Ol Pejeta Conservancy (Laikipia)

Ol Pejeta Conservancy

Overview

Wildlife

Birds

Best Time To Visit

Weather & Climate

Getting There

Malaria & Safety

Ol Pejeta Conservancy offers an unforgettable adventure, boasting the title of most accessible Laikipia sanctuary. This gem combines thrilling wildlife viewing with stunning scenery, diverse accommodation options, and exciting activities. As for the wildlife, Ol Pejeta is the closest Big Five reserve to Nairobi (though leopard sightings can be elusive). More importantly, it’s the largest black rhino sanctuary in East Africa and a sanctuary for the last two remaining northern white rhinos on the planet.

Best Time To Go

June to September (Dry season)

High Season

June to October and December to March

Size

364km² / 141mi²

Altitude

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

Excellent Big Five viewing, including rare black & white rhinos

Home to the last two northern white rhinos on Earth

Diverse activities like night drives, lion tracking & walking safaris

Stunning views of Mount Kenya

Only Laikipia reserve allowing day visits

Great accommodation options

Presence of cattle grazing alongside wildlife

Can get crowded on weekends

Ol Pejeta Conservancy is a haven for wildlife enthusiasts. This sanctuary boasts sightings of all the Big Five, with black and white rhinos being particularly common – including the last two remaining northern white rhinos on Earth. Ol Pejeta’s high predator density means you might encounter lions and even the elusive wild dog. Beyond the Big Five, keep your eyes peeled for the unique Beisa oryx, the striking reticulated giraffe, and the majestic Grevy’s zebra, all roaming the conservancy’s vast plains.

Ol Pejeta Conservancy elevates your safari beyond game drives. Unforgettable experiences await, from lion tracking and meeting the last northern white rhinos (for a fee) to thrilling night game drives. Join the fight against poaching with anti-poaching dog teams, or (once available again) ride horseback alongside rhinos. Free options abound too: explore the Sweetwaters Chimpanzee Sanctuary, visit the rhino cemetery, meet Baraka the blind black rhino, or learn about conservation at the Morani visitor center. Book paid activities online or through your lodging to secure your spot in these adventures.

Beyond its abundant wildlife, Ol Pejeta Conservancy stuns with its dramatic landscapes. Imagine spotting lions against the majestic backdrop of snow-capped Mount Kenya, or capturing zebras grazing near the scenic Ewaso Nyiro River. The conservancy boasts a diverse range of habitats, from sprawling grasslands and woodlands to riverine forests and wetlands, creating a photographer’s paradise for every encounter.

Ol Pejeta Conservancy enjoys pleasant year-round temperatures due to its location near the equator. Days average a comfortable 23°C/73°F, but the park’s high altitude adds a refreshing touch, especially on early morning adventures. Rainfall patterns are clear-cut. The Dry Season (June-September) is mostly sunny with a chance of occasional rain, while the Wet Season (October-May) brings guaranteed rainfall, peaking in April and November. Pack accordingly for your safari experience!

Ol Pejeta’s dry season (June-September) and December-February offer ideal conditions for wildlife tracking. Reliable roads and clear visibility make spotting animals easier, but this prime time also coincides with peak tourist season. The lush beauty of the wet season (October-May) comes with the trade-off of potentially challenging road conditions. Choose your adventure: prioritize smooth tracking with crowds, or embrace the scenic wet season knowing there might be some mud.

Kenya Safaris

Ol Pejeta Conservancy boasts all members of the Big Five, making it a prime location for an unforgettable safari. Thrillingly, it’s the largest black rhino sanctuary in East Africa, with over 160 black rhinos and more than 40 white rhinos calling it home. Beyond rhinos, Ol Pejeta is said to have the highest predator density in Kenya (outside the Masai Mara), so keep your eyes peeled for lions, cheetahs, and hyenas!

Elephant

Giraffe

Hippo

Buffallo

Zebra

Wildebeest

White Rhino

Black Rhino

Lion

Leopard

Cheetah

Hyena

Peek into the lives of rescued chimpanzees (from a distance) at the Sweetwaters Chimpanzee Sanctuary within Ol Pejeta. This same sanctuary is the world’s last refuge for the northern white rhinos – see them for free from a designated area, or get closer with a paid encounter. Beyond these unique residents, look out for elegant reticulated giraffes, graceful defassa waterbuck, impressive buffalo herds, and even a hyena den near the airstrip. Sweetwaters packs a surprising punch of wildlife diversity into your Ol Pejeta adventure.

Prime wildlife viewing at Ol Pejeta Conservancy aligns with the dry season (June-September) and extends to December-February, offering clear skies and reliable roads. This prime time, however, coincides with more visitors. Birding enthusiasts might prefer December-February. The wet season (April & November) boasts beautiful landscapes, but heavy rains make muddy black cotton soil roads challenging to navigate, potentially impacting wildlife viewing. Opt for a 4WD vehicle during these months.

Kenya Safaris

Ol Pejeta Conservancy boasts over 500 bird species, making it a haven for ornithology enthusiasts. Lodges offer guided bird walks in the mornings and afternoons, perfect for spotting a diverse range of birds with a small group (max 6 people). While spotting large mammals takes center stage on regular game drives, consider a private safari vehicle if birdwatching is your top priority.

Notable Birds in Ol Pejeta Conservancy

Ostrich

common

Secretary bird

common

Black-winged lapwing

common

Hildebrandt’s starling

common

Rosy-throated longclaw

common

Cinnamon-chested bee-eater

Abyssinian scimitarbill

Yellow-necked spurfowl

White-eyed slaty flycatcher

White-bellied go-away bird

Temminck’s courser

Taita fiscal

Rufous chatterer

Rosy-throated longclaw

Nubian woodpecker

Montagu’s harrier

Ol Pejeta Conservancy is a birder’s paradise year-round, with over 500 species to spot. Witness the vibrant breeding plumage of migrant birds from Europe and North Africa (November-April), which partially overlaps the Wet Season (October-May). For comfortable weather and a chance to combine birding with general wildlife viewing, December-February is ideal. Lodges offer guided walks, but for dedicated birders, consider a private safari vehicle to maximize your sightings.

Kenya Safaris

Bird Species

450+

Migratory Birds

Nov to Apr

Jan

Feb

Mar

Apr

May

Jun

Jul

Aug

Sep

Oct

Nov

Dec

Ol Pejeta offers year-round wildlife encounters, but the dry season reigns supreme (June-September) with clear skies and reliable roads. December-February is another good option, though busier. Opt for a 4×4 vehicle during the wet season (October-November & March-May) as heavy rains can turn black cotton soil roads muddy, potentially impacting excursions.

Best Time

June to September (Dry season)

High Season

June to October and December to March (High traffic at some lodges)

Low Season

April, May, and November (Potentially poor road conditions)

Best Weather

June to September and December to February (Minimal rain)

Worst Weather

March, April, May, and October, November (Periods of long and short rains)

It's mostly sunny with minimal rain

Ideal time for wildlife viewing as water sources attract many animals

Thinner vegetation improves animal visibility

Roads are in good condition

The reserve can get quite busy, especially on weekends

Dust in the air can reduce visibility

The reserve is less crowded, and you may find low-season rates

Excellent bird watching opportunities with migratory birds present

Newborn animals are often seen

Lush scenery offers stunning views of Mt. Kenya on clear days

Smaller animals can be hard to spot in the tall grass

Road conditions in some areas can be poor, requiring a sturdy 4x4

Rain can disrupt game drives

Some lodges close in April and/or May

Kenya Safaris

Ol Pejeta Conservancy’s high altitude provides a welcome respite from the heat, offering consistent year-round comfort. Daytime temperatures sunbathe in the mid-twenties Celsius (seventies to low eighties Fahrenheit), ideal for wildlife spotting adventures. Pack some warm layers though, as nights tend to be cooler, especially for those thrilling early morning game drives. Rainfall follows a predictable pattern: the long rains dominate March to May, while November experiences a shorter burst of wet weather.

The dry season at Ol Pejeta Conservancy (June-September) is a paradise for sun-seekers. While occasional rain can occur, expect mostly sunny days with comfortable average temperatures around 23°C/73°F.

Remember, the high altitude brings cooler nights and early mornings, with temperatures dipping to around 10°C/50°F. Pack some warm layers for those pre-dawn game drives, where the crisp air adds to the thrill of spotting wildlife.

Throughout June, July, and August, daytime temperatures remain delightfully consistent, averaging around 23°C/73°F. August does see a slight increase in rain showers, but nothing to dampen your safari adventure.

The wet season at Ol Pejeta Conservancy stretches from October to May, but don’t despair! A drier interlude exists from December to February, offering a reprieve between the “short rains” and the heavier “long rains.”

Short Rains (October & November):

Expect the first showers to arrive in October, with pleasant daytime temperatures averaging 24°C/75°F.

Overcast days are more common during this period.

Shoulder Season (December-February):

This drier period offers a welcome break from the rain, though occasional showers are still a possibility.

Daytime temperatures remain comfortable.

Remember, the exact timing of the wet season can vary slightly year-to-year.

Long Rains (March-May):

April takes the crown for the wettest month. While it likely won’t rain all day, navigating muddy tracks can be challenging.

Pack accordingly, as mornings can be chilly with temperatures around 11°C/52°F.

Kenya Safaris

Landing at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (NBO) near Nairobi is your likely entry point. From there, Ol Pejeta Conservancy lies roughly 210 kilometers northeast, a 3-4 hour drive*. The final stretch (about 13 kilometers) is on unpaved roads, making a 4×4 essential during the rainy season. Ol Pejeta often gets combined with other Laikipia Plateau conservancies or Meru National Park.

*Estimated drive times are provided, but always factor in the possibility of delays.

To find airlines and current fares, search for flights to NBO (Jomo Kenyatta International Airport) on travel websites like Skyscanner

For the swiftest access to Ol Pejeta Conservancy, hop on a scheduled daily flight from Nairobi’s Wilson Airport (WIL) to Nanyuki Airstrip, just a 45-minute drive away. Craving a private arrival? Charter flights from other parks can land directly at Ol Pejeta’s airstrip (currently charters only). Tour operators typically handle these arrangements within your safari package. Domestic carriers serving Nanyuki include AirKenya (Lewa Downs, Loisaba, Meru, Wilson Airport, Samburu, Masai Mara) and Safarilink (Wilson Airport, Masai Mara).

Flying is the fastest way to reach Ol Pejeta Conservancy. Daily flights take off from Nairobi’s Wilson Airport (WIL) and land at Nanyuki Airstrip, which is just a 45-minute drive from the conservancy.

Want to arrive in style? You can charter a private flight from another park and land directly at Ol Pejeta’s airstrip. Our safari packages include these private flights as part of the deal.

Here are the airlines that offer scheduled flights to Nanyuki, the closest airstrip to Ol Pejeta:

AirKenya: flies to several locations including Lewa Downs, Loisaba, Meru National Park, Nairobi’s Wilson Airport, Samburu, and the Masai Mara.

Safarilink: connects Nairobi’s Wilson Airport with the Masai Mara.

Kenya Safaris

Ol Pejeta Conservancy is generally safe, especially on organized tours. Independent travelers should stay informed by checking the latest updates on the area’s safety and security. Our ‘Safety & Security – Kenya’ page (link below) provides official government travel advisories for Kenya, including Ol Pejeta.

Before your Kenyan adventure, get recommended vaccinations and a yellow fever certificate (required upon return for some countries). Ol Pejeta has malaria, so antimalarials are a must. Fight the bite: DEET repellent and covering up evenings are your best defenses against malaria-carrying mosquitos.

ldlife viewing is safe when you follow the reserve’s rules. Your expert guide will provide specific instructions, so listen attentively for your safety. For additional details, see ‘Wildlife Viewing Safety Precautions’ below.