Ol Pejeta Conservancy: Rhinos and Chimps

The Last Northern White Rhinos

Ol Pejeta Conservancy is home to the last two northern white rhinos on the planet. A visit to the conservancy is a chance to see these magnificent animals and to learn about the groundbreaking efforts that are being made to save their species from extinction. It is a powerful and poignant experience that highlights the fragility of our planet's biodiversity. For more on rhino conservation, visit our knowledge center.

A Haven for Chimpanzees

Ol Pejeta is also home to the Sweetwaters Chimpanzee Sanctuary, the only place in Kenya where you can see these great apes. The sanctuary provides a lifelong refuge for chimpanzees that have been rescued from the black market. A visit to the sanctuary is a chance to learn about the threats facing chimpanzees and to support the efforts to protect them. Our safari operators can arrange a visit to the sanctuary as part of your Ol Pejeta itinerary.

A Big Five Destination

In addition to its rhinos and chimpanzees, Ol Pejeta is a Big Five destination, with a healthy population of lions, leopards, elephants, and buffalos. The conservancy's open plains are ideal for game viewing, and night drives offer a chance to see nocturnal animals such as aardvarks and bat-eared foxes. Explore more Big Five destinations on our website.

Planning Your Ol Pejeta Safari

Ol Pejeta is a year-round destination, but the dry season from June to October offers the best wildlife viewing. The conservancy is easily accessible from Nairobi and offers a range of accommodation options to suit all budgets. To get an idea of the costs for a safari to Ol Pejeta, use our cost calculator. Our team can help you plan an inspiring and educational safari to this unique conservancy.

The Northern White Rhinos: A Deeper Look

Ol Pejeta Conservancy is globally renowned for being the home of the last two northern white rhinos on Earth: Najin and her daughter, Fatu. Their story is both a heartbreaking reminder of conservation failures and a beacon of hope for the future of endangered species. The northern white rhino was declared functionally extinct in 2018 with the passing of the last male, Sudan. However, Ol Pejeta, in partnership with international scientists, is pioneering a groundbreaking in-vitro fertilization (IVF) program to bring the subspecies back from the brink.

> Expert Insight: The "Saving the Northern White Rhino" project is a race against time. Scientists have successfully created several northern white rhino embryos, which will be implanted into southern white rhino surrogates. This ambitious project represents one of the most significant conservation efforts of our time. Visitors to Ol Pejeta can book a special experience to meet Najin and Fatu in their 700-acre enclosure, a powerful and moving encounter that directly supports their care and the ongoing research.

Black Rhino Conservation Success

While the northern white rhinos are a major draw, Ol Pejeta's success in conserving the critically endangered black rhino is equally impressive. The conservancy has the largest single population of black rhinos in East Africa, a testament to its effective anti-poaching and habitat management strategies. From just a handful of individuals in the 1990s, the population has grown to over 165. This success is due to a dedicated team of rangers who monitor the rhinos 24/7, a sophisticated surveillance system, and a deep understanding of rhino ecology.

> Traveler's Tip: For a truly immersive conservation experience, consider the rhino tracking activity. You'll join the rhino patrol team, learn how to identify individual rhinos by their ear notches, and contribute to the vital data collection that underpins their protection. This is a unique opportunity to get behind the scenes of a world-class conservation program.

Sweetwaters Chimpanzee Sanctuary

Another unique feature of Ol Pejeta is the Sweetwaters Chimpanzee Sanctuary, the only place in Kenya where you can see these intelligent primates. The sanctuary was established in partnership with the Jane Goodall Institute to provide a lifelong home for orphaned and abused chimpanzees from West and Central Africa. Many of the chimps were rescued from the illegal pet trade and circuses. The sanctuary provides a large, natural environment where the chimps can live in social groups, recover from their trauma, and receive expert care.

Beyond Rhinos and Chimps: Ol Pejeta's Other Wildlife

While rhinos and chimps are the stars, Ol Pejeta offers a classic Big Five safari experience. The conservancy is home to a healthy population of lions, leopards, elephants, and buffalo. It is also a fantastic place to see cheetahs, wild dogs, and the rare Grevy's zebra. The open plains of the conservancy make for excellent game viewing, and the Ewaso Nyiro River provides a lifeline for wildlife, especially during the dry season. Birdwatchers will also be delighted with over 300 bird species recorded in the conservancy.

Exclusive Experiences at Ol Pejeta

Ol Pejeta offers a range of activities that go beyond the standard game drive. These experiences provide a deeper understanding of conservation and allow for a more intimate connection with the wildlife.

• Night Game Drives: Discover the nocturnal world of Ol Pejeta. With a powerful spotlight, your guide will help you spot elusive creatures like aardvarks, bat-eared foxes, and leopards on the hunt.
• Lion Tracking: Join the research team as they track the lion prides of Ol Pejeta. You'll learn about lion behavior, population dynamics, and the challenges of human-wildlife coexistence.
• Community Visits: Visit a local community to learn about the Samburu and Maasai cultures. This is a great way to understand the relationship between the local people and the wildlife.

Planning Your Safari to Ol Pejeta

Ol Pejeta is an excellent destination for first-time safari-goers and seasoned travelers alike. Its accessibility from Nairobi, diverse wildlife, and unique conservation experiences make it a must-visit. For a comprehensive safari itinerary that includes Ol Pejeta, we recommend speaking with one of our safari operators. They can help you combine a visit to Ol Pejeta with other top destinations in Kenya, such as the Maasai Mara or Samburu. To get an idea of what a safari to Ol Pejeta might cost, you can use our safari cost calculator. For more information on other destinations, please visit our destinations page.

Where to Stay: Accommodation in Ol Pejeta

Ol Pejeta offers a wide range of accommodation options to suit every traveler's style and budget. From luxury lodges to rustic tented camps, you can choose the experience that is right for you.

• Luxury Lodges: For those seeking the utmost in comfort and service, properties like Ol Pejeta Bush Camp and Sweetwaters Serena Camp offer stunning views, gourmet meals, and guided activities. These are perfect for travelers who want to experience the wild without sacrificing modern amenities.
• Tented Camps: For a more immersive safari experience, consider a tented camp like Kicheche Laikipia Camp. These camps offer comfortable, spacious tents with en-suite bathrooms, providing a close-to-nature feel with a touch of luxury.
• Budget-Friendly Options: Ol Pejeta also has more rustic and budget-friendly options like the Stables, which offers simple, clean rooms. This is a great choice for independent travelers or those on a tighter budget.

Getting to Ol Pejeta

Ol Pejeta is located in the Laikipia region of Kenya, approximately a 3-4 hour drive from Nairobi. The journey takes you through the scenic Kenyan highlands, with opportunities to stop at local markets and viewpoints along the way. For those who prefer to fly, there are daily scheduled flights from Nairobi's Wilson Airport to the Nanyuki airstrip, which is a short drive from the conservancy. Our safari operators can arrange road or air transfers as part of your customized itinerary.

A Day on Safari at Ol Pejeta

A typical day on safari at Ol Pejeta starts with an early morning game drive, the best time to see predators on the move. After a few hours of exploring, you'll return to your lodge or camp for a leisurely breakfast. The middle of the day is usually spent relaxing, enjoying the pool, or perhaps visiting the Sweetwaters Chimpanzee Sanctuary. In the late afternoon, as the temperature cools, you'll head out for another game drive, culminating in sundowner drinks at a scenic spot as the sun sets over the plains. After dark, a night game drive offers a chance to see the conservancy's nocturnal inhabitants.

> Traveler's Tip: Don't forget to pack layers of clothing. Early mornings and evenings can be cool, while the midday sun is strong. A good pair of binoculars is also essential for getting the best views of the wildlife.

By incorporating these diverse experiences and understanding the conservation efforts at its core, a visit to Ol Pejeta becomes more than just a safari—it becomes a meaningful contribution to the future of Africa's wildlife. To start planning your journey, visit our plan your safari page or browse our knowledge center for more safari insights.