Ol Pejeta Conservancy
Central Kenya Region
Ol Pejeta Conservancy is a 360 km² not-for-profit wildlife sanctuary located in Laikipia County, Central Kenya, positioned on the equator between the Aberdares and Mount Kenya foothills. It is renowned for hosting East Africa's largest black rhinoceros sanctuary and the last two northern white rhinos in captivity, making it a critical site for rhino conservation. The conservancy also includes the Sweetwaters Chimpanzee Sanctuary, the only place in Kenya to see chimpanzees, providing refuge for orphaned and rescued individuals. Ol Pejeta supports the iconic African "Big Five" game species and a diverse range of other wildlife. Beyond wildlife protection, it integrates livestock programs benefiting local pastoralists and actively supports community development through health, education, water, and infrastructure projects. The conservancy balances conservation with sustainable tourism, offering immersive wildlife experiences such as all-day game drives and behind-the-scenes chimpanzee visits. Its dedication to conservation innovation and community partnership positions Ol Pejeta as a model for integrated wildlife and human development in Africa.
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Tip: The best time to visit Ol Pejeta Conservancy is during the dry seasons when wildlife is easier to spot. Booking game drives and special experiences like visits to the northern white rhinos or chimpanzee sanctuary in advance is recommended. The conservancy offers various concessions and discounts for groups, and visitors are encouraged to support community projects through their visits. Early morning and late afternoon game drives provide optimal wildlife viewing conditions.
Interesting facts
- •Ol Pejeta hosts the largest black rhinoceros sanctuary in East Africa, with over 100 eastern black rhinos recorded by 2013.
- •It is home to the last two known northern white rhinos in captivity, considered the final members of their species.
- •The Sweetwaters Chimpanzee Sanctuary within Ol Pejeta is the only place in Kenya where chimpanzees can be seen in a sanctuary setting.
- •Ol Pejeta is classified as a 'Key 1' black rhino population by the IUCN African Rhino Specialist Group, one of only eight such sanctuaries in Africa.
- •The conservancy operates a livestock program that benefits local pastoralists alongside wildlife conservation.
History
Originally a cattle ranch during the colonial era, Ol Pejeta was managed from 1949 by John and Jane Kenyon who expanded it into a successful beef-producing operation.
Over time, as cattle ranching became less profitable and elephants settled permanently, the land shifted focus towards wildlife conservation.
In 1988, the Sweetwaters Game Reserve was established primarily as a black rhino sanctuary.
In 2004, the UK-based Fauna and Flora International acquired the land with funding from the Arcus Foundation, converting it into a national land trust dedicated to conservation and community development.
Since then, Ol Pejeta has grown into a leading conservancy supporting endangered species and local communities.
Place Guide
Northern White Rhino Sanctuary
This sanctuary within Ol Pejeta is home to the last two northern white rhinos, offering a rare and poignant glimpse into a critically endangered species. Visitors can learn about conservation efforts to save these rhinos from extinction.
Sweetwaters Chimpanzee Sanctuary
A dedicated sanctuary providing refuge for orphaned, abandoned, and rescued chimpanzees. It is the only place in Kenya where chimpanzees can be observed in a sanctuary environment, with opportunities to learn about their care and rehabilitation.
All-Day Game Drives
Ol Pejeta offers immersive all-day game drives across its vast savannah landscapes, allowing visitors to encounter the 'Big Five' and a wide variety of African wildlife in their natural habitat.
Contact
Phone: 0707 187141
