Ol Pejeta Conservancy

Open throughout the year from 6am to 6pm, night game drives on request
The conservancy is located between the foothills of the misty Aberdares and the
snow-capped Mt. Kenya, Ol Pejeta Conservancy is in Laikipia, on the equator, west of
Nanyuki. The conservancy is famous for housing the world’s two surviving northern
white rhinos. It’s also East Africa’s largest black rhino sanctuary. For decades, Ol
Pejeta has been working to protect the wildlife in the Laikipia Plateau. The non-profit
conservancy sits on 360 sq. Km.

The History

The Ol Pejeta Conservancy dates back to colonial-era Kenya when the land was used
for cattle ranching. Due to the lack of rainfall in the Laikipia Plateau, ranching was
the best purpose for the vast crops of land in the region. Originally, the ranch covered
230 sq. Km, which expanded under the management of John and Jane Kenyon. Ol
Pejeta has had several owners over the years. As cattle rearing became less
profitable, it was necessary to reinvent the business. Declining wildlife populations in
the region presented new opportunities to utilize the land.
The Fauna and Flora International, a UK-based conservation organization, bought the
ranch and the surrounding lands in 2004. Arcus Foundation, a private charity
organization, provided the $15-million funding. The international non-profit
collaborated with the Lew’s Wildlife Conservancy and the FFI to acquire the land.
Another $12-million contribution from the Arcus Foundation served as the capital,
hence, enabling Ol Pejeta Conservancy to focus on its mission of championing local
community development and conservation.
Activities

Wildlife

The conservancy features the big five. So, expect to see an elusive leopard, a lion
hunting, an African Elephant strolling around the savannah, the Cape buffalo or a
rhino. Sightings of the black and white rhino are regular. Ol Pejeta has a high
predator density. Besides the big cats, the region is home to the endangered African
wild dog. Several other endangered species are present at OPC. They include Grevy’ s
zebra, beisa oryx and Jackson’s hartebeest.
It is also a game corridors that let animals move in and out of the conservancy freely.
The corridors have knee-high posts that are no problem for most animals. However,
rhinos can’t get through them, thus, preventing them from wandering into dangerous
territories where they could encounter poachers.

Sweetwaters Chimpanzee Sanctuary

The Sweetwaters Chimpanzee Sanctuary takes in rescued, orphaned, and abandoned
chimpanzees. It’s the only place in Kenya where you can see the species since they
are not indigenous to the region. The Sanctuary opened in 1993 to provide a home for
abused and orphaned chimpanzees from central and West Africa. Its first residents
were three orphans from Burundi that had to be evacuated during the civil war. Since
then,

Other Activities Includes

Bush and bird walks take visitors around the region, allowing them to take in the
sights, smells and sounds at a leisurely pace. With the guidance of experienced
rangers, you can marvel at everything the Sanctuary offers. The charm of safari walks
is that you can interact with the wild more intimately than on a game drive.
Lion tracking is another thrilling activity, where you can have fun while learning more
about the King of the Jungle. Guests are taught how to distinguish lions from their
whisker patterns, ear tears, the colors of their noses, and other traits.