Ol Pejeta Conservancy

Wildlife & Animals

Expert

Anthony is the author of the Lonely Planet guide to Kenya.

Ol Pejeta Conservancy is home to all of the Big Five. It is the largest black rhino sanctuary in East Africa, and sightings of both black rhino (more than 160 at last count) and white rhino (more than 40) are common. Ol Pejeta is said to have the highest predator density in Kenya outside of the Masai Mara, and there is a good chance of seeing lion, cheetah and hyena.

ElephantCommon

GiraffeCommon

HippoOccasional

BuffaloCommon

ZebraCommon

WildebeestOccasional

White RhinoCommon

Black RhinoCommon

LionOccasional

LeopardRare

CheetahOccasional

HyenaCommon

Wild DogRare

Wildlife Highlights

The Sweetwaters Chimpanzee Sanctuary is a refuge for rescued chimpanzees, although you’re kept at quite a distance. The endangered species enclosure is home to the only two remaining northern white rhinos in the world. You can see them for free from outside the enclosure or pay extra to enter and get close. Elsewhere, watch for reticulated giraffe, defassa waterbuck and large herds of buffalo. There’s also a hyena den near the airstrip.

Best Time for Wildlife Viewing

Wildlife viewing is best from June to September, but also very good from December to February (which is a great time for birding too). The soil in the region is mostly black cotton soil, which becomes very difficult to navigate after heavy rain. Wildlife viewing can be challenging in April and November, which are the wettest months. Four-wheel drive vehicles are a must during the rainy season.