Laikipia County · central Kenya
Ol Pejeta Conservancy
A working conservancy on the Laikipia plateau, with Mount Kenya on the skyline.
- Country
- Kenya
- Typical access
- Road from Nairobi via Nanyuki
- Usual stay
- 1–2 nights
- Terrain
- Open plateau grassland at altitude, acacia scrub, river lines
Overview
What Ol Pejeta is.
Ol Pejeta sits between the foothills of Mount Kenya and the Aberdares, on open plains at around 1,800 metres. The air is cooler than the lowland parks and the mountain is often visible behind the herds.
It is a conservancy rather than a national park, which means conservation work is part of what you see: rhino monitoring, a chimpanzee sanctuary that takes in rescued animals from outside Kenya, and active livestock-and-wildlife management across the same ground.
The rhino population is the main draw. Ol Pejeta holds East Africa's largest black rhino population and is where the last two northern white rhinos are protected.
Wildlife
What you are likely to see.
- Black and southern white rhino
- The last two northern white rhinos, under 24-hour protection
- Lion, cheetah, leopard and spotted hyena
- Elephant, buffalo, Grévy's and plains zebra
- Rescued chimpanzees at the Sweetwaters sanctuary
Experiences
How the days work here.
Rhino tracking country
Open plains give unusually good rhino viewing from the vehicle.
Sweetwaters Chimpanzee Sanctuary
A sanctuary for rescued chimpanzees, which are not naturally found in Kenya.
Mount Kenya views
Clearest early and late; the mountain dominates the northern skyline.
Best time to visit
When to come to Ol Pejeta.
- June – OctoberDry, cool mornings, reliable game viewing.
- January – FebruaryDry and clear, with the best mountain views.
- March – May, NovemberRains. Very green, few vehicles.
Where you stay
Our shortlist at each level.
Properties Ndurumo may recommend or use at each level. Final accommodation is confirmed with your quotation and remains subject to availability.
Budget
Comfort Gardens Sweetwaters
Midrange
Sweetwaters Serena Camp, Maisha Sweetwaters Camp
Luxury
Kicheche Laikipia, Ol Pejeta Bush Camp
Routes that include Ol Pejeta
Safaris through here.
Questions
About Ol Pejeta.
Is Ol Pejeta a national park?
No. It is a private conservancy, which is why its rules, vehicle numbers and activity options differ from the national parks.
Plan your safari
Build a trip around Ol Pejeta.
Tell us your dates and how long you have, and we will shape a route that gives Ol Pejeta the time it deserves.