Ol Pejeta is a not-for-profit conservancy of about 90,000 acres in central Kenya that combines wildlife with livestock. It is known for rhino conservation and a chimpanzee sanctuary; chimpanzees are not native to Kenya.
- Country
- Kenya
- Type
- Private conservancy
- Approx. area
- 360 km²
- Best time
- June to October and December to March
- Suggested stay
- 2–3 days
- Main gateway airport
- Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (NBO)
- Big Five
- Present
- Malaria
- Low risk: check with a doctor
Why go to Ol Pejeta
- The last two northern white rhinos in the world
- A large black rhino population
- Sweetwaters Chimpanzee Sanctuary for rescued chimpanzees
- Night drives and conservation-focused activities
- Views of Mount Kenya
Best time to visit Ol Pejeta
Based on average weather and wildlife seasons, the best period to visit Ol Pejeta is June to October and December to March.
Drier months with good viewing; mornings are cool because of the altitude (around 1,800 m).
Rainy months; the conservancy stays open and rhino viewing remains possible.
| Month | Temp (°C) | Rain | Experience | Crowds |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 11–25 | mostly dry | ★★★★★ | moderate |
| February | 11–27 | mostly dry | ★★★★★ | moderate |
| March | 13–26 | some rain | ★★★★★ | quiet |
| April | 14–25 | rainy season | ★★★★★ | very quiet |
| May | 14–23 | rainy season | ★★★★★ | very quiet |
| June | 13–22 | mostly dry | ★★★★★ | moderate |
| July | 12–20 | some rain | ★★★★★ | busy |
| August | 12–21 | some rain | ★★★★★ | busy |
| September | 13–23 | mostly dry | ★★★★★ | moderate |
| October | 14–24 | some rain | ★★★★★ | quiet |
| November | 13–23 | rainy season | ★★★★★ | quiet |
| December | 12–24 | some rain | ★★★★★ | busy |
What you can see
Wildlife you may see in Ol Pejeta includes lions, leopards, cheetahs, elephants, black rhino, white rhino, buffalo, giraffes, zebras, hippos, hyenas, chimpanzees, gazelles, eland and birdlife.
Things to do
Getting there
The conservancy is near Nanyuki in Laikipia County, about 3-4 hours by road from Nairobi; scheduled flights serve Nanyuki airstrip.
Trips to Ol Pejeta
No trips are listed for this destination yet. Send a request and we will check with providers.
Plan by travel style
- Ol Pejeta for families
- Ol Pejeta for a honeymoon
- Ol Pejeta for photographers
- Ol Pejeta for a first safari
- Ol Pejeta on a budget
- Ol Pejeta for luxury travel
Compare with
- Ol Pejeta vs Masai Mara
- Ol Pejeta vs Samburu
- Ol Pejeta vs Amboseli
- Ol Pejeta vs Lake Nakuru
- Ol Pejeta vs Tsavo East
- Ol Pejeta vs Tsavo West
Travelling to Ol Pejeta from
Frequently asked questions
When is the best time to visit Ol Pejeta?
Generally June to October and December to March. Drier months with good viewing; mornings are cool because of the altitude (around 1,800 m).
How many days do I need in Ol Pejeta?
Most visitors spend 2 to 3 days there, not counting travel days.
How do I get to Ol Pejeta?
The conservancy is near Nanyuki in Laikipia County, about 3-4 hours by road from Nairobi; scheduled flights serve Nanyuki airstrip.
Is there malaria in Ol Pejeta?
Yes, it is in a malaria-risk area. See a doctor or travel clinic well before your trip.
Sources: Ol Pejeta Conservancy · Ol Pejeta Conservancy - Wildlife and habitats · Climates to Travel - Nyeri (nearest station)
Figures are approximate averages and vary from year to year.