Established in 1988 Ol Pejeta Conservancy is a 364sq km wildlife conservancy situated between the foothills of Mount Kenya and the Aberdares and its game-to-area ratio tops the all Kenya safari park and reserves. The Ol Pejeta Conservancy in Kenya has over 10,000 large mammals and it is the only park where the big 5 and chimpanzees can be seen. It is also where the fastest-growing population of rhinos in Africa can be found. There are southern white rhino, about 80 endangered black rhino and in a special sanctuary, there are two of the world’s last remaining northern white rhino.
Originally set up as a fenced-off cattle ranch but herds of migrating elephants regularly destroyed the fenced enclosures making intensive cattle farming impracticable. Cattle still play a role in Ol Pejeta today but as a managed livestock within the conservancy and is used to maximise the bio-diversity of the land making Ol Pejeta an integrated wildlife and livestock area.
One of the things we like about Ol pejeta is that the conservancy is keen to educate and has an environmental and Conservation Centre that welcomes around 100 local schools through its doors annually. The Centre focusses on teaching ecology, culture and the importance of sustainable wildlife management to safeguard the future of the conservancy. Visitors can also learn about local culture and traditions by meeting the peoples of the Samburu, Turkana, Pokot and Maasai.
Things to see & do at Ol Pejeta Conservancy
Ol Pejeta Endangered Species Boma
The Endangered Species Boma is a must-see for any trip to Ol Pejeta. Here visitors can meet and learn about the Northern White Rhinos which are critically endangered with only two left in the world. Both of them are here and visitors can have the unique experience of seeing these majestic creatures up close. The boma also has six southern white rhinos, two black rhinos and numerous Grevy’s zebras and Jackson’s hartebeest. Tour starts at 2.45 pm. Approximately 2 hours.
US $98 per adult / $68 per child (aged up to 11 years). Jan-June, Sept-Dec 2020 & 2021
US $113 per adult / $76 per child (aged up to 11 years). July & Aug 2020 & 2021
*Above rates inclusive of transport within the Boma.
Meet Baraka the Black Rhino
Baraka was one of the first Black rhinos born on the Ol Pejeta Conservancy. After losing an eye to an infection following a fight he, unfortunately, developed a cataract in the other eye and subsequently became completely blind. With a low chance of survival on his own, Baraka was moved from the wild to a 100-acre enclosure in order to ensure his safety.
Baraka is now an ambassador for his species – and a popular attraction at the Ol Pejeta Conservancy. There is a feeding platform from which visitors can get up close to view and feed him, an experience not to be missed. Baraka receives visitors daily from 9.30 am to 6.00 pm, with feeding times three times per day.
**The cost of the visit to Baraka and the Information Center is already included within the Conservancy Fee.
The Sweetwaters Chimpanzee Sanctuary
Formed in 1993 as a joint alliance between The Jane Goodall Institute and Kenyan Wildlife Services this sanctuary was established as a refuge for orphaned and confiscated chimpanzees and is the only place in Kenya where non-indigenous chimpanzees can be seen.
The Sanctuary provides a permanent refuge in a natural environment as possible – the 40 or so chimpanzees on the sanctuary are protected on an island and access to see them is by boat.
- If you choose to stay at Porini Rhino Camp you will have the chance to gain priority access to the Sanctuary from 9 am (before guests from other camps arrive from 10 am).
- The cost of a visit to the Chimpanzee Sanctuary is already included within the Conservancy fee.
Lion Tracking
Take this unique opportunity to head out on Ol Pejeta Conservancy to track the lion population. It is a great way to support the conservation project and to learn more about these fascinating animals. All of the information gathered is passed on to the Ol Pejeta Ecological Monitoring Department. Guests remain in the vehicle at all times. Tracking excursions depart daily between 06:30hrs – 09:30hrs and 15:30hrs – 18:30hrs.
- US $60 per adult / $30 per child (aged up to 11 years). Jan-June, Sept-Dec 2020 & 2021
- US $75 per adult / $38 per child (aged up to 11 years). July & Aug 2020 & 2021
Morani Information Centre
The Morani Information Centre offers visitors the opportunity to learn about the different wildlife species that live on Ol Pejeta; from anatomy, behaviour to habitat. The centre also offers an insight into how Ol Pejeta Conservancy works on a daily basis to safeguard wildlife and preserve the African wilderness. There is also a converted rhino transportation crate to explore!
- The Morani Centre is open from 9 to 5 every day and visits are free of charge.
