Ol pejeta conservancy nestled between the foothills of the Aberdares and the Mount Kenya, It is a conservation success story unlike no other. Spanning over 90,000 acres in Laikipia County of Kenya it is a non-profit conservancy that offers unmatched Safari experience while actively promoting sustainable tourism, conservation and community integration in conservation developments.
A safari at this place will give you a Safari experience as you get to see the iconic species of Africa and also have an experience with conservation activities that keep the conservancy on top of the World charts. If you are a wildlife enthusiast, travelling for luxury or a supporter of Ol Pejeta conservancy activities this is the place you need to visit. In this article, we get to discuss why the conservancy is the place you need to visit and should be part of your Itinerary.
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History of Ol Pejeta Conservancy
It started as a cattle ranch in the colonial era of Kenya. It was later transformed into a private conservancy in the 1980s, and in 2004, it officially became the Ol Pejeta Conservancy. It all began by combining cattle ranching with conservation in a harmonious land-use model that has been working out perfectly. Today, the conservancy is known for its innovative measures to conserve the endangered species as well as a robust community outreach programs. Read more about Ol Pejeta Conservancy.
Wildlife at the Ol Pejeta
The most famous of the animals at the Ol Pejeta is the Big Five. The lions, the leopard, the elephant, the buffalo, and rhinos all at once. The conservancy is famous for having a good rhino population of about 140 black rhinos and 40 white rhinos.
The Last Two Northern White Rhinos
The last two remaining northern white rhinos on the planet can be found at the Ol Pejeta, seeing them is quite the experience. The two rhinos known as Najina nd Fatu live under 24-hour armed guard to bring back the subspecies from extinction through in vitro fertilization(IVF) through stem cell research.
Black Rhinos and White Rhinos
Ol Pejeta in East Africa has the LArgest black rhino sanctuary and plays a role in protecting the endangered species. The white rhinos also thrive here, making this conservancy one of the best breeding hubs of the rhinos.
The Sweetwaters Chimpanzee Sanctuary.
This Chimpanzee Sanctuary is home to rescued chimpanzees from across Central Africa. These orphans and abused in their countries of origin are now living in a protected area. In this new environment, they can heal and live as naturally as they want.
Predators and Other Wildlife
Apart from the endangered species being preserved here, other animals that live here are the predators of Africa. These include the lions, cheetahs, leopards, and Hyenas. Other Wildlife that live here are the herbivores that live in the African bush, such as the Jackson’s hartebeest and the endangered species, such as the Grevy’s Zebra, and other smaller animals, such as the impala, hippos, and giraffes.
Conservation and Research programs at the Ol pejeta
Leading Wildlife Protection
Advanced technologies such as GPS tracking and camera traps, and drones are used in monitoring and protecting the wildlife, together with some armed rangers, to keep the safety up to standard. There is a K-9 anti-poaching unit that responds rapidly to poaching reports as well as helps with livestock integration to help manage the land properly.
Innovative Land Use
Ol Pejeta Conservancy successfully combines wildlife with cattle ranching that is carefully managed to improve grass quality for wild herbivores while generating income for operations and community programs. Livestock grazing is carefully managed to improve quality of grass for wild herbivores at the same time generating income from the wildlife attractions.
Scientific Research
Ol pejeta works togetehr with global research instittions to study everything from rhino behaviours to the genegtic make up of endnagered species. the northen white rhino ivf project in collaboartion with the European labs is a landmark in conservation biology.
Community Engagement and Eco-Tourism
Supporting Local Communities.
The revenue collected from the Olpejeta revene goes to community development projects. These include project include healthcare centres, water projects and schools for the communities at the conservancy. The are over 20 neighbouring communities to ensure conservation benefits the people around.
Education and Outreach
The conservancy runs an Environment Education Centre, welcoming thousands of Kenyan school children annually. Through hands-on learning and wildlife experiences, the growing children get inspired to value and protect their natural heritage.
Things to be done at Ol Pejeta Conservancy
These are the range of activities to be done at the Conservancy for all ages and interests.
Game Drives
Drive through the diverse landscapes and get to spot everything you want to see, such as the lions and rhinos. The conservancy allows night drives, offering a glimpse into the world of Africa’s predators.
Chimpanzee Sanctuary
A tour of the sweetwaresr Chimpanzee Sanctuary and get to learn about some of the heartbreaking but equally inspiring stories of the rescued apes that have a new home that they now enjoy living in.
Guided walks
If you want to have a walk around the Conservancy, it is important to hire a guide to take you around and discover some of the smaller creatures that often miss in the game drives. This way visitors can get a deeper understanding of the ecosystem.
Horseback Safari
Take a safarion a horse back in a predator free area, where you can interact with the herbivours up close such as the rhino, the horse rides should also be guided by a guide with a riffle incase of anything.
Lion Tracking
Lions are tracked using radio collars to have a close follow of the lions during the study periods. In addition, visitors can have a tour of the research labs and the animal care facilities.
Accommodation Options in Ol Pejeta
Ol Pejeta has a wide variety of accommodations ranging from luxury camps to budget-friendly lodges.
- Sweetwaters Serena Camp
One of the high end teneted camps at the conservancy with great views of a watering hole that attracts wildlife day and night. - Ol Pejeta Bush camp
This s is an eco friendly tented camp for travelers interested in Conservation. At this place you can enjoy interact with the researchers and rangers. - Pelican House
A private accommodation house that is perfect for families or groups looking for an exclusive experience. - The Stables This is a budget-friendly option for students and volunteers.
How to get to the Ol Pejeta Conservancy
Found to the North of Nairobi at 200 kilometers distance. You can get to the Conservancy through the road and also by air. If you take the road it will take only 3 to 4 hours to get to the Conservancy. Flights are available from the WIlson Airport in Nairobi to the Nanyuki Airstrip which is just 45 minutes away from the Ol pejeta.
The best time to visit the Ol Pejeta Conservancy is during the dry seasons that is the months of June and October and also the months of December and February.
Those months are the best to visit with clear skies and high chances of spotting animals as they gather for water around the water holes.
Why Ol Pejeta should be part of your itinerary
The most obvious reason for visiting the Ol Pejeta is to see the last two northern white rhinos and also the largest black rhino sanctuary. In addition, get to visit the only chimpanzee sanctuary in Kenya and also watch the big five of the jungle all at once. It is a great learning opportunity of what conservation and community can do if they work together for a common goal. Improving livelihoods and giving hope for a better life for the animals that face extinction.