Ol Pejeta Conservancy

Ol Pejeta Conservancy is a 90,000-acre (364-km²) wildlife conservancy on the Laikipia Plateau in Southern Rift Valley, Kenya, immediately west of Nanyuki. Straddling the Equator between Mount Kenya and the Aberdare Range, it is one of Kenya's most important wildlife conservation areas.

Ol Pejeta is particularly known for its rhinoceroses. It protects a large population of critically endangered eastern black rhinos and is home to Najin and Fatu, the world's last two surviving northern white rhinos. The conservancy also contains the Sweetwaters Chimpanzee Sanctuary, Kenya's only sanctuary where visitors can see chimpanzees.

The Big Five — lion, leopard, elephant, rhinoceros and African buffalo — occur within the conservancy, alongside cheetahs, Grevy's zebras, Jackson's hartebeest, spotted hyenas, hippos and numerous antelope and bird species.

WARNING: Ol Pejeta is a wildlife area containing lions, elephants, buffalo, rhinos and other potentially dangerous animals. Remain inside your vehicle except at designated visitor areas and follow ranger instructions. The conservancy is open for normal entry and exit from 7AM to 7PM, and driving after 7PM is prohibited except on authorized activities. During the rainy seasons, some tracks can become muddy and a 4WD vehicle is strongly recommended.

Ol Pejeta combines wildlife tourism, endangered-species conservation, livestock ranching and community development on the high plains of Laikipia.

The conservancy lies almost directly on the Equator at elevations high enough to give it a substantially cooler climate than many of Kenya's lowland safari areas. On clear days, snow and glaciers near the summit of Mount Kenya may be visible above the eastern horizon.

Unlike a Kenyan national park, Ol Pejeta is privately managed. Conservation fees, accommodation, tourism activities, livestock and other enterprises help finance wildlife protection and community programmes.

The reserve is large enough for full-day game drives but relatively compact compared with enormous ecosystems such as the Maasai Mara or Tsavo. Day trips from Nanyuki are therefore practical, although staying overnight allows time for early-morning wildlife viewing, night drives and specialist conservation activities.

Ol Pejeta began as a cattle ranch during the colonial period. The property was acquired in the 1940s by Lord Delamere and later passed through several owners while remaining an important cattle operation.

Increasing poaching throughout Kenya during the twentieth century caused steep declines in elephants and rhinoceroses. In response, Sweetwaters Game Reserve was established beside the ranch in 1988.

The Sweetwaters Chimpanzee Sanctuary was established in the early 1990s after chimpanzees displaced by civil conflict and the illegal wildlife trade required a permanent refuge. It subsequently developed through cooperation between Ol Pejeta, the Kenya Wildlife Service and the Jane Goodall Institute.

Concern that the ranch could eventually be subdivided for agricultural development led conservation organisations and supporters to secure the property in 2003. The modern Ol Pejeta Conservancy was formally established in 2004.

Four northern white rhinos — Sudan, Suni, Najin and Fatu — were transferred from the Dvůr Králové Zoo in the Czech Republic to Ol Pejeta in 2009 in an attempt to preserve the subspecies.

Suni died in 2014 and Sudan, the last known male northern white rhino, died in 2018. Najin and her daughter Fatu remain at Ol Pejeta under intensive protection while international reproductive-science programmes attempt to prevent the subspecies from disappearing completely.

Ol Pejeta achieved IUCN Green List status in 2014 in recognition of its protected-area management.

The conservancy covers approximately 90,000 acres of the Laikipia Plateau.

Its landscape ranges from wide grasslands to whistling-thorn acacia country, dense bush, riverine woodland, marshes and seasonal drainage channels.

The Ewaso Ng'iro and Ngobit river systems support riverine vegetation and attract wildlife, while numerous natural and artificial dams provide dry-season water.

Mount Kenya dominates the eastern skyline in clear weather, while the Aberdare highlands lie to the south-west.

The Equator crosses the southern part of the conservancy.

Ol Pejeta supports an exceptionally dense and diverse large-mammal population.

The conservancy protects more than 165 eastern black rhinos as well as southern white rhinos and the world's remaining two northern white rhinos.

Other large mammals include:

• African elephants
• African buffalo
• lions
• leopards
• cheetahs
• spotted hyenas
• black-backed jackals
• hippos
• reticulated giraffes
• plains zebras
• Grevy's zebras
• Jackson's hartebeest
• eland
• impala
• waterbuck
• warthogs
• olive baboons
• vervet monkeys

African wild dogs occasionally move through the wider Laikipia landscape but should not be expected on every visit.

The Sweetwaters Chimpanzee Sanctuary houses rescued chimpanzees from West and Central Africa. Chimpanzees are not native to Kenya; the sanctuary provides lifelong refuge for animals rescued from the illegal wildlife trade and abusive conditions.

Ol Pejeta contains several major vegetation communities. Grasslands and open whistling-thorn bush are important grazing and browsing habitat, while dense bush provides cover for rhinos and predators.

Yellow fever acacias characterize some riverine areas. Marshes, dams and rivers support waterbirds and aquatic wildlife.

Ol Pejeta's high elevation gives it a relatively mild equatorial climate.

Daytime temperatures commonly reach the low-to-mid 20s °C, while nights and early mornings can be surprisingly cool. Bring a warm layer for dawn and night game drives.

The long rains generally occur from March to May, with April often the wettest month.

A cooler and generally drier period occurs from roughly June through September.

The short rains normally arrive around October and November, followed by another relatively dry period from December through February.

Wildlife viewing is possible throughout the year. Wet-season scenery is greener and birdlife can be excellent, but black-cotton soil and unpaved tracks may become difficult after prolonged rain.

Most visitors approach through Nanyuki.

Ol Pejeta is approximately 220 km from Nairobi and normally about four hours by road, depending on traffic.

From Nairobi, travel north toward Nanyuki via the A2 highway. Access roads lead west from the Nanyuki area toward the conservancy.

The two principal visitor gates are Rongai Gate and Serat Gate. Current rules require ordinary visitor entry and exit through these gates between 7AM and 7PM.

From Nanyuki, allow roughly 30–60 minutes depending on your starting point, gate, traffic and road conditions.

A normal vehicle can manage many main roads during dry weather, but a high-clearance vehicle is useful. A 4WD is strongly recommended during the rainy seasons.

Fuel before entering. Distances within the conservancy are considerable, and game viewing often involves slow driving and detours.

Hotels, camps and tour operators in Nanyuki can arrange transfers to Ol Pejeta.

A simple taxi may be adequate for reaching accommodation, but ordinary taxis are not necessarily suitable for game drives. If you intend to explore the conservancy, arrange a safari vehicle or confirm that your driver is permitted and equipped to remain inside.

Agree on the fare and waiting arrangements beforehand.

Ol Pejeta is included in many central-Kenya safari itineraries.

Tours commonly combine the conservancy with Mount Kenya, Lewa, Samburu, the Aberdares or Lake Nakuru.

A guided safari vehicle removes the need to navigate the internal road network and generally improves wildlife spotting.

Scheduled flights operate from Nairobi's Wilson Airport to Nanyuki Airstrip.

From Nanyuki Airstrip, arrange a road transfer to the conservancy through your lodge, tour operator or Ol Pejeta.

Private and charter aircraft may use airstrips within or near the conservancy subject to prior arrangements.

Ol Pejeta is cashless at its gates. Advance online booking is recommended.

As of 2026, daily conservancy entry fees are:

• East African citizens: Ksh 2,000 adult; Ksh 1,000 child
• East African residents: Ksh 3,500 adult; Ksh 1,750 child
• Non-residents: US$110 adult; US$55 child
• Students: Ksh 500 for qualifying East African citizens/residents; US$32 for non-residents

Children are defined as ages 3–11. Children under 3 enter free.

Student rates require qualifying groups to pre-book.

Vehicle charges are additional:

• up to 6 seats — Ksh 1,000
• 7–14 seats — Ksh 5,000
• 15 or more seats — Ksh 12,000

The normal entry ticket permits a single entry. Leaving the conservancy and returning later may require payment of another admission fee. Visitors staying outside Ol Pejeta should therefore plan carefully if booking an evening or night activity.

For overnight visitors, the entrance fee is generally valid for 24 hours according to the conservancy's tariff policy.

Entry includes ordinary self-drive game viewing and admission to the Sweetwaters Chimpanzee Sanctuary during opening hours. Specialist conservation experiences cost extra.

Fees and rules can change. Confirm current rates when booking.

Ol Pejeta is primarily explored by vehicle.

Visitors receive or can obtain a conservancy map showing numbered road junctions, visitor attractions, dams, plains, accommodation and gates.

Main roads are generally straightforward in dry conditions, while smaller tracks may become slippery or impassable after rain.

The conservancy speed limit is 40 km/h.

Off-road driving is prohibited unless specifically authorized. Wildlife always has right of way.

Allow much more time than distances on the map suggest. A herd of elephants, resting lions, rhinos on the road or an especially productive waterhole can delay a journey considerably.

Do not leave your vehicle except at clearly designated visitor areas.

Night driving by ordinary visitors is prohibited. Book an authorized night game drive if you want to explore after dark.

• Sweetwaters Chimpanzee Sanctuary, Ol Pejeta Conservancy (Follow the internal signs for the chimpanzee sanctuary.). Daily 8:30AM–12:30PM and 2PM–4:30PM. A sanctuary for rescued and orphaned chimpanzees from West and Central Africa. Established through cooperation between Ol Pejeta, the Kenya Wildlife Service and Jane Goodall Institute, it is the only place in Kenya where visitors can see chimpanzees. The animals live in large forested enclosures rather than performing for visitors. Included with conservancy admission. (updated Sep 2026)

• Northern white rhinos and Sudan Observation Tower (Najin and Fatu), Morani area, Ol Pejeta Conservancy (Visits begin from the designated meeting point in the Morani area.), ☏ +254 707 187141, reservations@olpejetaconservancy.org. Guided sessions are scheduled; advance booking required. See Najin and Fatu, the last two surviving northern white rhinos. A six-metre observation tower provides a raised view over their protected enclosure. Current guided visits are offered in scheduled sessions and may not operate on Tuesdays; children under five are not admitted. Arrive on time, since late arrivals may be refused. Paid conservation experience; approximately US$70 per adult in the 2026 tariff. (updated Sep 2026)

• Rhino Cemetery. A memorial to rhinos that have died at Ol Pejeta, including animals lost to poaching and natural causes. The site puts the conservancy's anti-poaching work into a more tangible historical context.

• Equator sign. The Equator crosses the southern part of Ol Pejeta. The marked point near the visitor routes is a popular photograph stop.

• Hippo Hide. A viewing area and nature walkway near the Ewaso Ng'iro River where hippos and riverine wildlife may be seen. Follow posted instructions and never approach the riverbank outside designated areas.

• Marsh Viewpoint. Looks over wetland habitat used by waterbuck, elephants, birds and other wildlife. Conditions change greatly between wet and dry seasons.

• Morani Information Centre. An interpretation area focusing on Ol Pejeta's wildlife and conservation programmes. The surrounding hub also provides visitor facilities and access to other attractions.

• Nature Trail. A short interpretive trail introducing plants, ecology and smaller wildlife that can easily be overlooked during vehicle-based game drives.

• Dams and plains. Grant's Plain, Scott's Plain, Pelican Dam, Ol Pejeta Dam, Elephant Dam and numerous other open areas and water points can be productive for wildlife. Sightings change constantly, so ask staff or guides about recent activity rather than racing between fixed attractions.

• Take an all-day game drive. Ordinary game viewing between 7AM and 7PM is included with entry. The Big Five occur within the conservancy, although no individual sighting is guaranteed.

• Join a night game drive. Authorized guided vehicles operate after normal visitor driving hours and offer opportunities to look for nocturnal animals. The 2026 tariff lists night drives at approximately US$70 per adult and US$35 per child.

• Track lions. Join conservation staff using radio-tracking equipment to locate collared lions while learning how predator populations are monitored. Advance booking is required.

• Dog tracking. Meet Ol Pejeta's anti-poaching canine team and see how trained dogs assist security operations.

• Rhino monitoring. Accompany conservation staff involved in identifying and monitoring individual rhinoceroses.

• Meet the northern white rhinos. A separately booked guided experience provides controlled access to the protected area holding Najin and Fatu.

• Take a guided bush or bird walk. Walking outside designated public areas requires an authorized guide because dangerous wildlife moves freely through the conservancy.

• Learn about livestock–wildlife integration. Ol Pejeta still raises cattle and uses carefully managed grazing as part of its grassland management strategy.

• Meet neighbouring communities. Prearranged community visits introduce some of the people living around the conservancy and projects supported through conservation revenue.

• Visit the chimpanzees. Entry to the Sweetwaters Chimpanzee Sanctuary is included in ordinary conservancy admission.

Activities are subject to weather, animal welfare considerations and availability. Book specialist experiences in advance.

Visitor shops around the main tourism facilities sell Ol Pejeta merchandise, books, gifts and locally produced crafts.

Purchases support either conservancy operations or participating community producers depending on the product.

Bring essential medicines and specialist safari equipment from Nanyuki or Nairobi rather than assuming they will be available inside.

Ol Pejeta restricts disposable plastics. Use reusable or environmentally appropriate water bottles and bags.

Do not purchase wildlife products, bones, horns, feathers or other material taken from animals.

• Antonia's Kitchen, Morani hub, Ol Pejeta Conservancy (At the former Morani's Restaurant site near the information centre.), ☏ +254 701 096975. Confirm current hours when visiting. Farm-to-table restaurant opened in June 2026, replacing Morani's Restaurant. Serves coffee, juices, sourdough, pancakes, bowls, curries, tacos and other meals using Kenyan produce. Safari picnic hampers can be arranged in advance. (updated Sep 2026)

Several lodges and tented camps provide meals for resident guests. Some can accommodate outside visitors by prior arrangement, but do not arrive expecting restaurant access without checking.

Picnicking is allowed only at appropriate designated areas.

Never leave food unattended in camp or at a picnic area. Baboons, monkeys, birds and larger wildlife may be attracted to it.

Carry adequate drinking water during game drives.

Early mornings can be cool, but vehicles heat up quickly once the sun rises.

Use refillable or otherwise approved bottles because disposable plastics are restricted.

Do not drink untreated water from rivers, dams or marshes.

Alcohol is available at some lodges and restaurants, but drivers should avoid drinking before continuing a game drive.

A wide range of accommodation is available inside Ol Pejeta, from basic rooms and campsites to luxury safari camps.

Visitors staying outside the conservancy generally base themselves in Nanyuki, but remember that Ol Pejeta has a single-entry admission policy.

• The Stables, Ol Pejeta Conservancy, ☏ +254 707 187141, reservations@olpejetaconservancy.org. Check-in: 1PM–6PM, check-out: 10AM. One of the more affordable accommodation choices inside Ol Pejeta, with simple rooms and canvas tents. Some rooms use shared bathrooms. Meals are included according to the booked plan. Guests need their own transport for game drives and activities. From about US$70 single full board in the 2026 tariff; conservancy fees extra. (updated Sep 2026)

• Pelican House, Pelican Dam, Ol Pejeta Conservancy (In the eastern part of the conservancy overlooking Pelican Dam.), ☏ +254 707 187141, reservations@olpejetaconservancy.org. A private cottage overlooking Pelican Dam, suited to families and small groups. Wildlife frequently visits the water, particularly during dry periods. Self-catering and catered rates available; conservancy admission extra. (updated Sep 2026)

• Sweetwaters Serena Camp. Large established tented camp near the southern part of the conservancy, with views toward Mount Kenya, a restaurant, swimming pool and access to game drives.

• Kicheche Laikipia Camp. Small tented camp in a quieter wilderness area overlooking a wildlife waterhole.

• Ol Pejeta Bush Camp. Intimate safari camp overlooking the Ewaso Ng'iro River, with guided wildlife and conservation activities.

• Porini Rhino Camp. Small tented camp in a secluded valley, with a wildlife-viewing hide and an emphasis on low-density safari experiences.

• Sanctuary Tambarare. Luxury tented camp with ten guest tents and guided safari activities.

• River Camp. Safari camp with views across the conservancy and toward Mount Kenya.

Accommodation prices vary greatly by season and package. Check whether the conservancy entrance fee is included; it frequently is not.

Ol Pejeta maintains several wilderness campsites, including Ewaso, Hippo Hide, Mbogo, Murera Donga, Ol Lerai and Scott's Hide.

Camping must be booked in advance.

Sites generally provide basic toilet facilities, a water bowser, firewood and a designated fire area, but campers must bring their own tents, bedding and most equipment.

As of 2026, camping costs approximately Ksh 3,500 per adult per night and Ksh 1,750 per child, excluding conservancy entry.

An armed ranger is mandatory for overnight campers and costs approximately Ksh 5,000 per ranger per night.

During rainy periods, some campsites are accessible only by 4WD.

Never leave food outside overnight.

Independent wild camping outside designated campsites is not permitted.

Do not walk cross-country without an authorized armed guide. Large predators, buffalo, elephants and rhinos move freely through the conservancy.

Mobile reception is available in parts of Ol Pejeta but can vary considerably with location.

Some lodges offer Wi-Fi. Do not assume continuous mobile data while game driving.

Download the conservancy map, reservations and offline navigation before entering.

For bookings:

Ol Pejeta Conservancy Reservations

• +254 707 187141
• +254 705 911021
• reservations@olpejetaconservancy.org

Tourism helpline and emergencies

• +254 713 912324

WhatsApp

• +254 110 094457

Kenya's national emergency numbers include 999 and 112.

Keep your accommodation or driver's telephone number saved offline.

The greatest hazards within Ol Pejeta are wild animals and road accidents rather than crime.

Obey the 40-km/h speed limit. Driving slowly also improves wildlife viewing.

Remain inside the vehicle unless you are at an officially designated place where leaving it is permitted.

Never:

• approach an elephant, buffalo, rhino, lion or other large animal on foot
• block an animal's path
• chase wildlife for photographs
• feed animals
• drive off established roads without authorization
• sit or stand on the roof of a vehicle
• collect bones, plants, horns or other natural material
• fly a private drone without permission
• drive after 7PM unless participating in an authorized activity

Give elephants particularly generous space. If an elephant blocks the road, wait or reverse rather than attempting to push past it.

Black rhinos have poor eyesight but can react aggressively when surprised. Never leave a vehicle near one.

Buffalo can be extremely dangerous on foot, especially when concealed by vegetation.

Hippos should be viewed only from designated areas. Never stand between a hippo and water.

Road surfaces vary. Slow down around blind bends, bridges and muddy sections. During heavy rain, black-cotton soil can become extremely slippery.

Early-morning temperatures can be cold, while strong equatorial sunlight later in the day can cause sunburn quickly. Bring layers, sunscreen and plenty of drinking water.

Campers must follow ranger instructions at all times. Never store food where animals can reach it and do not leave a tent after dark merely to investigate noises.

Malaria risk varies by season, altitude and wider travel itinerary. Consult current health guidance before travelling in Kenya and use mosquito precautions.

• Nanyuki — The nearest major town and the main base for Ol Pejeta, with hotels, restaurants, supermarkets, fuel and transport connections.

• Mount Kenya — Africa's second-highest mountain, with hiking, trekking and alpine scenery east of Nanyuki.

• Ngare Ndare Forest — Indigenous forest north-east of Nanyuki known for blue pools, elephants and a canopy walkway.

• Lewa Wildlife Conservancy — Another major wildlife-conservation area north-east of Mount Kenya, particularly important for rhinos and Grevy's zebras.

• Samburu National Reserve — Continue north into drier country for elephants, predators and northern-Kenyan species such as gerenuk, reticulated giraffe and Grevy's zebra.

• Aberdare National Park — Highland forest, waterfalls and moorland south-west of Ol Pejeta.

• Nyeri — Highland town south of Laikipia and a useful base for the Aberdare and Mount Kenya regions.
• Nairobi — Kenya's capital and principal international transport hub, approximately 220 km south.