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Ol Pejeta

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Landmark
—°5
Ol Pejeta (Kenya)

Weather…

Ol Pejeta is one of Kenya’s most successful private conservancies, situated on the high plains of Laikipia with spectacular views of Mount Kenya. It is internationally recognized for its pioneering conservation work, particularly as the home to the world’s last remaining northern white rhinos and a sanctuary for rescued chimpanzees. Travelers visit Ol Pejeta for its incredible density of wildlife, including the Big Five and rare species like Grevy's zebras. The landscape is a mix of open savannah and acacia woodlands, offering diverse safari experiences such as night drives, guided bush walks, and lion tracking, which are often restricted in national parks. The region's gastronomy reflects its ranching heritage, often featuring high-quality local beef and fresh organic produce from nearby farms. Visitors typically arrive via a scenic four-hour drive from Nairobi or a short flight to Nanyuki. The best time to visit is during the dry seasons from June to September and December to February for optimal wildlife viewing.

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is Jan–Mar.

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Avg °C181920191818171718191817
Rain mm4633872071206973856811313985

📋 Practical info

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Visiting
Ol Pejeta is a private wildlife conservancy that can be visited on guided safaris and walks. Entry is by vehicle on payment of a fee.
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Typical hours
Safaris usually start early in the morning or late afternoon. Exact opening hours of the conservancy depend on the season.
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Photography
Photography is allowed, but special rules apply at the chimpanzee center. Flash should be avoided near animals.
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Time needed
Plan at least half a day for a visit to see the rhino sanctuary and chimpanzees. A full day is recommended.
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Combine with
Combine your Ol Pejeta visit with Samburu National Reserve or the Mount Kenya area for a varied itinerary.
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Getting there
Accessible by domestic flight to Nanyuki airstrip, then by safari vehicle. Also possible with your own 4x4 via the A2 road.
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Insider tip
Visit the rhino sanctuary early in the morning for the best sightings. Book a guided walk for a more immersive experience.

Geography

Coordinates
0.00000, 37.00000

Facts

  • Home to the world's last northern white rhinos.
  • Only place in Kenya to see rescued chimpanzees.
  • Boasts a higher wildlife density than most parks.
  • Offers stunning views of Mount Kenya's peaks.
  • Located directly on the equator in Laikipia.
  • A former cattle ranch turned leading conservancy.
  • Features the Big Five: lion, leopard, elephant, rhino, buffalo.
  • Supports local communities through sustainable tourism.

Explore nearby

Notable places around

NanyukiNanyuki8 km · NExplore →
Laikipia PlateauLaikipia Plateau22 km · EExplore →
Mount Kenya National ParkMount Kenya National Park36 km · NExplore →
NyeriNyeri38 km · WExplore →
Mount KenyaMount Kenya39 km · NExplore →
Loldaika HillsLoldaika Hills42 km · NEExplore →
Aberdare RangeAberdare Range49 km · SWExplore →
Central Kenya – Coffee GrowingCentral Kenya – Coffee Growing54 km · WExplore →

Route planner — Car & Motorhome

Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.

Vehicle
Only stops with (optional):

© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService

Sights in the town Ol Pejeta (5)

Chimpanzee Enclosure🎡 recreation

The Chimpanzee Enclosure at Ol Pejeta is a spacious sanctuary that rehabilitates rescued chimps in a naturalistic riverine woodland setting.

Black Rhino Enclosure Viewpoint🌿 nature

This dedicated viewing area overlooks a highly protected zone within Ol Pejeta where endangered East African black rhinos graze safely.

Chimp Sanctuary🌿 nature

This specialized sanctuary within the Ol Pejeta conservancy provides a safe, forested haven for orphaned and abused chimpanzees from across Africa.

Mount Kenya Wildlife Estate🌿 nature

Mount Kenya Wildlife Estate is a conservation-focused residential area bordering Ol Pejeta, featuring open plains where plains game roam freely against the backdrop of Mount Kenya.

Ol Pejeta Endangered Species Sanctuary🎡 recreation

The Ol Pejeta Endangered Species Sanctuary is a heavily guarded enclosure dedicated to the intensive protection and breeding of the world's rarest rhinos.

Sights nearby

Frequently asked questions

Ol Pejeta: where is it located?
Ol Pejeta is located in Kenya.
Ol Pejeta: what is there to see?
Highlights include Chimpanzee Enclosure, Black Rhino Enclosure Viewpoint, Chimp Sanctuary.
Ol Pejeta: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Jan, Mar.
Ol Pejeta: why is it worth visiting?
Ol Pejeta is one of Kenya’s most successful private conservancies, situated on the high plains of Laikipia with spectacular views of Mount Kenya.
View on map → The Top 50 Attractions → OpenStreetMap →
Africa
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Nearby cities

Nanyuki — Ol Pejeta (Kenya)
Nanyuki
Nanyuki is a market town in Laikipia County, famously situated exactly on the Equator.
Nyahururu — Ol Pejeta (Kenya)
Nyahururu
Nyahururu is a high-altitude town in central Kenya, historically known as Thomson's Falls.
Mount Kenya — Ol Pejeta (Kenya)
Mount Kenya
Africa's second-highest peak, a UNESCO World Heritage site with snow-capped summits on the Equator.
Lake Baringo — Ol Pejeta (Kenya)
Lake Baringo
A freshwater lake in the northern Rift Valley, known as a birdwatcher's paradise and home to hippos.
Nyeri — Ol Pejeta (Kenya)
Nyeri
Nyeri is located in the central highlands of Kenya and is an important center for coffee and tea farming.
Aberdare — Ol Pejeta (Kenya)
Aberdare
A high-altitude sanctuary of misty moorlands, deep ravines, and dramatic waterfalls within the central highlands.
Embu — Ol Pejeta (Kenya)
Embu
Embu is a prominent town in the Eastern Province, situated at the foothills of Mount Kenya.
Isiolo — Ol Pejeta (Kenya)
Isiolo
Isiolo is a culturally diverse town located in the upper eastern region of Kenya, acting as a gateway to the north.
Meru — Ol Pejeta (Kenya)
Meru
Meru is a major town in eastern Kenya, situated on the northeastern slopes of Mount Kenya.
Runyenjes — Ol Pejeta (Kenya)
Runyenjes
Runyenjes is an agricultural town in Embu County, characterized by steep hills and fertile valleys.
Makuyu — Ol Pejeta (Kenya)
Makuyu
Makuyu is a small, quiet town located along the Nairobi-Nyeri highway in Murang'a County.
Chuka — Ol Pejeta (Kenya)
Chuka
Chuka is a lively agricultural and university town located on the eastern slopes of Mount Kenya.

Nature

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Galana River
A major river on the coast.
Lake Ol Bolossat — Ol Pejeta (Kenya)
Lake Ol Bolossat
The only lake in the Central Province.

More places

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Yatta Plateau
Long, narrow lava plateau.
Tsavo Forest — Ol Pejeta (Kenya)
Tsavo Forest
An important forest and savanna area.
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Tsavo Plains
Vast savanna plain in the southeast.
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Laikipia Plateau
A significant highland area.
Mount Kenya National Park — Ol Pejeta (Kenya)
Mount Kenya National Park
Mount Kenya is the second-highest mountain in Africa and offers a diverse flora and fauna at various altitudes.
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Loldaika Hills
Rocky hilly country north of Laikipia.
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Aberdare Range
A volcanic mountain range.
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Central Kenya – Coffee Growing
Coffee from Central Kenya is considered one of the best in the world.