Ol Pejeta Conservancy 2027: Rhinos, Chimpanzees and Kenya’s Laikipia Plateau

Ol Pejeta Conservancy is absolutely worth visiting and is one of Kenya’s most rewarding safari destinations. It offers a unique combination that no other park provides: guaranteed rhino sightings (including the last northern white rhinos), the only chimpanzees in Kenya, all of the Big Five, and a powerful conservation story. The conservancy is more affordable than neighbouring Lewa, with excellent accommodation options. For families, the chimpanzee sanctuary and endangered species enclosure are educational highlights. For wildlife enthusiasts, the predator densities are exceptional. The conservation message adds depth and meaning to every sighting. Ol Pejeta works brilliantly as a standalone destination or combined with Samburu and Lewa in a northern Kenya circuit.

Yes, visitors to Ol Pejeta can see Najin and Fatu, the last two northern white rhinos on Earth. They live in a 700-acre endangered species enclosure with round-the-clock armed security. Visitors can observe them from a viewing platform, and the experience is profoundly moving — standing before the last survivors of a subspecies that once roamed Central Africa in their thousands. Ol Pejeta is also pioneering advanced reproductive technologies, including IVF and stem cell research, in an effort to save the subspecies. The enclosure also houses Grevy’s zebra and Jackson’s hartebeest. Seeing the northern white rhinos is a once-in-a-lifetime experience that puts the poaching crisis in stark perspective.

Yes, Ol Pejeta is the only place in Kenya where you can see chimpanzees. The Sweetwaters Chimpanzee Sanctuary was established in 1993 as a refuge for chimpanzees rescued from the bushmeat trade, illegal pet trade, and civil war in Central and West Africa. Over 30 chimpanzees live on two islands in the Ewaso Nyiro River, separated from visitors for safety. Viewing is from a raised boardwalk that offers excellent observation opportunities. The sanctuary does not breed chimps — its mission is to provide a lifetime home for rescued individuals. The experience is both fascinating and sobering, as many chimps arrive with traumatic histories. For visitors who will not travel to Uganda, Rwanda, or Tanzania, this is the only chance to see chimpanzees in East Africa.

Ol Pejeta and the Masai Mara offer completely different experiences and complement each other perfectly. The Mara is about vast open plains, the Great Migration, and high predator density — Kenya’s most iconic safari experience. Ol Pejeta is about conservation, diversity, and unique species. The Mara has better infrastructure and more lodges. Ol Pejeta has rhinos, chimps, and a powerful conservation story. The Mara is 5 to 6 hours from Nairobi; Ol Pejeta is 3 to 4 hours on good roads. For a first safari, the Mara is recommended. For a second visit or a northern Kenya circuit, Ol Pejeta is essential. The ideal Kenya safari combines both: 3 to 4 nights in the Mara and 2 to 3 nights at Ol Pejeta, perhaps with Samburu.

Ol Pejeta has excellent accommodation options across all budgets. Sweetwaters Serena Camp is the main lodge, offering 56 tents with views over the waterhole where wildlife gathers day and night. The camp has a restaurant, bar, and swimming pool. For a more exclusive experience, Ol Pejeta House offers luxury in a private setting. Pelican House is ideal for families or small groups. Budget options include campsites within the conservancy. All accommodation includes game drives, and many packages include visits to the chimpanzee sanctuary and endangered species enclosure. We recommend Sweetwaters Serena Camp for its excellent location, waterhole viewing, and value. Book well in advance during peak season (July to October).