Ol Pejeta Conservancy is one of the most important wildlife sanctuaries in East Africa, set on the Laikipia plateau with Mount Kenya at its back. It is home to the last two northern white rhinos on Earth, both females, protected around the clock, and to the largest population of black rhino in East Africa.
The conservancy also shelters lion, leopard, cheetah, elephant, buffalo, Grevy's zebra, reticulated giraffe and Jackson's hartebeest. It runs the Sweetwaters Chimpanzee Sanctuary, a refuge for rescued chimpanzees, and offers night drives, walking safaris, and visits to the anti-poaching dog unit.
Ol Pejeta is a working conservancy: its cattle, safari and conservation income all feed back into protecting wildlife, and we like that guests can see the work behind the viewing.
Ol Pejeta holds the Big Five, together with Grevy’s zebra, reticulated giraffe, Jackson’s hartebeest, eland, oryx, waterbuck, hartebeest and a large number of rhino. Lions are often seen near the Ewaso Nyiro, cheetah hunt on the open plains, and leopards are more elusive. Wild dog are occasionally seen. Northern white rhino, now just two females, can be visited at their enclosure with a ranger.
Chance of seeing
Our estimate for a stay of two or three nights with a good guide. Wildlife is wild, so nothing is promised.
The conservancy spreads across wide open grassland and acacia bush, with the Ewaso Nyiro River on its edge. On clear mornings the snowy peaks of Mount Kenya rise above the horizon, and the sunsets are some of the most dramatic in Kenya.
Activities here
Ol Pejeta is cool and fresh at about 1,900 metres, with warm days of 20°C to 26°C and cold nights, sometimes close to 8°C. The long rains are April and May, with a lighter season in November.
| Month | Day °C | Night °C | Rain mm |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 25 | 8 | 35 |
| Feb | 26 | 9 | 35 |
| Mar | 26 | 10 | 75 |
| Apr | 24 | 12 | 170 |
| May | 22 | 11 | 130 |
| Jun | 21 | 9 | 60 |
| Jul | 20 | 8 | 55 |
| Aug | 21 | 8 | 70 |
| Sep | 24 | 8 | 50 |
| Oct | 25 | 10 | 70 |
| Nov | 23 | 11 | 120 |
| Dec | 24 | 9 | 60 |
Approximate long-term averages. Higher ground is cooler, and forests can rain in any month.
June to October and January to March are dry and sunny, with clear views of Mount Kenya at dawn. Evenings are chilly, so bring a jacket for night drives.
The rains turn the plateau green and bring fresh grass for the herbivores. Showers are usually short, and the quiet season has lower rates and good birding.
The dry months from June to October and January to March offer the easiest game viewing. Ol Pejeta works all year, and the rhinos are visited at any time. The green season has fewer visitors and spectacular skies.
Best time to visit Jan to Feb, Jun to Oct
Ol Pejeta is about 215 kilometres from Nairobi, a drive of around three and a half to four hours via Nyeri. Daily flights from Wilson Airport take about 45 minutes to the conservancy’s airstrip. It pairs easily with Lewa, the Aberdares and Samburu.
Conservancy fees are included in our safaris. Most visitors need a Kenya eTA arranged online before travel, and a passport valid for at least six months. Night drives, walks and sanctuary visits are arranged as extras.
The altitude is moderate, and mornings are cold, so bring warm layers. Please take advice on malaria before you travel.
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“Our take”
Ol Pejeta is the best place to see rhinos up close in Kenya, and a good first night in Laikipia.
Safaris from
US$2,030 per person
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