Ol Pejeta Wildlife Reserve
Ol Pejeta: Home of the Last Northern White Rhinos
Ol Pejeta Conservancy lies on the Laikipia plateau beneath Mount Kenya. It is one of Kenya’s great conservation success stories, home to the largest black rhino sanctuary in East Africa and to the last two northern white rhinos on Earth.
Ol Pejeta is also a Big Five destination, and it is the only place in Kenya where you can see chimpanzees, at the Sweetwaters Chimpanzee Sanctuary.
Things to Do at Ol Pejeta
Meet the northern white rhinos
Najin and Fatu are the last northern white rhinos left, guarded day and night. Visitors can learn about the science aimed at saving the subspecies.
Game drives and night drives
Lions, leopards, cheetahs, elephants, buffalo and both rhino species roam the plains. As a private conservancy, Ol Pejeta also allows night drives and guided walks.
Sweetwaters Chimpanzee Sanctuary
This sanctuary cares for chimps rescued from the illegal trade in other parts of Africa.
Getting There
Ol Pejeta is about four hours from Nairobi by road. It features on our 8-day luxury Kenya safari.
Explore our Kenya safaris or ask us for a tailor-made itinerary.
The reserve is also home to a significant population of black rhinos, along with other iconic species such as lions, elephants, giraffes, and cheetahs. The reserve’s landscape is varied, featuring open savannahs, acacia woodlands, and riverine forests, which support a rich array of wildlife and bird species, making it an exceptional destination for nature enthusiasts and photographers. Visitors to Ol Pejeta Wildlife Reserve can engage in a range of activities that highlight the reserve’s conservation efforts and wildlife diversity.
Guided game drives offer opportunities to observe the Big Five and other wildlife in their natural habitats, while the reserve’s dedication to rhino conservation is showcased at the Ol Pejeta Rhino Sanctuary, where visitors can learn about ongoing efforts to protect these magnificent creatures. The reserve also features a unique Chimpanzee Sanctuary, home to a group of rescued chimps, providing insights into primate conservation and behavior.
For a more immersive experience, visitors can participate in guided walking safaris to explore the reserve’s flora and smaller fauna up close. Additionally, the reserve offers educational programs and community engagement initiatives that emphasize the importance of wildlife conservation and sustainable tourism. As part of Kenya’s national parks, Ol Pejeta Wildlife Reserve exemplifies a commitment to preserving the country’s rich natural heritage while offering memorable and impactful safari experiences.
Where to Stay near Ol Pejeta
Every Traford safari comes in three styles: Signature (luxury), Classic (mid-range) and Adventurer (budget). These are the options we recommend most often; final choices depend on your dates and availability.
- Signature: Porini Rhino Camp, a small eco-camp in a quiet area of the conservancy.
- Classic: Sweetwaters Serena Camp, overlooking a busy waterhole.
