What You Need to Know: Ol Pejeta Conservancy is about 4 hours north of Nairobi, near Nanyuki. It has the Big Five, black and southern white rhinos, the last two northern white rhinos, and the Sweetwaters chimpanzee sanctuary. Entry costs about US$110 per adult per day. Plan 2 nights.
Why Visit Ol Pejeta?
The conservancy covers about 360 km² of savannah between the Aberdares and Mount Kenya. It is a working ranch and a conservation leader: its rhino sanctuary protects one of the largest black rhino populations in East Africa, and two northern white rhinos, Najin and Fatu, the last of their subspecies, live here under guard.
The Sweetwaters Chimpanzee Sanctuary cares for chimpanzees rescued from the bushmeat and pet trade. Lions, leopards, elephants and buffaloes complete the Big Five, and night drives and walks are possible because it is a private conservancy.
Things to Do at Ol Pejeta
- Game drives for the Big Five and black rhinos
- A visit to the northern white rhinos' enclosure
- The Sweetwaters Chimpanzee Sanctuary
- Night game drives
- Lion tracking and walking safaris with conservancy rangers
How to Get to Ol Pejeta
Ol Pejeta is reached through Nanyuki, on the equator, at the foot of Mount Kenya; Nanyuki has an airstrip with flights from Nairobi.
| From | How | Time |
|---|---|---|
| Nairobi | By road via Nanyuki | About 4 hours |
| Nairobi | Flight to Nanyuki | About 45 minutes |
| Samburu | By road | About 3 hours |
When Is the Best Time to Visit Ol Pejeta?
The dry seasons, June to October and January to February. The conservancy is open all year.
| Months | What to expect |
|---|---|
| June – October | Dry season: the best game viewing |
| January – February | Dry and warm |
| March – May | Long rains; green, fewer visitors |
| November – December | Short rains |
Ol Pejeta Entry Fees
| Fee | 2026 rate (non-resident adult) |
|---|---|
| Ol Pejeta Conservancy | About US$110 per adult per day; children 3–11 about US$55 |
| Northern white rhino and chimp visits | Included in the entry fee; some activities extra |
Fees are paid through Kenya's eCitizen system or at the gate and are included in our quotations. Every visitor to Kenya needs an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA), about US$30–35, applied for at etakenya.go.ke at least 3 days before you fly. Kenya is on the yellow fever list, so carry your certificate if you continue to Tanzania, Uganda or Rwanda.
How Many Days Do You Need for Ol Pejeta?
Two nights gives you a full day of game drives plus the rhinos and chimps. It pairs well with Samburu to the north.
Stay two nights to see the rhinos, the chimpanzees and a night drive, and combine Ol Pejeta with Samburu for a northern Kenya safari.
How to Add Ol Pejeta to a Kenya Safari
No fixed itinerary includes Ol Pejeta yet, but it fits easily into a Kenya safari: tell us and we add it to a route such as the 10-day Kenya and Uganda gorilla safari (from US$5,620) or the 14-day Kenya and Uganda safari, which already pass through the Rift Valley, and requote the trip.
Our Kenya trips are planned by us and run on the ground by trusted local partner operators: you get one written quotation and one point of contact, and a private vehicle with a driver-guide for your group only. In Kenya that is a 4x4 Toyota Land Cruiser with a pop-up roof, sliding windows, a fridge and binoculars.
What to Combine with Ol Pejeta
- Samburu: 3 hours north; see our Samburu guide
- Mount Kenya and the Aberdares: see our Mount Kenya guide and Aberdare guide
- Lake Nakuru: see our Lake Nakuru guide
Where to Stay at Ol Pejeta, and Tips for Your Visit
You can stay inside the conservancy, in tented camps and lodges close to the rhino sanctuary, or in Nanyuki town, 20–30 minutes away, which is cheaper but adds driving each day.
- Book the northern white rhino visit and night drive in advance: places are limited
- Bring a warm layer: Laikipia is at about 5,900 ft (1,800 m) and nights are cool
- Pay the conservancy fee by card or mobile money, as the gates are cashless
- Stop at the equator sign in Nanyuki on the way
The Last Northern White Rhinos
Najin and Fatu, a mother and daughter, are the last two northern white rhinos alive. Both are female, so the subspecies can't breed naturally; scientists are working on assisted reproduction using stored eggs and sperm. Seeing them is a moving reminder of what extinction means.
A Full Day at Ol Pejeta
| Time | Plan |
|---|---|
| Early morning | Game drive for lions and black rhinos |
| Late morning | The northern white rhinos' enclosure with a conservancy guide |
| Afternoon | Sweetwaters Chimpanzee Sanctuary |
| Night | Night game drive for nocturnal animals |
Who Ol Pejeta Suits
Ol Pejeta suits travelers who care about conservation and want to see rhinos up close, families who want night drives and varied activities, and anyone on a northern Kenya safari between Nairobi and Samburu.
Common Questions About Ol Pejeta
Can you see the northern white rhinos?
Yes, Najin and Fatu live in a guarded enclosure, which visitors can see with a conservancy guide.
Is Ol Pejeta a national park?
No, it is a private, non-profit conservancy, which is why it can offer night drives and walks.
How much is the entry fee?
About US$110 per adult per day for non-residents in 2026, paid by card or mobile money.
Why are there chimpanzees in Kenya at Ol Pejeta?
They are rescued chimpanzees cared for in the Sweetwaters sanctuary; chimps are not native to Kenya.
How do I get to Ol Pejeta?
About 4 hours by road from Nairobi via Nanyuki, or a short flight.
Can I see the Big Five at Ol Pejeta?
Yes: lions, leopards, elephants, buffaloes and rhinos all live in the conservancy.
The Bottom Line
Ol Pejeta is the best place in Kenya for rhinos and the only place for chimpanzees. Pair it with Samburu for a northern Kenya safari.
Tell us your dates, the number of travelers and what you want to see, through the booking form, on WhatsApp +255 678 992 599 or by email to jaynevytours@gmail.com, and we will send a written quotation and itinerary.