Ol Pejeta Conservancy — Attraction in Laikipia County

We had a fantastic experience at Ol Pejeta Conservancy.

We were able to see elephants, zebras, antelopes, baboons, a few giraffes, chimpanzees, buffalos, warthogs, rhinos, and more! The animals were often close to the road, so we were able to get a fantastic view.

It isn’t a zoo, the animals are free to roam over vast expanses of land, and their habitat is kept almost completely as it is. It is wonderful enjoying the beautiful landscape, biding your time until you finally spot the animals you want to see!

The enclosure of Baraka the blind northern white rhino and the chimpanzee sanctuary were well-kept and very educational, as there was plenty of information for those interested. The Ol Pejeta park rangers also answered all questions with skill, and clearly cared deeply about these animals and their welfare.

This is a great family day out. With an experienced guide, you’ll have a fantastic time.

Recommendations:

We went with a local tour guide who had his own safari car – I would definitely recommend using a vehicle that has an open-top roof, as we were able to get a much better view of the animals this way. The terrain can also be rocky at times, so a normal car could have got stuck in certain points such as the watering hole.

Also, going with a guide meant that he knew the best spots to see various wildlife at different times of day. Without his expertise, we may not have seen more than a few zebras and antelopes. We found a local guide through our network - so if you are not a Kenyan local, definitely go with the park’s own rangers so you don’t get conned.

Arrive early so that you can see the animals when they are most active. By the time we were leaving in the afternoon, the rhinos and some other animals were sleeping.

Lions are a rare spot. We didn’t see them this time, but perhaps contact them in advance and ask the rangers what time you should arrive in advance if you want a better chance. As early as possible is...

Visited on 3rd Dec. 2024. As part of a school trip for our Tourism course at Dedan Kimathi University we had an amazing time at Ol Pejeta Conservancy!😊What makes Ol Pejeta so special? It is a home to Endangered Species (and I mean seriously endangered) 🦏 The last two northern white rhinos in the world—Najin and Fatu—live there under 24/7 armed protection. It’s sad but powerful to see them, knowing you're looking at a species on the edge of extinction. Black rhinos, which are critically endangered due to poaching, are also protected there. Ol Pejeta has one of the highest populations in East Africa. We got to meet Baraka- a blind rhino who resides there.He is well taken care of for sure. They even have a rescued chimpanzee sanctuary, which is the only one in Kenya, for chimps rescued from war zones and illegal trafficking in Central Africa.I have to admit that the chimpanzees made me so happy 😆they were so cheeky & intelligent.😅

My Honest & Helpful Guide:

Wildlife Galore! – We saw rhinos,zebras,elephants...the real deal! It honestly felt like being in a live Nat Geo episode.

Guided & Safe – The guides were super knowledgeable and made the experience more insightful (and safe, of course).

Conservation Goals – You don’t just visit, you learn! Ol Pejeta does serious work in protecting endangered species – it makes you respect nature more.

No Littering, Seriously 🚫 – They are strict about plastic and trash. It’s clean for a reason. Be kind to the environment.

Pack Smart – Snacks, enough water, and maybe your favorite chocolate bar. Food facilities are limited (unless it changed recently).

Take PHOTOS 📸 – I can't say this enough! Memories fade but photos stick around. Don’t be like me – my phone died early and I missed out. 😭

Stay Curious – Ask questions, explore more, and take in the views. It’s a mix of fun, learning, and beautiful...

Beware! The rangers here are running an extortion scheme ! Before, they would stop cars and ask for bribes to take you offroad to see lions etc. We always refused. Now they have a new scam. Since most roads are single lane, you have to move slightly off to make room for others to pass. The ranger will take photos or ask certain tour company drivers to take photos and claim you were about to go off road. They blackmail you for bribes to spilt among themselves. Wekept getting told someone called Yator was fining us 10k or we could bribe by sending mpesa to a private number. The tourist helpline agreed we were being wrongfully held and said he was coming to assist. But after our initial conversation he ignored our calls and never showed up, leaving junior officers to handle a clearly biased issue. My friend & I were blocked at the gate for 2 hours by men with guns and it was dark. Fearing for our safety, we reluctantly paid the 10k fine eventhough we didnt go offroad and had a low clearance saloon that is totally incapable of offroading. We insisted on paying to the Ol Pejeta paybill and not the ring leader. The worst experience I've had in any national park. Intimidation, coercion and pure malice. I have been to Ol Pejeta over 15 times in 20 yrs and often recommended it. I will NEVER go back and will actively discourage all my family, friends and visitors from going. Also stopping my donations with immediate effect. I cannot support an organisation that allows this kind of...