At the foot of Mt. Kenya, stretching across green grass-plains and acacia forest, Ol Pejeta makes a bold appearance. Home to the last living northern white rhino, this reserve is a sustainable conservancy for some of the planet’s most cherished beings.
A safari adventure in the magical reserve of Ol Pejeta goes beyond what we’d expect from a typical safari. Escape to Kenya and help preserve not only the wildlife but the natural heritage of the people who work so hard to protect these majestic animals.
Along with immersing oneself in the outdoors, travelers can book exquisite accommodation. As well as partake in conservation activities, and learn about the ecosystems and diverse wildlife found within the park.
Are the plains of Kenya calling you yet? This safari guide is complete with everything you need to know to start your journey to Ol Pejeta. Including accommodation options and what you can expect to see.
3 Reasons to Visit Ol Pejeta Conservancy, Kenya
“If there were one more thing I could do, it would be to go on safari once again.” – Karen Blixen, Out of Africa author
1. Meet chimpanzees and see the big 5
There are over 35 friendly faces to meet at Ol Pejeta, faces that might remind you of yourself. Since 1993, the park has been advocating the conservation of our wild cousins. By visiting the chimpanzee sanctuary, you’re actively helping to build a refuge for these gentle creatures.
As well as chimpanzees, the park is home to the famous big 5. And while in many other parks it might be tough to spot them all, they’re in abundance in Kenya.
2. Awe-inspiring game drives
With Mt. Kenya as your backdrop, your safari in the park will be beautiful and diverse. Expert guides lead you around the enormous 90,000 acres of wilderness found in one of the most beautiful places on the planet.
Have close encounters with elephants, hyena, hippo, cheetah, and herbivores, while also enjoying the beautiful landscape.
3. Have an adventure you won’t be able to stop talking about
The park features an incredible array of nature activities that allow one to get up close and personal with Africa’s greatest creatures.
With fine dining, unique adventures, and wondrous diversity, it’ll become a memory that is unlike any other.
What to Expect On An Ol Pejeta Safari
Every safari option is completely different in terms of wildlife, costs, landscapes, and diversity. This is what you can expect from a journey to Ol Pejeta.
Cost
Activities, accommodation, camping, and entrance fees can be conveniently booked online.
By booking online, you have the freedom to plan ahead and find adventures that suit your budget. For those on a tight budget, explore the camping options and half-day adventure experience.
Those who have been saving up for a once in a lifetime opportunity can go wild with private game drives, night drives, and horse riding.
Guided tours
There are endless opportunities for guided tours around Ol Pejeta.
Daily game drives, night drives, cycling tours, and lion tracking activities are part of the fun.
Incredibly, 100% of the profits go towards conservation efforts. So no matter the tour, you’ll be happy knowing that you’re doing something spectacular for the animals.
Wildlife
Africa’s most iconic species call the land of Ol Pejeta home. Animals of all kinds use the land to graze, hunt, and breed.
The park is also the only place in Kenya where you’ll have the extraordinary chance to see chimpanzees, one of the most vulnerable animals in the world.
As well as seeing spectacular mammals, travelers can marvel at the hundreds of birds that surround the area.
Some of the animals you can look forward to seeing:
- Chimpanzees
- Elephants
- Lions
- Black rhinos
- White rhinos
- Leopards
- Cheetahs
- Spotted hyenas
- Bat-eared foxes
- African wild dogs
- Reticulated giraffe
- Jackson’s hartebeest
- Grevy’s zebra
- Hippos
Saving the northern white rhinos
Ol Pejeta is home to the world’s last remaining northern white rhinos. In attempts to conserve the only two rhinos, and protect them against poachers, the park hires a highly trained rhino protection squad.
Steps like this ensure that all the rhino, including the black and southern white rhino, are able to survive in the wild.
Black rhino count
As of today, there are an estimated 5,000 black rhinos living across Kenya and southern Africa. With 130 black rhinos living happily in the park, this reserve has the largest population in eastern Africa.
Things to Know Before You Book Your Safari Experience in Kenya
By being fully prepared, you’ll make the most of your time here. Below are some things to take note of before planning an outstanding safari experience in the Ol Pejeta Conservancy.
What is Ol Pejeta wildlife conservancy?
Wildlife conservancy is a body concerned with the preservation of the environment.
What makes Ol Pejeta such a magical place is that by generating an income from tourism, they can now create a safe haven for wild animals.
Great apes, the white and black rhino, the big 5, and plenty of other species of African animals benefit from the conservation the reserve initiates.
You need to adhere to the park’s code of conduct
To ensure the safety and well being of both you and the animals, Ol Pejeta has established a code of conduct.
Low driving speeds, a zero-tolerance for litter, and giving wildlife the right of way form part of their conservation code of conduct.
Conservation Experiences at Ol Pejeta
When you’re traveling to Ol Pejeta, you aren’t simply going on a trip to see wild animals. Rather, you’re getting first-hand experience with conservation. And you’re helping to preserve the future of the environment.
The conservation experiences at the park provide you with an unforgettable memory of the wild. And while game drives are always an excellent way of seeing the surroundings, these adventures allow you to transform a traditional safari into a beyond magical experience.
The once in a lifetime encounters to book at the park:
- Behind the scenes chimpanzee encounter
- Cycling safari
- Dog tracking
- Bushwalk
- Gym in the wild
- Lion tracking
- Junior ranger courses
- Meet the northern white rhinos
- Ranching with lions
- Wild runs
Best Time to Embark On a Kenyan Safari at Ol Pejeta
Every season has its own incredible highlights. However, certain seasons catch different travelers’ interests.
Overall best time to visit
The best time to visit would be in the drier season from late June to October. Wildlife is easier to spot because the velds get drier and the animals tend to gather at the waterholes to cool off and rehydrate.
Best time to see lush vegetation
November through to May offers the best chance of seeing beautiful green scenery. Rates also drop during this season due to it being off-peak.
As well as seeing lush vegetation, travelers can see plenty of newborn animals. It doesn’t get any cuter than that.
Accommodation at Ol Pejeta Conservancy in Kenya
Ol Pejeta offers something for all kinds of budgets, tastes, and traveler interests. In total, there are 9 kinds of unique stays that allow you to gain a true wildlife experience in a sustainable, yet luxurious manner.
Tented camps
In a sheltered oasis surrounded by water, Sweetwaters Serena Camp is a luxury twist on your traditional camping experience. The 50 tents all feature their own en-suite bathroom, verandahs with views of the watering hole, and a Mt. Kenya backdrop.
Kicheche Laikipia Camp provides award-winning, eco tents nestled along the side of Mt. Kenya. The 6 tents all have unique and luxurious designs, as well as their own bathrooms. This intimate experience is ideal for a couple’s stay.
Mutara Camp offers top-class, canvas tented rooms with king-sized beds, a reading room, and a private balcony. An ideal option for those looking for more of a quiet and private stay.
Lodges
Find yourself in the middle of the reserve overlooking the Pelican Dam. Pelican House is a cozy, all-inclusive lodge showing off some of the reserves top wildlife.
Ol Pejeta House is a beautifully private house that embraces true Kenyan hospitality. Experience farmhouse hospitality at its finest.
Homestays
Ol Pejeta Safari Cottages provide travelers with a home away from home experience. Deep within the heart of Ol Pejeta wilderness area, the cottages rest between towering yellow bark acacia trees.
What is an Ol Pejeta Safari All About?
All in all, a safari in Ol Pejeta allows you the chance to gain first-hand knowledge and experience of the wild Kenyan landscape.
Unlike many other tours and attractions on the continent, these safaris are primarily for the animals. Incomes and efforts all benefit the wonderful creatures that get to call Kenya home.
Book a tailor-made safari and discover hidden parts of Kenya and the largest black rhino population. As well as the humble elephants as they make their way through the grasslands.
