Ol Pejeta Conservancy sits on the Laikipia plateau near Nanyuki, in the shadow of Mount Kenya, and it has a strong claim to be the most important wildlife conservancy in the country. It is the home of the last two northern white rhinos in the world, Najin and Fatu, two females who arrived from a zoo in the Czech Republic in 2009 and who are guarded around the clock. Neither can breed naturally, so the future of the subspecies now rests on advanced reproductive science, which gives a visit a sense of occasion that few safaris can match. The conservancy is also the largest black rhino sanctuary in East and Central Africa, with well over 165 of these critically endangered animals, so rhino sightings are among the best in Kenya. The Big Five are all present, with lions, leopards, elephants and buffalo living on the open grassland, and the plains hold large numbers of zebras, giraffes, Jackson’s hartebeest and other antelope. Next to the main gate is the Sweetwaters Chimpanzee Sanctuary, founded in 1993 as a refuge for rescued chimpanzees and the only place in Kenya where visitors can see these apes. Because Ol Pejeta is a conservancy rather than a national park, the experience is often quieter and more flexible, with night drives and guided walks sometimes available.
How it works
The tour we link, Big Five Safari Adventure at Ol Pejeta Conservancy (1 Day), departs from Nairobi, and the journey to Laikipia is the main thing to plan around. The drive takes roughly four hours each way, so a day trip means a very early start and a late return, with a game drive and a visit to the rhinos in between. Check the tour details for what is included, such as conservancy fees, lunch and the rhino and chimpanzee visits, since arrangements differ between operators.
Is a day trip enough? It is possible and rewarding, but many travellers prefer to stay overnight at a lodge or camp in the conservancy, which allows a dawn game drive, a visit to the northern white rhinos and time at the chimpanzee sanctuary without the long drive. If you have only one day, the day trip is the best way to see the conservancy’s signature animals from Nairobi.
Best time
The long dry season from July to October and the drier months of January and February give the easiest game viewing, when animals gather near water. The wet months of April and May bring lush scenery and fewer visitors but muddier roads. Mornings on the plateau are cool, so bring a warm layer, a hat, sunscreen and binoculars.
Making the most of it
The northern white rhinos live in a protected enclosure, and visits are conducted with their keepers, so listen to the briefing and follow the rules about distance and silence. Combine the rhinos with the chimpanzee sanctuary and a game drive for the best mix. Fees paid to the conservancy support its anti-poaching and community work, which is a good reason to choose Ol Pejeta over a longer drive to a more crowded park.
Who it suits
Wildlife enthusiasts, conservation-minded travellers and anyone with a few spare days who wants to add a Laikipia stop to a Maasai Mara or Amboseli safari.
What to expect
The experience
A long day trip from Nairobi to Laikipia with a guided game drive, a rhino visit and the chimpanzee sanctuary.
Best time
July to October and January to February, when the game viewing is easiest.
How long
A full day, with roughly four hours of driving each way.
Tips
Start early, bring a warm layer and binoculars, and consider staying overnight if you can spare the time.
Quick picks
- Best for
- Wildlife lovers who want to see rhinos at close quarters and support conservation.
- Families
- Older children enjoy the chimpanzees and rhinos, but the long drive is tiring for young ones.
- Couples
- A memorable add-on to a longer safari, ideally with a night at a conservancy lodge.
- Pair with
- A Maasai Mara or Amboseli safari, or a few days at a Laikipia lodge.
- Time needed
- A full day, or an overnight stay for a relaxed visit.
Good questions
Why is Ol Pejeta famous?+
It is the home of the last two northern white rhinos in the world, and it is also the largest black rhino sanctuary in East and Central Africa.
Can you see chimpanzees in Kenya?+
Yes, the Sweetwaters Chimpanzee Sanctuary at Ol Pejeta is the only place in Kenya where chimpanzees can be seen. It was founded in 1993 to house rescued animals.
How far is Ol Pejeta from Nairobi?+
It is near Nanyuki in Laikipia, roughly four hours by road each way, so a day trip is long. Many visitors stay overnight.
Are the Big Five at Ol Pejeta?+
Yes, lions, leopards, elephants, buffalo and rhinos all live in the conservancy, though sightings are never guaranteed.
When is the best time to visit Ol Pejeta?+
The dry months from July to October and January to February are the easiest for game viewing. April and May are wetter, greener and quieter.
