Formerly a colonial-era cattle ranch, the Ol Pejeta Conservancy is now a model of pioneering Kenyan conservation efforts, successfully fusing sustainable, small-scale tourism with the protection of natural habitat and wildlife to help make Laikipia one of the foremost safari destinations in East Africa.
Here in the foothills of Mount Kenya you’ll find thriving populations of white and black rhino including the famous blind rhino, Baraka; the country’s only chimpanzee sanctuary, and a treasure trove of unforgettable safari experiences.
The closest location to Nairobi for viewing Africa’s iconic Big Five, the beauty of Ol Pejeta is difficult to overstate. Unforgettable game drives take place by hardy 4×4 vehicles in the early mornings and evenings, when predators tend to be at their most active and prey at their most watchful.
Experienced guides know where the best chances of a thrilling encounter can be found, as well as the perfect angles for a classic photograph. With a magnificent backdrop of Mt. Kenya, and wonderfully diverse terrain to explore, Ol Pejeta Conservancy is without a doubt one of the finest game viewing destinations in East Africa.
Sweetwaters Chimpanzee Sanctuary, established in 1993, is the only place in Kenya where you can see chimpanzees, which are not native to the country. Always a popular visitor attraction in Ol Pejeta Conservancy which, let’s be honest, is not short of incredible moments, a behind-the-scenes tour of the sanctuary lets you watch the chimpanzees during feeding time and during their daily enrichment activities.
Many of these curious and playful animals have been rescued from terrible conditions, and here in the vast natural enclosures of Sweetwaters they can find safety at last. Visiting the sanctuary is an emotional experience, contributes to the chimpanzees’ wellbeing, and proves to be simply unforgettable for many visitors to Ol Pejeta.
Lion tracking in Ol Pejeta Conservancy offers the opportunity to get up close and personal with a majestic pride, letting you contribute to conservation efforts while gaining a fascinating insight into the behaviors and personalities of the big cats.
Many lions have now been fitted with GPS collars, enabling guides to track them with greater ease, and conservation organizations to monitor their numbers and geographical spread. Whether you encounter a pride dozing in the shade, feasting upon a fresh kill, or even on the verge of a hunt, the thrill of tracking lions in Ol Pejeta is one of the ultimate experiences on a Kenya safari vacation.
Discover the realities of African conservation with a memorable Ol Pejeta dog tracking visit. Tragically, poaching remains one of the foremost threats to African wildlife, but Kenyan conservancies such as Ol Pejeta are at the forefront of efforts to combat it.
Ol Pejeta dog tracking experiences introduce you to specialist anti-poaching dog units, where you’ll meet the canines and their handlers, learn about the vital role they play in protecting wildlife, and tour the kennels. Those with a streak of adventure can also put their wits to the test by hiding around the area to see if the bloodhounds can sniff them out (be assured, they most certainly will).
There’s nothing like a walking safari to thoroughly immerse you in the sights, sounds and scents of the African bush. Ol Pejeta walking safaris are led by experienced, armed rangers with years of knowledge built up concerning the conservancy’s wildlife and habitats.
During a typical bush walk in Ol Pejeta, you might be learning how to identify the tracks and spoor of different species, the calls of birdlife, or the effects of rainfall on the landscape. Immersive, informative and endlessly fascinating, Ol Pejeta bush walks bring you breathtaking encounters with Kenyan wildlife, a classic component of any safari holiday.
The efforts of the Ol Pejeta Conservancy to combat poaching necessitate close cooperation with local communities, and as part of a Laikipia safari, visitors can learn about the astonishing range of outreach programs here, covering everything from healthcare to sustainable energy, education to agriculture.
Ol Pejeta community visits, which during term time can also involve invitations to local schools, not only help to raise funds and awareness of conservation issues. They also open a window on traditional ways of life, developing bonds between people from cultures that may seem worlds apart, but are in fact much closer than they realize.
With over 100 permanent residents, the Ol Pejeta Conservancy is the largest black rhino sanctuary in East Africa. Black rhino are critically endangered, but the numbers in the wild are now slowly climbing, in large part due to efforts of community conservation organisations such as Ol Pejeta.
Experienced guides lead you into the thick bush habitat preferred by the rhino for breathtaking encounters with these majestic and immensely powerful creatures. You can also visit the Morani Information Center to learn more about conservation efforts here, set foot inside a genuine rhino transportation crate, and meet the famous blind black rhino, Baraka, the perfect ambassador for the vital work being done at Ol Pejeta.
