OL PEJETA WILDLIFE SANCTUARY
All the Big Five, Plus Chimpanzees
Lions? Leopards? And Chimps
Only at Ol Pejeta, the closest spot to Nairobi where you can see all of Africa’s Big Five. Also, the largest black rhino sanctuary in East Africa. And the only place in Kenya where you can see chimpanzees in a natural setting.
Here are some other headlines coming out of Ol Pejeta:
- The highest density of predators in Kenya – lots of lions, cheetahs, and leopards. Plus, jackals, caracals, foxes, and endangered African wild dogs.
- The last two surviving northern white rhinos make their home in the protected confines of the sanctuary – two females, Najin and Fatu.
Sweetwaters
When at Ol Pejeta don’t miss the Sweetwaters Chimpanzee Sanctuary. You can’t find these lively creatures on any other safari in Kenya. The large, natural enclosures here are home to over 40 rescued and abandoned chimps.
Created by the Jane Goodall Institute and the Kenya Wildlife Service, the orphaned chimps are nurtured back to health to live out their lives in an environmentally appropriate setting.
The Land
The variety of wildlife isn’t the only attraction at Ol Pejeta, the land offers visitors contrasting habitats which harbor the wonderful diversity of animals. On your safari, you’ll be traveling through these natural landscapes.
Grasslands
Open bush
Dense bush
Riverine Forest
Swamps
Through these spaces, your safari will also bring you close to giraffe, monkey, baboon, impala, gazelle, zebra, hippo, and hyena. While in the trees above, the sanctuary’s 300 bird species will entertain with their busy activity and colors. And all this exciting wildlife is framed by towering Mt. Kenya in the distance.
Don’t Miss…
Sweetwaters Chimpanzee Sanctuary – The only place in Kenya you can see chimpanzees in the semi-wild. The 40 or so orphaned chimps sleep in large enclosures but during the day they’re off – exploring, grooming each other, and even walking along trails. Lots of fun!
Endangered Species Enclosure – Ol Pejeta is also a protected home for black and the last northern white rhinos. The enclosure area is large enough for game drives and yet still protects the rhinos from poachers. You’ll also find other endangered species here like Grevy’s zebra, Jackson’s hartebeest, and oryx.
Night Safari – You can’t go on a night safari in most national parks but Ol Pejeta is a private reserve with some unique opportunities. There’s something thrilling about a night game drive – the land takes on a feeling of expectation. Look for the shining eyes of aardvark, fox, and leopard looking back at you.
Cycling Safari – Here’s something different – pedal your way past grazing animals while taking in the rolling landscape. The cycling safari lasts a full day with a 42 km (26 mi) route, including a lunch stop at Big Rock. And there’s even some light rock climbing included.
Horseback Safari – This is the ultimate safari for fun and bragging rights – exploring the reserve on horseback! The two-hour ride will take you through the white rhino enclosure and onto the Ol Pejeta plains. There’s nothing quite like being astride an animal to get up close to the wildlife.
Community Projects
These reserve-based projects help the livelihoods of the nearby rural communities.
- Education for local students, including computer skills training
- Healthcare – providing medical supplies to the local health centers and mobile clinic
- Energy – providing hundreds of local families with energy-efficient stoves – reducing the need for firewood.
Ol Pejeta Eco-Facts
- Sanctuaries to protect endangered chimpanzees, oryx, hartebeest, Grevy’s zebra, and bat-eared fox
- Home to the world’s last remaining northern white rhinos
- The largest black rhino sanctuary in East Africa – the rhino population has increased by over 100 in the last 25 years.
Survey: Ol Pejeta Conservancy
The Conservancy is 207 km (128 mi) north of Nairobi and is 360 sq. km (139 sq. mi) in size.
Location: Central Kenya – between the foothills of the Aberdare Range and the snow-capped peak of Mt. Kenya.
Climate: Near the equator, but not too hot because of its altitude. Dress for summer temperatures of about 24 C (75 F).
Best time to visit: The dry months of June through September, and December through February offer the best wildlife viewing.
Operating hours: 7:00 am – 7:00 pm
Getting there: By road – we’ll take you there on an Africa Kenya Safaris tour from Nairobi.
This is Ol Pejeta
So many types of wildlife and so many safari ways to see them – by Jeep, bicycle, and even horseback. Explore the sanctuaries of Ol Pejeta and then go on a night safari. Close to Nairobi, this is one of the most special reserves in Kenya.
Join Us at Ol Pejeta
Let Africa Kenya Safaris take you to the adventure and fascination of this exceptional reserve. We offer safaris leaving from Nairobi journeying to Ol Pejeta and many other Kenya wildlife parks.
Just click below to start your adventure.
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