Ol Pejeta Conservancy – Overview

Ol Pejeta Conservancy is an incredible experience. Quite apart from being the most accessible of all the Laikipia conservancies, Ol Pejeta combines fantastic wildlife viewing with stirring scenery, a terrific range of accommodations and some brilliant activities. When it comes to wildlife, Ol Pejeta is the closest Big Five reserve to Nairobi (although leopard can be hard to see). It’s also the largest black rhino sanctuary in East Africa, and it provides a refuge for the last two northern white rhino left on earth.

Best Time To Go

June to September (Dry season)

High Season

June to October and December to March

Size More info

364km² / 141mi²

Altitude More info

1,748-2,033m / 5,735-6,670ft

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Pros & Cons

• Excellent wildlife viewing, including all of the Big Five
• Great sightings of black and white rhino
• The last two northern white rhinos on earth
• Many activities, including night drives, lion tracking and walking
• Stunning views of Mt Kenya
• Only reserve in Laikipia allowing day visits
• Fantastic accommodations
• The presence of cattle reduces the wilderness appeal
• Can be very crowded on weekends

Wildlife

Ol Pejeta Conservancy offers excellent wildlife viewing. All of the Big Five are here (but don’t count on seeing leopard) and sightings of both black rhino and white rhino are common. Ol Pejeta has some of the highest predator densities in the region, and in addition to the big cats, there is a small chance of seeing wild dogs. Other sought-after species here include the Beisa oryx, reticulated giraffe and Grevy's zebra.

Scenery

Ol Pejeta Conservancy has good looks to go with its substance. Extending between the foothills of the Aberdares and magnificent, snowcapped Mt Kenya, it’s a superb spot with so many glorious backdrops for those special wildlife sightings. Habitats here include grasslands, woodland, riverine forest and wetland. The conservancy flanks the scenic Ewaso Nyiro River.

Activities

Ol Pejeta has the best activities of any reserve in Kenya. In addition to guided game drives, for additional fees you can go lion tracking, meet the last two northern white rhinos, enjoy a night game drive, join anti-poaching dog tracking teams, and go horseback riding alongside rhinos. You can book these online or through your accommodations. For free, you can also visit the Sweetwaters Chimpanzee Sanctuary, visit the rhino cemetery, meet ‘Baraka’ the blind black rhino, and visit the informative visitor center at Morani.

Weather & Climate

Average daytime temperatures at Ol Pejeta don’t vary much from 23°C/73°F, thanks to its closeness to the equator. That said, the park’s altitude lends it a distinct coolness, which is especially felt on early morning game drives. There’s always the chance of rain during the Dry season (June to September). But it is guaranteed in the Wet season (October to May), particularly in the twin rainfall peaks of April and November.

Best Time To Visit

Tracking wildlife in Ol Pejeta is easiest in the drier months when the roads are reliable. The best time is during the Dry season (June to September), but it’s also very good from December to February. The only downside is that the conservancy can get flooded with visitors at these times. Also, up until September, the dry landscape lacks the striking lushness of the Wet season (October to May).

Want To Visit Ol Pejeta Conservancy?

• Ol Pejeta Conservancy Safaris & Tours
• Tour Operators for Ol Pejeta Conservancy