Ol Pejeta Conservancy

Home of The Last

My stay at Ol Pejeta was short but filled with a lot of mixed emotions. The Conservancy itself is excellent. It's a dream for East African wildlife. Despite the short stay, I saw nearly as much quantity and variety of wildlife as I did visiting other destinations in Kenya. While the landscape is not quite as dramatic as other corners of Kenya, it's quintessentially East African and will still delight. Photographic opportunities still abound.

The highlight of Ol Pejeta has to be the ability to visit the only three remaining Northern White Rhinos left in the world. The world. And therein lies the mixed emotions. It was a true privilege to be next to Sudan -- the only remaining male -- and to touch him. Likewise, it was wonderful to see the remaining females in a natural environment. But it's also incredibly sad to see these beautiful animals and to know that they're at the doorstep of extinction because of human activities like poaching and habitat loss. Natural breeding is not an option because of Sudan's age. IVF programs are being investigated, but there still isn't a lot of hope for this species.

Thankfully, Ol Pejeta provides hope for other rhino species. In addition to Sudan, our group was also able to meet baby Southern White Rhino, Ringo. The care and commitment that the rangers and staff of Ol Pejeta is strong. You need only meet these wonderful individuals to see that this is a part of their very being. I left knowing that Sudan and Ringo were in very capable hands.

For those contemplating a trip to Ol Pejeta, I can't recommend it highly enough. It's simply something that you should do if you have the opportunity and the means. Be prepared for some complex emotions during your trip but enjoy the stay in a wonderful, welcoming atmosphere that still offers hope for the magnificent animals East Africa has to offer.

Rhino Sanctuary

Ol Pejeta Conservancy offers a unique experience. It holds the largest protected area for the nearly extinct White and Black Rhinos. It is also possible to spot the Big 5 and visit and feed the resident blind Rhino and the Chimpanzees. I have visited Ol Pejeta 6 times already and would recommend it for those looking to see the exciting wild animals of Kenya without the hoard of tourist cars as you would find in other parks.
It is a very accessible park and tourists can stay in a wonderful lodge within the park that offers delicious food, entertainment and an authentic Kenyan experience.

There was so much wildlife and it was all just there.

Flawless experience.

Lacked the sense of wilderness we so enjoyed at Samburu.

Again the animals and scenery

The park had the largest concentration of animals in the smallest area. You barely need to drive anywhere and you see elephant herds, rhinos are everywhere, buffalo, zebra, gazelle, jackals, warthogs, etc. and we saw a cheetah with its kill. There is a conservation area where you can see the last two northern white rhinos on Earth.

All the photos, videos, about a safari, will never truly describe the experience of it.

Its an excellent place to see and get close to rhinos, both black and white. Stayed at Serena Sweetwaters, a luxury tented camp. Would recommend, everything you need. A beautiful view from the camp facing a lake and out to Mount Kenya. Not though the best place to see Mount Kenya. Plenty of wildlife, very easy to navigate. There's a chimpanzee sanctuary, the only one in Kenya, but was a disappointment. Only saw 2 chimps. If this is your first trip to Kenya, this would not be top of my list. I would first recommend Maasai Mara and then Amboseli. If in the area of Nanyuki, and you have been to the big parks I would suggest a night lodge, but if you have not been to the big parks, then Ol Pejeta will give you the safari experience.

This was the first park I visited and I fell in love with a baby elephant who was just having the best time in the new mud, it made my day!

It was great! The opportunity to see rhinos up close was fantastic, as was the birding experience and the chimpanzee sanctuary. There was a large diversity of wildlife, and the hotel was beautiful.