An Ol Pejeta safari offers one of the most meaningful wildlife experiences in Kenya — this pioneering Laikipia conservancy is home to the world’s last two northern white rhinos and East Africa’s largest black rhino sanctuary. Set between the foothills of Mount Kenya and the Aberdares, Ol Pejeta combines the full Big Five with a chimpanzee sanctuary, lion tracking and award-winning conservation. You can get closer to the wildlife — and the work to protect it — than almost anywhere else. This guide covers the top things to do at Ol Pejeta, the wildlife, the best time to visit, and how it fits a Kenya safari.
Why Visit Ol Pejeta
Ol Pejeta is a conservation success story you can be part of. It protects the last two northern white rhinos on earth, more than 160 critically endangered black rhinos, and the full Big Five — all set against the backdrop of snow-capped Mount Kenya.
Unlike a national park, this private conservancy allows experiences impossible elsewhere: guided rhino encounters, lion tracking with researchers, night game drives and a visit to the only chimpanzee sanctuary in Kenya. It’s a rewarding, hands-on safari with real impact.
Top Things to Do
1. Meet the Last Northern White Rhinos
Stand in the presence of Najin and Fatu, the last two northern white rhinos on the planet, protected around the clock at Ol Pejeta — a profoundly moving wildlife encounter.
2. Track Black Rhino and the Big Five
Ol Pejeta holds East Africa’s largest black rhino population and the complete Big Five, giving outstanding chances to tick off lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo and rhino.
3. Visit the Sweetwaters Chimpanzee Sanctuary
Kenya’s only chimpanzee sanctuary gives rescued chimps a safe home — and visitors a rare chance to learn about our closest relatives.
4. Go Lion Tracking
Join researchers to track collared lions, learning how the conservancy balances thriving predators with neighbouring communities.
5. Enjoy a Night Game Drive
As a private conservancy, Ol Pejeta offers night drives to spot nocturnal species like aardvark, bushbaby and hunting big cats.
Ready to experience Ol Pejeta? Plan your trip with our safari experts.
Wildlife to See
Ol Pejeta combines the Big Five with rare conservation species. Look for:
- Northern & black rhino — the conservancy’s flagship species
- Lion, leopard, elephant & buffalo — completing the Big Five
- Cheetah & wild dog — across the open plains
- Chimpanzees — at the Sweetwaters sanctuary
- Grevy’s zebra & over 500 bird species
Best Time to Visit Ol Pejeta
Ol Pejeta is excellent year-round thanks to its reliable water and managed habitat. The dry seasons (June to October and December to March) offer the easiest game viewing, while the green months bring lush scenery and superb birding. Mornings and evenings are best for predators.
How Ol Pejeta Fits Into a Kenya Safari
Ol Pejeta is a superb standalone conservancy safari or part of a central-Kenya circuit. See our Ol Pejeta & Masai Mara Luxury Safari, which pairs it with the Mara. It also combines beautifully with nearby Laikipia and Lake Nakuru for a rhino-focused journey.
“Standing beside the last two northern white rhinos brought us to tears. Ol Pejeta is more than a safari — it’s conservation you can feel, and the lion tracking was unforgettable.” — a recent Sense of Adventure guest
Ol Pejeta Belongs on Your Kenya Safari
For rhinos, the Big Five, chimpanzees and a safari with genuine conservation impact, few places match Ol Pejeta. Get in touch and we’ll fold it into your perfect Kenya trip.
Ready to experience Ol Pejeta? Plan your trip with our safari experts.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How far is Ol Pejeta from Nairobi?
Ol Pejeta Conservancy is about 200 kilometres from Nairobi, roughly a 3.5 to 4 hour drive near Nanyuki, or a short scheduled flight to the conservancy’s airstrip.
Can you see the northern white rhinos at Ol Pejeta?
Yes. Ol Pejeta is home to Najin and Fatu, the last two northern white rhinos on earth, and visitors can see them under careful protection alongside the conservancy’s black and southern white rhinos.
What is the best time to visit Ol Pejeta?
The dry seasons of June to October and December to March offer the easiest game viewing, though Ol Pejeta’s managed habitat makes it rewarding throughout the year.
How many days do you need at Ol Pejeta?
Two days lets you enjoy the rhinos, Big Five, chimpanzee sanctuary and a night drive. It is often combined with the Masai Mara, Laikipia or Lake Nakuru on a longer safari.
What animals can you see at Ol Pejeta?
Ol Pejeta offers the Big Five plus the last northern white rhinos, cheetah, wild dog, Grevy’s zebra, chimpanzees and over 500 bird species.