Kenya’s Leading Conservation Safari Destination
Tucked between the foothills of Mount Kenya and the Laikipia Plateau lies Ol Pejeta Conservancy—a remarkable safari destination that blends wildlife, conservation, and community like no other place in East Africa. If you’re planning a trip and wondering what to expect at Ol Pejeta, here’s everything you need to know for a rewarding visit.
1. Expect Close-Up Encounters with Endangered Rhinos
Ol Pejeta is world-famous for its black and white rhino conservation efforts. It is home to:
- Over 140 critically endangered black rhinos
- The last two northern white rhinos on Earth—Najin and Fatu
You can visit their enclosures and hear moving stories from the caretakers. Seeing these majestic animals up close is emotional and powerful, especially knowing you’re supporting their protection.
🦏 Don’t miss:
- A guided tour of the Endangered Species Enclosure
- The chance to adopt a rhino or contribute to ongoing breeding efforts
2. Expect Classic Big Five Game Drives
Ol Pejeta is one of the few conservancies where you can see all the Big Five—lion, elephant, rhino, leopard, and buffalo—in one day. The wildlife viewing here rivals some of Kenya’s top parks, but with fewer crowds.
On a typical game drive, you may see:
- Large elephant herds
- Resting lions under acacia trees
- Elusive leopards near the riverbanks
- Grazing buffaloes and roaming giraffes
- Warthogs, impalas, waterbucks, zebras, and cheetahs
Safari vehicles provided by Pleasant Adventures come with pop-up roofs, making photography and viewing easier and more enjoyable.
🦁 Game drive options:
- Morning and evening drives (best for big cats)
- Full-day safaris with picnic lunches
- Night drives for a rare look at nocturnal wildlife
3. Expect Incredible Conservation Stories
Ol Pejeta is not just about animals—it’s a working conservation success story. You’ll learn about:
🌍 Wildlife protection: Anti-poaching efforts, patrol dogs, and rangers
🐾 Land management: Balancing livestock grazing and wildlife corridors
👨👩👧 Community partnerships: Supporting local schools and hospitals
🧬 Science and genetics: Cutting-edge efforts to save the northern white rhino using IVF
Visitors can join conservation experiences such as:
- Behind-the-scenes ranger tours
- Demonstrations from the canine anti-poaching unit
- Discussions with vets and researchers
Expect to leave inspired by how Ol Pejeta merges tourism, science, and sustainability.
4. Expect Unique Animal Encounters
Ol Pejeta offers animal experiences you won’t find elsewhere:
🦍 Sweetwaters Chimpanzee Sanctuary
Kenya’s only chimpanzee sanctuary, home to rescued chimps from West and Central Africa. These intelligent primates live in a secure, natural setting and are a joy to watch.
💡 Fun Fact: Chimps are not native to Kenya. This sanctuary is part of a wider Jane Goodall Institute effort.
Horseback Safari with Rhinos
Ride through the rhino enclosure on horseback—a thrilling way to view endangered species without the noise of a vehicle.
📝 Note: Suitable for intermediate to experienced riders only.
Walking Safaris and Lion Tracking
Get out of the car and explore on foot. With a trained guide, follow wildlife tracks and try your hand at lion tracking using radio collars. It’s adventurous, educational, and truly immersive.
5. Expect Stunning Views and Varied Landscapes
Ol Pejeta sits at 1,800–2,000 meters above sea level and offers cooler, more comfortable temperatures than Kenya’s lowland parks. Expect:
- Panoramic views of Mount Kenya on clear mornings
- Rolling savannahs and acacia forests
- Seasonal rivers and open plains
The conservancy’s mix of terrain supports a wide range of species, from grevy’s zebra to eland and jackals. It’s also a paradise for birdwatchers with over 300 bird species.
6. Expect Comfortable Lodging for All Budgets
Pleasant Adventures partners with some of the best lodges and camps within or near Ol Pejeta. You can choose:
🏕️ Budget Options:
- Pelican House – Self-catering within the conservancy
- Ol Pejeta Hostel – Affordable group travel and volunteers
🏨 Mid-Range Options:
- Sweetwaters Serena Camp – Tented luxury with a watering hole
- Mutara Camp – Beautiful canvas tents just outside the main gate
🏰 Luxury Options:
- Ol Pejeta Bush Camp – Eco-friendly comfort on the Ewaso Nyiro River
- The Sanctuary at Ol Lentille – Exclusive experiences with panoramic views
Whether you want tented adventure or high-end luxury, there’s something for every traveler.
7. Expect Family-Friendly and Educational Experiences
Ol Pejeta is great for family safaris and school groups. The conservancy offers:
👨👩👧👦 Junior ranger programs
📝 Educational talks for kids and teens
📚 Interactive conservation centers
🎨 Craft markets and community art displays
Children can learn while having fun, and Pleasant Adventures ensures your family trip is safe, structured, and memorable.
8. Expect Easy Access from Nairobi
Ol Pejeta is just 3.5 to 4 hours from Nairobi by road, making it ideal for:
- Weekend safaris
- Add-ons to a longer trip to Samburu or Mount Kenya
- A prelude to a Maasai Mara adventure
🚙 Pleasant Adventures offers private 4×4 transport, or you can opt for scheduled or chartered flights to nearby Nanyuki Airstrip.
9. Expect Great Add-On Destinations
Since Ol Pejeta is in the Laikipia region, it pairs well with other Kenyan safari hotspots like:
- Samburu National Reserve – Culture and rare wildlife
- Mount Kenya – Hiking, climbing, forest walks
- Aberdare National Park – Waterfalls and misty highlands
- Lake Nakuru – Flamingos and white rhinos
Let Pleasant Adventures help you design a custom itinerary that flows smoothly across regions.
10. Expect Responsible, Sustainable Travel
By visiting Ol Pejeta, you’re doing more than taking photos—you’re helping protect Kenya’s wildlife and support local communities.
🌿 All tourism revenue supports conservation
🏫 Part of your fees go to schools and healthcare
🛍️ You can shop local crafts and support women’s groups
🌱 Sustainable practices include solar energy and recycling
With Pleasant Adventures as your guide, you can travel with purpose.
Final Tips for Visiting Ol Pejeta
📅 Best time to visit: June to October and December to March (dry season)
🎒 What to pack: Binoculars, layers for cool mornings, neutral clothes, sunscreen
🦟 Health: Carry insect repellent and stay hydrated
📸 Camera gear: A zoom lens is ideal for capturing rhinos and birds
🗺️ Itinerary help: Trust Pleasant Adventures to arrange transfers, permits, and lodging
Conclusion
So, what can you expect at Ol Pejeta Conservancy?
- Life-changing encounters with endangered rhinos
- Big Five game drives with expert guides
- Conservation experiences that teach and inspire
- Chimpanzees, horseback rides, walking safaris, and more
- A perfect blend of wildlife, comfort, and purpose
Whether it’s your first safari or your fifth, Ol Pejeta offers something unique—a chance to see Africa’s wildlife and protect it at the same time.
Let Pleasant Adventures create a tailor-made itinerary for your visit to Ol Pejeta and beyond.
📍 Ready to experience Kenya’s most inspiring conservancy?
📞 Call or WhatsApp Pleasant Adventures
📧 Email us for your custom Ol Pejeta itinerary
🌐 Visit our website to start planning
Travel with a purpose. Travel with Pleasant Adventures.
Call/WhatsApp: +254 748 057 500
Email: info@pleasantadventure.com
Website: www.pleasantadventure.com