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Ol Pejeta Conservancy

Big Five, Unique Wildlife & Conservation Impact

Ol Pejeta Conservancy is one of Kenya’s most successful conservation landscapes, covering over 360 km² on the Laikipia plateau. Established to protect wildlife and support local communities, Ol Pejeta is home to the Big Five, the only place in East Africa where you can see both black and white rhinos, and is globally famous as the home of the last two northern white rhinos on earth, and one of Africa’s largest chimpanzee sanctuaries. Its diverse habitats and active conservation programmes offer rewarding safari experiences with meaningful impact.

An Ol Pejeta safari offers not just exceptional Big Five viewing, but also the chance to be part of a meaningful conservation effort, as all tourism revenue directly funds anti-poaching units, habitat protection, and community development.

Ol Pejeta is a unique, once-in-a-lifetime trip, offering a luxury safari adventure with experiences unique to this conservation area.

Set on 364 square kilometers of pristine wilderness between the snow-capped peaks of Mount Kenya and the rolling Aberdares, Ol Pejeta Conservancy offers one of the richest wildlife experiences in Africa. Nowhere else in Kenya can you encounter such an extraordinary variety of animals in one place—making it a must-visit destination for anyone seeking an unforgettable safari.

Ol Pejeta is the only conservancy in East Africa where you can see both the iconic Big Five—lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo, and rhino—alongside rescued chimpanzees at the celebrated Sweetwaters Chimpanzee Sanctuary. This unique combination makes every game drive a chance to witness wildlife encounters found nowhere else in the country.

Ol Pejeta is also a global leader in rhino conservation. Here, you’ll find the fastest-growing population of black rhinos in Africa, alongside thriving southern white rhino. Most remarkably, Ol Pejeta is the last refuge of the world’s two remaining northern white rhinos—living symbols of what conservation can achieve and what is still at stake.

Whether you’re tracking predators on an early morning game drive, visiting the rhino sanctuary, or simply soaking up the breathtaking landscapes, Ol Pejeta delivers a safari that is both deeply rewarding and profoundly moving. Every visit supports vital conservation and community projects, ensuring your safari makes a lasting impact.

Two Rhinos at sunset in Ol Pejeta Conservancy in Kenya, Photo credit Sara Jenner

Why Ol Pejeta Matters

Ol Pejeta is a flagship conservation model balancing wildlife protection, community development and sustainable tourism. Anti-poaching teams and careful land management have restored lions, elephants, rhinos and plains game, showing how responsible safaris support biodiversity and local livelihoods.

Three Maasai team members from Porini Rhino Camp in Ol Pejeta Conservancy, Kenya. Photo credit Axel Fassio

People & Conservation Partnership

Community partnerships sit at the heart of Ol Pejeta’s model.  A leading example of modern conservation, Ol Pejeta protects endangered species — including black rhino and chimpanzee — while funding education, healthcare and sustainable livelihoods for surrounding communities.

Family group of Elephants in Ol Pejeta Conservancy. Photo credit Tomas Rodriguez

Wildlife & Landscape

Ol Pejeta’s mosaic of grasslands, riverine corridors and acacia woodlands supports a remarkable range of species, including the Big Five, rare northern white rhino, Grevy’s zebra and thriving predator populations, with diverse habitats enhancing year-round sightings.

Guest sitting on veranda in front of Porini Rhino Camp in Ol Pejeta Conservancy. Photo credit Misha Martin

Ol Pejeta Conservancy Safaris

Enjoy low-density game drives, expert guiding and unique encounters such as rhino tracking, photographic hide at Porini Rhino Camp and visits to the Sweetwaters Chimpanzee Sanctuary — all within a privately managed conservation landscape.

Porini Rhino Camp is a wonderful place with amazing staff and abundance of animals.
JP
This is our second time at Porini Rhino Camp and we will certainly return. We took the quick small plane flight from Wilson Airport and arrived to two enthusiastic, friendly and helpful guides waiting for us. From the time you arrive until the time you are dropped back at the airport, everyone is extremely helpful and friendly and everything about the camp and the area is superb. The camp is situated with a waterhole where an abundance of animals visit. The drives are magnificent with sightings of many animals. The food is superb and plentiful. Our tents have been comfortable, roomy and always clean. Depending on your tent site, you may be able to sit outside and watch the animals at the water hole, if not, there is a hide right beside the water hole. The staff are magnificent and the atmosphere at the camp wonderful. I almost forgot, the Rhino sightings are very special and a visit to the sanctuary a must. The manager, David, is magnificent. Highly recommend a stay at Porini Rhino Camp. You will love it.
10/10 best safari experience
nicolelK9025UD
The stay at this camp was incomparable! We were treated like royalty. The individual tents were lovely and well kept. The staff were all very friendly and knew us all by name. The manager DG was second to none! There is an abundance of food and a good variety. You will never go hungry! Our driver Daulton and our spotter Ben were great. Daulton took us out for a night drive and we saw the elusive striped hyena! Very rare to see. I don't know how he spotted it but that's what makes him a great driver! The weather is cooler because of the altitude but I preferred that. I would highly recommend this group. We rarely even saw another tour vehicle which makes the safari much more enjoyable and better for the wildlife. And the camp is solar powered. Loved every minute and can't wait until I can return!
Once in a lifetime experience
Amita R
I love every detail of the Gamewatchers camp experience. The decor inspired by the animals and sourced from local ceramicists and other vendors, the ecological intention behind the design of the camp, the hot water bottle in your bed at night, the delicious food, and the attention paid by the chef to your dietary restrictions and preferences. Porini Rhino Camp looks over a watering hole that attracted impalas, kudus, a lone male buffalo, and many beautiful birds during our stay. It was a privilege to spend an afternoon in the hide and see so many animals up close. They are even more beautiful at such close quarters! And it was such a fun experience to drink a Tusker and whisper with friends as you admire these visitors. One of my favorite parts of the Gamewatchers experience is the evening bonfires when you get to chat with the staff and meet other guests from all around the world. Gamewatchers' ethos around benefit sharing, sustainability, and investment in Kenya's natural infrastructure, attracts a specific type of clientele who approach these safari experiences with curiosity and respect, are diverse and interesting. I have always found this to be an unexpected perk in my Gamewatchers safari experiences.
Two Rhinos at sunset in Ol Pejeta Conservancy in Kenya, Photo credit Sara Jenner

Why Ol Pejeta Matters

Ol Pejeta is a flagship conservation model balancing wildlife protection, community development and sustainable tourism. Anti-poaching teams and careful land management have restored lions, elephants, rhinos and plains game, showing how responsible safaris support biodiversity and local livelihoods.

Three Maasai team members from Porini Rhino Camp in Ol Pejeta Conservancy, Kenya. Photo credit Axel Fassio

People & Conservation Partnership

Community partnerships sit at the heart of Ol Pejeta’s model.  A leading example of modern conservation, Ol Pejeta protects endangered species — including black rhino and chimpanzee — while funding education, healthcare and sustainable livelihoods for surrounding communities.

Mother & her lion cubs in the grass, taken on a game drive from Porini Lion Camp, in Olare Motorogi Conservancy in Kenya, Photo credit Sara Jenner

Wildlife & Landscape

Ol Pejeta’s mosaic of grasslands, riverine corridors and acacia woodlands supports a remarkable range of species, including the Big Five, rare northern white rhino, Grevy’s zebra and thriving predator populations, with diverse habitats enhancing year-round sightings.

Guest sitting on veranda in front of Porini Rhino Camp in Ol Pejeta Conservancy. Photo credit Misha Martin

Ol Pejeta Conservancy Safaris

Enjoy low-density game drives, expert guiding and unique encounters such as rhino tracking, photographic hide at Porini Rhino Camp and visits to the Sweetwaters Chimpanzee Sanctuary — all within a privately managed conservation landscape.

Porini Rhino Camp is a wonderful place with amazing staff and abundance of animals.
JP
This is our second time at Porini Rhino Camp and we will certainly return. We took the quick small plane flight from Wilson Airport and arrived to two enthusiastic, friendly and helpful guides waiting for us. From the time you arrive until the time you are dropped back at the airport, everyone is extremely helpful and friendly and everything about the camp and the area is superb. The camp is situated with a waterhole where an abundance of animals visit. The drives are magnificent with sightings of many animals. The food is superb and plentiful. Our tents have been comfortable, roomy and always clean. Depending on your tent site, you may be able to sit outside and watch the animals at the water hole, if not, there is a hide right beside the water hole. The staff are magnificent and the atmosphere at the camp wonderful. I almost forgot, the Rhino sightings are very special and a visit to the sanctuary a must. The manager, David, is magnificent. Highly recommend a stay at Porini Rhino Camp. You will love it.
10/10 best safari experience
nicolelK9025UD
The stay at this camp was incomparable! We were treated like royalty. The individual tents were lovely and well kept. The staff were all very friendly and knew us all by name. The manager DG was second to none! There is an abundance of food and a good variety. You will never go hungry! Our driver Daulton and our spotter Ben were great. Daulton took us out for a night drive and we saw the elusive striped hyena! Very rare to see. I don't know how he spotted it but that's what makes him a great driver! The weather is cooler because of the altitude but I preferred that. I would highly recommend this group. We rarely even saw another tour vehicle which makes the safari much more enjoyable and better for the wildlife. And the camp is solar powered. Loved every minute and can't wait until I can return!
Once in a lifetime experience
Amita R
I love every detail of the Gamewatchers camp experience. The decor inspired by the animals and sourced from local ceramicists and other vendors, the ecological intention behind the design of the camp, the hot water bottle in your bed at night, the delicious food, and the attention paid by the chef to your dietary restrictions and preferences. Porini Rhino Camp looks over a watering hole that attracted impalas, kudus, a lone male buffalo, and many beautiful birds during our stay. It was a privilege to spend an afternoon in the hide and see so many animals up close. They are even more beautiful at such close quarters! And it was such a fun experience to drink a Tusker and whisper with friends as you admire these visitors. One of my favorite parts of the Gamewatchers experience is the evening bonfires when you get to chat with the staff and meet other guests from all around the world. Gamewatchers' ethos around benefit sharing, sustainability, and investment in Kenya's natural infrastructure, attracts a specific type of clientele who approach these safari experiences with curiosity and respect, are diverse and interesting. I have always found this to be an unexpected perk in my Gamewatchers safari experiences.

Ol Pejeta: Wildlife Highlights

Diverse habitats — open plains, wooded valleys and seasonal rivers — create ideal conditions for both predator and prey, delivering reliable Big Five sightings alongside rare and endangered species.

Wildlife you may see on an Ol Pejeta safari:

When is the best time to visit Ol Pejeta?

The conservancy’s diverse terrain and permanent water sources create excellent conditions for wildlife viewing year-round.

A Taste of Ol Pejeta

Where is Ol Pejeta?

Ol Pejeta Conservancy is located in central Kenya, on the Laikipia Plateau. It lies north of Nairobi, between the foothills of Mount Kenya and the Aberdare Range, forming a critical wildlife refuge and supporting both migratory movements and stable year-round resident populations.

Ol Pejeta Conservancy is accessible by both air and road, with most guests opting to fly from Nairobi’s Wilson Airport to Nanyuki Airstrip on a short 35-45 minute flight from Nairobi.

Road transfers to Ol Pejeta Conservancy take approximately 4–5 hours from Nairobi via scenic highland routes.

Gamewatchers Safaris will arrange all transfers, ensuring a smooth start to your Ol Pejeta safari.

Ol Pejeta Conservancy Activities

Ol Pejeta Conservancy is known for its wide variety of activities, making it the go-to safari destination for those seeking something a little extra. Experience wildlife up close, learn from the locals and be part of an ongoing conservation project.  

One of the main highlights at Ol Pejeta is the Northern White Rhinos. A must-see during your safari holiday, the last two of their species are under 24/7 protection and care from dedicated keepers.  If this is what you’re travelling for, our Porini Rhino Camp could be exactly what you’re looking for.

 To book one or more activities , speak with your Safari Specialist or contact us for more details.

Please note that all excursions are offered at an additional cost.

Ol Pejeta Conservancy - Northern White Rhinos
NORTHERN WHITE RHINOS
Witness a once-in-a-lifetime encounter with the final two Northern White rhinos on the planet. Hear their extraordinary story from the devoted keepers who care for them 24/7.




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Ol Pejeta Conservancy - Lion Tracking
LION TRACKING
Embark on a lion tracking adventure , following an expert tracker as you search for radio-collared lions. Immerse yourself in this extraordinary experience and contribute to protecting these magnificent animals.



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Ol Pejeta Conservancy - Behind the scenes with Chimpanzees
CLOSE UP CHIMPANZEES
Take a rare chance to see chimpanzees up close and gain insight into the daily care they receive. While chimpanzees do not naturally inhabit Kenya, their survival in the wild is under serious threat from habitat destruction and hunting for bushmeat, making conservation efforts more critical than ever.
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Ol Pejeta Conservancy - Dog Tracking
DOG TRACKING
Join Ol Pejeta’s K9 team! Take part in a hands-on tracking experience with Ol Pejeta's skilled bloodhounds, renowned for their incredible scent abilities. Challenge yourself by running and hiding, only to be found in good spirits by these playful wildlife protectors. Experience and join in the action.
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Ol Pejeta Conservancy Livestock - Wildlife Integration
LIVESTOCK WILDLIFE INTEGRATION
Ol Pejeta follows a distinctive approach that blends livestock and wildlife management. Discover how their team cares for a large herd of 7,000 Boran cattle alongside a smaller group of Ankole cattle, working together to enhance Ol Pejeta's grasslands and create vibrant areas of biodiversity.

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Ol Pejeta Conservancy Rhino Monitoring and Identification.
RHINO MONITORING & ID
Join Ol Pejeta's Rhino Monitoring team for a memorable and informative adventure. Get close to these iconic animals, the flagship species of the Conservancy, and learn from rangers who carefully track and protect each rhino, knowing them individually and understanding their territories.

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Ol Pejeta Conservancy - Conservation Talks
CONSERVATION TALKS
Take a deeper look into conservation with expert-led talks at Ol Pejeta. The talks bring you face-to-face with Ol Pejeta’s specialists who share stories of wildlife protection, community development, and conservation technology.These sessions provide valuable insights into both the successes and challenges of modern conservation.
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Porini Rhino Camp Wildlife Hide
WILDLIFE HIDE
Specifically for guests staying at Porini Rhino Camp, the dedicated wildlife photography hide overlooks a busy waterhole and is designed for close-up sightings and unique perspectives of the wildlife and birds that come to the waterhole.


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Our Porini Camps are extra special. That means we are able to offer our guests much more than typical safari experiences.

You’ll stay in a small eco-safari camp with private en-suite tents, excellent food, and all the comfortable modern amenities at hand.

Unlike national parks and other public game reserves, our private conservancies limit guests and vehicles. Offering a peaceful, crowd-free experience with more intimate wildlife encounters and a deeper connection to nature.  

The limited number of vehicles in the conservancies allows for more flexible and customised game drives. Meaning you’ll have the freedom to explore at your own pace, with expert guides tailoring the experience based on your specific interests, whether it’s birdwatching, photography, or tracking a particular animal.

Ol Pejeta Conservancy Accommodation

The Ol Pejeta Conservancy offers a wide range of lodges and camps to suit various safari styles, from luxury tented camps to classic eco-camps.

Talk to a Specialist

Choose a Safari Specialist in your time zone and start planning your tailor-made safari to Kenya.

Talk to a Specialist

Choose a Safari Specialist in your time zone and start planning your tailor-made safari to Kenya.

FAQs — Ol Pejeta Conservancy Safari

What makes Ol Pejeta Conservancy a must-visit safari destination?

Ol Pejeta Conservancy is a private wildlife sanctuary in Kenya’s Laikipia region known for its incredible Big Five sightings and global conservation importance. It’s the only place in East Africa where you can see both black and white rhinos and the only place in the world where you can see the last 2 Northern White Rhino.  You can also visit the rescued chimpanzees at the Sweetwaters Chimpanzee Sanctuary.

What wildlife can I expect to see on safari at Ol Pejeta Conservancy?

You can see the Big Five — elephant, lion, leopard, buffalo, and both black and white rhinos — plus species like cheetah, giraffe, Grevy’s zebra, wild dog, and over 300 species of birds. Chimpanzees are visible at the sanctuary.

Can I see the northern white rhinos at Ol Pejeta?

Yes — Ol Pejeta is home to the last two northern white rhinos on the planet. Visits to their secure enclosure must be booked in advance and include ranger-led insights into conservation efforts.

This is a highlight of visiting Ol Pejeta Conservancy.

What types of safari activities are available within Ol Pejeta Conservancy?

Guests can enjoy:

  • Guided game drives (day and night).

  • Lion tracking with expert guides.

  • Viewing the last 2 Northern White Rhino in the endangered species boma.

  • Chimpanzee sanctuary visits.

  • Dog tracking with anti-poaching K9 teams.

  • Wildlife photography hide.

  • Conservation talks and educational sessions.

Where do safaris to Ol Pejeta start from and how do I get there?

Ol Pejeta Conservancy is in the Laikipia region of Kenya, which is approximately a 3-hour drive from Nairobi. Most safaris will include transfers from Nairobi to Ol Pejeta, or you can fly into Nanyuki from Nairobi and your safari camp/lodge will meet you at the airstrip and transfer you to the Conservancy.

What are the accommodation options inside Ol Pejeta Conservancy?

There’s a range of safari lodges and camps inside Ol Pejeta, from luxury tented camps to classic eco camps, see Ol Pejeta Conservancy Accommodation for more information on where to stay.

Is Ol Pejeta family-friendly?

Yes. Ol Pejeta Conservancy is safely fenced and welcomes families. Many accommodation options offer family tents, children’s activities, and nature-focused learning experiences.

Do I need to book additional conservation experiences in advance?

The Conservation activities (e.g., lion tracking or rhino encounters), and guided tours of the chimpanzee sanctuary should be booked in advance and may incur an additional charge. Speak to one of our safari specialists for more information.

 

Do any of the camps or lodges offer a photography hide?
es - Porini Rhino Camp offers a dedicated wildlife photography hide overlooking a busy waterhole, designed for close-up sightings and unique perspectives - great for photographers or guests who wish to view the wildlife from a different perspective!
How does visiting Ol Pejeta support conservation?

Tourism revenue directly funds anti-poaching units, habitat protection, and community development programmes. Your stay helps protect endangered rhinos and supports local livelihoods.

Do any of your safari itineraries include Ol Pejeta Conservancy?

Yes — we offer a number of safari itineraries that include Ol Pejeta Conservancy, some of our favourites include:

 

 

What’s included in your all-inclusive safari holidays?
Everything you will need! At a glance, here are some of the key things we offer:

  • Exciting game drives with the option of private-use vehicles to ensure your family gets close to Africa’s wildlife, with plenty of opportunities for all ages to learn and observe.
  • Night drives
  • Guided walks
  • All meals and drinks
  • Conservancy & national park fees (no surprise costs).
  • Airstrip transfers (seamless transfer from plane to camp).
  • Laundry in most camps
We can also arrange internal flights and hotel nights on your behalf, reducing your travel planning stress.

How To Make The Best Choice For Your Wildlife Safari in Kenya

Don’t miss out on our free copy of our 36 page Guide to Choosing a Safari in Kenya.  A must-read before booking any safari tour to ensure you make the most of your time and budget and get the best possible experience.

How To Make The Best Choice For Your Wildlife Safari in Kenya

Don’t miss out on our free copy of our 36 page Guide to Choosing a Safari in Kenya.  A must-read before booking any safari tour to ensure you make the most of your time and budget and get the best possible experience.

How To Make The Best Choice For Your Wildlife Safari in Kenya

Don’t miss out on our free copy of our 36 page Guide to Choosing a Safari in Kenya.  A must-read before booking any safari tour to ensure you make the most of your time and budget and get the best possible experience.

Curating ultimate tailor-made safari experiences for 35 years