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 Kenyan park and reserve league. The Ol Pejeta Conservancy in Kenya has over 10000 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 rhino 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.
Safari by vehicle is not the only option at Ol Pejeta. Safari game walks, horse rides and even camel rides are available, as are safari night drives.
Since being established in 1988 Ol Pejeta has had a colourful list of previous owners including Lord Delamere, an early and influential settler from Britain, shipping tycoon Aristotle Onassis’ father Roussel and the arms dealer Adnan Khashoggi. It was set up originally as a cattle ranch but herds of migrating elephant regularly destroyed the fenced enclosures making intensive cattle farming impracticable. Cattle still plays 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.
The conservancy is keen to educate as well and has an Environmental and Conservation Centre that welcomes around 100 Kenyan 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.
Activities in Ol Pejeta Conservancy
Meet Baraka the Black Rhino
Baraka was one of the first 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 Ol Pejeta. 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 9.30am to 6.00pm, 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 as natural environment as possible – the 40 or so chimpanzees are protected on an island and access to see them is by boat.
NB Porini Rhino Camp guests gain priority access to the Sanctuary from 9am (before guests of other camps arrive from 10am).
The cost of a visit to the Chimpanzee Sanctuary is already included within the Conservancy fee.
Morani Information Center
The Morani Information Center offers visitors the opportunity to learn about the different wildlife species that live on Ol Pejeta; from anatomy to behaviour to habitat. It also offers an insight into how Ol Pejeta Conservancy works on a daily basis to safeguard wildlife and preserve wilderness.
There is also a converted rhino transportation crate to explore!
The Morani Center is open from 9 to 5 every day and is free of charge.
The following optional activities in Ol Pejeta can be pre-booked, and income from these activities contributes to the Conservancy’s running costs:
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. All 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.
PRICES: USD 70 per adult. Pre-booking is recommended. Funds raised go directly towards the care of the Northern White Rhinos.
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 06:30h – 09:30h and 15:30h – 18:30h.
PRICES: USD 70 per adult, USD 35 per child (aged up to 11 years). Pre-booking is recommended. Funds raised support the project.
Riding with Rhinos [Temporarily suspended]
Take a morning or an evening ride within the 600-acre Endangered Species Enclosure, accompanied by knowledgeable staff on Ol Pejeta’s safari horses. These rides will take you on a journey through a predator-free area set aside by Ol Pejeta for the recovery of the northern white rhinoceros. As well as meeting the last three remaining northern white rhinos on the planet, you will ride through herds of the highly endangered Grevy’s zebra and Jackson’s hartebeest. You will also encounter many other species including southern white rhinos and a myriad of plains game. Morning and evening rides will conclude with tea and cake at the nearby Morani’s Restaurant.
The rides will only be open to experienced riders and some proof of riding ability will be required at point of booking; clients judged to be of insufficient riding ability will not be permitted to undertake this activity.
Ol Pejeta will supply all tack and riding hats; clients will be responsible for their own attire. We recommend that legs and arms are covered.
Rides for up to 4 riders will be available daily at 10:00 and 15:00 and will last approximately one hour. We would recommend that clients wear sun-cream and carry drinking water. Subject to availability at time of booking.
[TBA – currently suspended]
Ol Pejeta Junior Rangers [Temporarily suspended]
Children aged between 4 and 12 years can become an Ol Pejeta Junior Ranger for a day by purchasing one of the exciting Junior Ranger Packs. The pack includes an activity booklet, crayons and stickers all contained within a special Ol Pejeta bag. As you journey through the Conservancy, the idea is to work through all of the questions and games in the booklet. At the end of your journey, the Tourism Team at Morani Information Center will be waiting for you and will ask you to repeat the official ranger oath, before presenting you with a ranger hat, a certificate and an honorary pin.
Price: [TBA – currently suspended]
Dog Tracking
Dogs are imperative in anti-poaching efforts and each dog at Ol Pejeta’s K9 unit has a different specialty – from tracking the scent of a poacher, to detecting ammunition and attacking and detaining potential suspects. Meet these amazing dogs during a tour of the kennels and later see them in action during the dog tracking activity. Visitors are encouraged to try and evade the sniffer dogs. Visitors can run, jump, twist, turn and find somewhere to hide within the confines of the Morani Information Center area and see if the bloodhounds can seek you out. Not only is this great fun , but the activity also helps in keeping the skills of the dogs in sharp shape. This two-hour-long activity starts at 8.30 am from the Morani Information Centre. It is recommended that clients wear closed shoes and carry sunscreen and a hat. Clothing should be of neutral color.
Rates: USD 70 per adult
