White Rhino

White Rhino, Black Rhino

Morani Information Center

Night Safari

Details

History:

The Ol Pejeta Conservancy has had a rollercoaster history. Previous owners of Ol Pejeta include an affluent British settler Lord Delamere, Roussel who was the father of an influential tycoon, and even an arms dealer by the name of Adnan Khashoggi. What started as a meagre cattle ranch has developed into an enviable private fenced Conservancy, housing some of the biggest predators of Kenya and African wildlife.

Wildlife, flora and fauna:

So much has been said about Ol Pejeta and its wildlife. The fact that it is fenced and protected is the biggest reason why predators like the elusive leopard or the mighty lion, thrive inside the Conservancy. Apart from the Big Five, this ranch-turned Conservancy is home to oryx, giraffes, monkeys, baboons, hippos, impalas, gazelles, jackals, hyenas, hartebeests, bat-eared fox etc. The vast stretches of Savannah Grasslands are perfect for grazing. The Conservancy houses the last two Northern White Rhino- Najin and Fatu; they were saved through the combined efforts of a team of vets, local officials, Conservancy administrators as well as extensive wildlife research. The Conservancy also houses the Barrakka- everybody’s favourite blind rhino! You’ll also find reticulated giraffes and Grevy zebras in particular on your horseback safari.

Sweetwater Chimpanzee Sanctuary- Often chimpanzees have torn away from their families and are subjected to illegal trade or constricted spaces. The Ol Pejeta Conservancy team rescued many such chimpanzees and provided them a haven here in Ol Pejeta itself. They also raise awareness about the issue at hand.

Lion Tracking- You can now track the lion population in the Conservancy! This is a golden opportunity you might not find anywhere else. Your counting is submitted to the relevant authorities and you’re driven around safe within a protected vehicle.

Things to do:

Ol Pejeta offers numerous occasions wherein you can go on exciting game-drives. You can also choose to go on a horseback riding safari, in true Kenyan style, and explore the wilderness in style, catch glimpses of the predators and spot the different species of birds. Click photographs of the wildlife as well as the landscapes. Get to know about the culture that has sustained Ol Pejeta for so long and forms the roots of its existence. Go shopping for souvenirs and collectables that’ll always remind you of your trip to Ol Pejeta Conservancy. Go on walks, night-safaris and just have fun!

Key Places to see:

The key places to see include exploring the vast wilderness, taking in the full experience of the wildlife in the Conservancy, visiting the Chimpanzee Sanctuary, observing the last Northern White Rhinos, and engaging in an exchange of crucial information with the Morani Information Centre. You should also visit Nanyuki, a town in central Kenya. You’d be surprised to know that the Equator runs through Nanyuki!

Where to stay:

Your accommodation options are the Sweetwaters Serena Camp and Ol Pejeta Bushcamp. The Sweetwaters Serena Camp gives you a beautiful view of the Conservancy and has a private water hole as well as a night viewing bar. Extensive grounds, swimming pool and day and night safaris make for a memorable experience at Sweetwaters Serena Camp. Located at the shore of Ewaso Nyiro River, Ol Pejeta Bushcamp is best known for its hospitality and premium safaris. Enjoy the most renowned safari experience right here with Ol Pejeta Bushcamp.