Safaris to Ol Pejeta Conservancy in Kenya: Home Of The World’s Last Two Northern White Rhino

Safaris to Ol Pejeta Conservancy in Kenya: Nested at the foot of Mount Kenya, in central Laikipia County, the Ol Pejeta Conservancy that spans 360 km2 is one of Kenya’s most successful conservation Areas. It is located between Mount Kenya and the Aberdares – an unusually diverse, high-altitude savanna mosaic. This conservation area is a non-profit wildlife conservancy – thanks to Fauna & Flora International who purchased the land for this conservancy, and the funding from Arcus Foundation. The Ol Pejeta Conservancy began as Sweetwaters Ranch, and in 1988 it was turned into a Game Reserve (Sweetwaters Game Reserve) by Lonrho Africa – with the sole purpose of protecting the endangered rhino population. Safaris to Ol Pejeta Conservancy in Kenya are known to offer visitors an opportunity to see the last remaining northern white rhinos. It is also the only place where you can see chimpanzees, at Sweetwaters Chimpanzee Sanctuary, founded in 1993.

How important is the Ol Pejeta Conservancy? From black-rhino stronghold to last hope for a subspecies, Ol Pejeta hosts East Africa’s largest black rhino sanctuary and reached the IUCN “Key 1” population threshold after recording its 100th black rhino birth in 2013—a status only a handful of African conservancies and protected areas hold. This makes it one of the best places to witness the rhinos during a Kenya Wildlife Safari/Kenya Big Five safari tour. Ol Pejeta Conservancy is also home to Najin and Fatu, the last two northern white rhinos on Earth – making it a staging ground for cutting-edge IVF and embryo transfer attempts to save the subspecies. Safaris to Ol Pejeta give visitors the rare opportunity to witness these nearly extinct rhino species – an opportunity to contribute to their conservation.

What to see during Safaris in Ol Pejeta Conservancy?

Besides being a stronghold for Rhinos in Kenya and Africa, this conservancy is also home to several other wildlife species including, the other members of the African Big Five (elephant, lion, leopard, and buffalo), Gravy’s Zebra, Jackson’s Hartebeest, African Wild Dog, cheetah, spotted hyena, black-backed jackal, caracal, Bat-eared fox, giraffes, elands, waterbucks, impalas, wildebeest, Plains Zebra, Thomson’s Gazelle, and Grant’s Gazelle among others. This area is also home to over 300 different bird species including the Martial Eagle, Bateleur, Secretary Bird, Grey Crowned Crane, African Fish Eagle, Helmeted Guineafowl, Superb Starling, Weavers, Sunbirds, Hornbills, and Rollers, among others.

Safaris to Ol Pejeta in Kenya offer visitors both birding and wildlife viewing opportunities on a single journey. For those interested in witnessing the iconic African Big Five during a vacation in Kenya – the Ol Pejeta Conservancy is undoubtedly one of the best places to visit, especially for those not willing to drive to the far Masai Mara National Reserve or other National Parks in the Country.

How to access Ol Pejeta Conservancy in Kenya: Getting to Ol Pejeta Conservancy for Safaris  

The Ol Pejeta Conservancy is located in central Kenya, making it an accessible destination, especially during short Kenya Safaris or day excursions. Visitors can access the conservancy by car on about 3 – 4 hours journey. From Nairobi, take the Thika highway (A2) and drive north passing through Thika, Kenol, Sagana, and Karatina. Continue with the drive towards Nyeri/Nanyuki and from Nanyuki Town, the Ol Pejeta Conservancy is just about 14 km. From Nanyuki, drive on the B3 as you follow the signs up to the main gates of Ol Pejeta (Serat Gate – closer to Nanyuki).

There are also chartered and scheduled flights to Ol Pejeta Conservancy in Kenya. From Wilson Airport in Nairobi, the flight to Ol Pejeta Conservancy takes about 45 minutes to Nanyuki Airstrip, from where you embark on a road transfer to the Ol Pejeta Conservancy.

Things (Activities) to do at Ol Pejeta Conservancy in Kenya

Meet the Northern White Rhino: Ol Pejeta Conservancy in Kenya is home to the world’s last two northern white rhino species, and a safari here allows visitors to witness them. Meeting the Northern White Rhinos is a major highlight of safaris to this conservancy. These Northern White rhinos are protected by 24-hour armed security within an enclosed habitat in the conservancy. It is also possible to witness the endangered Grévy’s zebra and Jackson’s hartebeest within this same enclosed and secure, predator-free environment within the conservancy.

Lion Tracking: Besides rhinos, the other top wildlife species in the conservancy is the lions. Visitors can join researchers as they track collared lions throughout the Conservancy, giving them an opportunity to learn about various prides and distinguish individual lions from one another. This experience grants you an opportunity to witness these majestic cats in close proximity.

Rhino Monitoring and Identification: Up to 130 Easter Black Rhinos and over 30 Southern White Rhinos are found in the conservancy, allowing visitors to experience these majestic creatures during safaris here. Visitors get the chance to join the rhino monitoring team and walk freely on foot in various sections of the conservancy while identifying different individuals by their unique ear notches, and assist the rangers in the collection of valuable data about their body condition, habitat, and activity among others. This experience is best for wildlife enthusiast and nature lovers alike.

Where to stay while on Safaris in Ol Pejeta

The accommodation facilities in this conservancy vary from low-budget camping sites to high-end safari camps. Depending on your budget, here are some of the popular places to stay during safaris in Ol Pejeta Conservancy.

Month by month guide to Kenya Safaris: Best time to visit Ol Pejeta Conservancy

Kenya in general is an all year round safari destination in Africa, allowing visitors to visit the country at any time of the year. When planning Kenya safaris, however, depending on what you are interested in seeing, some months of the year might be better than others, thus requiring you to choose rightly. Here is a complete guide to the Best time for Safaris in Kenya & Ol Pejeta Conservancy

January – March

Although this season is unpopular for Kenya safari holidays, this period of the year still offers visitors remarkable adventure opportunities in Kenya. This period is associated with high rainfall amounts that see the vast savannas turn green. If you are planning to visit during this time of the year, you’ll experience lush landscapes and crystal-clear air. February brings flocks of white storks, and clear conditions are ideal for photography.

This time of the year in Kenya is most popular for incredible birding opportunities however, there is guaranteed wildlife sightseeing across all the top wildlife destinations in the country. If you are looking forward to visiting the Ol Pejeta Conservancy during this time, you are guaranteed to experience the area – with opportunities to embark on all the top safari activities here. It is however important to know that this season is usually associated with high rainfall amounts and visitors should expect downpours during safaris.

April – June

Although these months are also associated with rainfall, it is perfect for those trying to avoid crowds that are recognized during the high season. It also attracts affordable rates since most lodges offer discounts during this season. There is still plenty to see, as during this period of the year, including the big cats that are often seen on the roads as they try to avoid wet grass and several other wildlife species that occupy the vast habitats across the country.

July – September

From July, the long dry season is now in full swing – the most recommended period for safaris in Kenya, especially for those interested in witnessing wildlife including the African Big Five (lion, leopard, rhino, buffalo, and elephant) and the spectacular wildebeest migration in the Mara. Water holes become a hive of activity for predators as more significant game numbers gather at the available water sources during the dry season, making it possible to even spot the big cats in action.

Between July – September is considered the best time for safaris in Kenya and East Africa at large because of the favorable weather, which comes with ideal conditions for most safari activities like game drives, birding, nature walks, among others.

October – December

From late September through October and November is a great time in Kenya but it is also a great time to visit Ol Pejeta. By December, the short dry season kicks in and the number of visitors starts to increase. The short rains in November and December rejuvenate the grasslands, turning the landscape green and welcoming migratory birds – it is also one of the best month to explore Kenya for wildlife viewing.