Explore Ol Pejeta: Night Drives, Rhino Visits, & More
All images courtesy of Ol Pejeta Conservancy
Explore the wonders of Ol Pejeta Conservancy with thrilling safari experiences like night game drives, lion tracking, guided bush walks, and visits to the last northern white rhinos. These activities not only offer a unique opportunity to witness Africa’s wildlife up close but also contribute to vital conservation efforts. Whether it’s tracking lions in their natural habitat or enjoying the serenity of a bird-watching walk, each adventure at Ol Pejeta immerses you in the heart of African nature, all while supporting sustainable wildlife protection initiatives.
Night Game Drives
The night game drives at Ol Pejeta allow you to step into the hidden world of the African wilderness after dusk, when the nocturnal creatures emerge and the atmosphere changes entirely. While the savannahs may seem peaceful during the day, the darkness unveils a lively and mysterious side to the wildlife. Lions begin their nocturnal hunts, while elusive leopards move silently through the bush. Hyenas, with their distinctive whoops, scavenge for prey, and if you’re lucky, you might catch a glimpse of some truly rare creatures like aardvarks or bat-eared foxes.
Unlike the daytime safari experience, night drives rely on the use of red-filtered spotlights to avoid disturbing the animals while still giving visitors the chance to see them clearly. The guides expertly track predators and prey alike, interpreting subtle cues such as sounds, smells, and movements to lead you to prime wildlife sightings. It’s during these drives that you’ll fully appreciate how different the bush feels at night—the sharp air, the sounds of the wind through the grass, and the calls of night birds and insects all create an immersive experience.
The night game drives at Ol Pejeta are shared and scheduled, meaning private game drives are not available. Each drive lasts about two hours and guests can choose between two time slots: from 7 PM to 9 PM or from 9 PM to 11 PM. It’s advisable to wear warm clothing since temperatures drop significantly after dark. The night game drive is priced at USD 70 per person, and spots fill up quickly, so it’s recommended to book in advance. This activity is a must-do for anyone looking to deepen their safari experience, offering a glimpse into the rhythms of life that are often missed during daylight hours.
Lion Tracking
For those fascinated by big cats, the lion tracking experience at Ol Pejeta is both exhilarating and educational. This unique activity allows visitors to participate in real-time conservation efforts, tracking some of the reserve’s lions using specialized telemetry equipment. Several lions in the conservancy are fitted with tracking collars, part of ongoing research and conservation programs that monitor their movements, behavior, and health. By joining the lion tracking team, you'll help conservationists collect vital data while getting up close and personal with Africa’s apex predators.
The lion tracking experience is available during two time slots: the morning session from 6:30 AM to 8:30 AM, and the evening session from 3:30 PM to 5:30 PM. These times are chosen to coincide with the lions' peak activity periods, enhancing your chances of a successful tracking adventure. Guided by experts, you’ll learn about the critical role lions play in maintaining the ecosystem’s balance, their social structures, and the challenges they face, such as human-wildlife conflict and habitat loss.
Unlike typical game drives, lion tracking adds an element of unpredictability as you follow signals transmitted from the lions’ collars. You’ll be part of a mission to find and observe them in their natural environment, and the experience feels much like detective work—reading the landscape for clues, following tracks, and waiting for the signal to lead you to your target.
The cost for this conservation-focused experience is USD 70 per person, and the activity typically lasts between two and three hours. This is a wonderful opportunity for wildlife enthusiasts to contribute to lion conservation while enjoying one of the most exciting safari activities offered at Ol Pejeta.
Northern White Rhino Visit
One of the most moving and unique experiences at Ol Pejeta is the chance to visit the world’s last two northern white rhinos, Najin and Fatu. These two rhinos are the last of their kind, and Ol Pejeta has become their sanctuary, dedicated to their protection and the ongoing efforts to save their species. The northern white rhino population has been decimated by poaching, and while conservationists are working tirelessly to develop advanced reproductive technologies to save them from extinction, the future of the species remains uncertain.
A visit to the rhino enclosure allows you to meet these majestic animals up close and learn about the global conservation efforts that aim to bring them back from the brink of extinction. You’ll hear the story of their species’ decline, the incredible efforts made to save them, and what the future holds for rhino conservation as a whole. The experience is both humbling and inspiring, offering visitors a rare opportunity to connect with an animal species on the verge of disappearing.
The northern white rhino visit costs USD 70 per person, and the funds directly support the conservancy’s ongoing conservation work. This activity is available daily, with visits scheduled from the Morani Information Centre at 8:30 AM, 11:00 AM, 3:00 PM, and 4:30 PM. These time slots provide ample opportunity to experience this once-in-a-lifetime encounter. This is more than just a safari activity—it’s a chance to be part of the global fight to save one of the planet’s most endangered species.
Guided Bush Walk
For those looking to slow down and fully immerse themselves in the sights, sounds, and smells of the African wilderness, a guided bush walk at Ol Pejeta is a perfect activity. Unlike game drives, where you observe from the comfort of a vehicle, a bush walk places you on foot, offering an intimate, ground-level perspective on the landscape and its inhabitants. Guided by experienced rangers, you’ll explore the conservancy’s diverse habitats, from savannah grasslands to riverine forests, learning about the small wonders often overlooked during vehicle safaris.
A bush walk is as much about understanding the ecosystem as it is about spotting wildlife. Your guide will point out medicinal plants, insect life, and animal tracks, explaining how every element of the ecosystem is interconnected. You’ll also learn basic bushcraft and tracking skills, gaining insight into how local wildlife survives and thrives. While larger animals like giraffes, zebras, and elephants might be spotted in the distance, this activity is often about appreciating the subtler aspects of the environment—such as the complex behaviors of birds, the social lives of ants, or the ancient trees that sustain the ecosystem.
Safety is a priority during bush walks, and your guide will ensure that you maintain a respectful and safe distance from any animals encountered. The walks typically last around two hours and are best undertaken in the early morning or late afternoon when temperatures are cooler. There are two available time slots for you to choose from: 6:30 AM to 8:30 AM and 3:30 PM to 5:30 PM. This activity costs USD 70 per person and offers an excellent opportunity to deepen your connection with nature and gain a new perspective on the wilderness.
Guided Bird Walk
Bird lovers will be thrilled with the diversity of species found at Ol Pejeta, and a guided bird walk is the best way to fully appreciate the area’s avian life. Ol Pejeta is home to over 300 bird species, including everything from raptors like the martial eagle to more elusive species such as the African finfoot. Whether you’re a seasoned birder or just beginning to appreciate the art of birdwatching, this guided experience is both relaxing and fascinating.
Armed with binoculars and a bird guidebook, your expert guide will lead you through various habitats, from open grasslands to wetlands, explaining the behaviors, calls, and migration patterns of the birds you encounter. Early morning walks are particularly rewarding, as the air is alive with birdsong and the light is perfect for photography. Among the species you might spot are the superb starling, African fish eagle, and the colorful lilac-breasted roller.
The guided bird walks usually take around two hours and cost USD 70 per person. There are two available time slots for you to choose from for the activity: 6:30 AM to 8:30 AM and 3:30 PM to 5:30 PM. The guides are skilled at identifying even the most elusive birds by their calls and movements, making this a highly educational and enjoyable experience for anyone interested in ornithology or simply wanting to enjoy a peaceful walk through nature.
Chimpanzee Sanctuary Visit
The Sweetwaters Chimpanzee Sanctuary, nestled within the Ol Pejeta Conservancy, offers a unique chance to connect with one of humanity’s closest relatives in a protected and enriching environment. Established in 1993 through a collaboration between the Ol Pejeta Conservancy, the Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS), and the Jane Goodall Institute, the sanctuary was founded to provide a safe haven for chimpanzees rescued from the illegal pet trade and other exploitative situations. It is currently home to 35 chimpanzees who, after their traumatic rescues, are nursed back to health by dedicated veterinary staff.
Visitors can experience the chimpanzees' habitat in a variety of ways. The sanctuary is open daily from 8:30 am to 12:30 pm and from 2:00 pm to 4:30 pm, and guests can observe the chimps from a viewing platform at no additional cost. Here, visitors can see the chimpanzees in their expansive natural enclosures, which are separated by the Ewaso Nyiro River. The chimps spend their days exploring, climbing, socialising, and even relearning natural behaviors that had been interrupted by captivity. They return to indoor enclosures at night but otherwise live as close to their natural state as possible, thanks to the sanctuary’s dedicated team.
To witness the sanctuary’s chimpanzees during their scheduled feeding times—an especially interactive experience—visitors can reserve a slot for USD 70 per person. This exclusive experience must be booked in advance and offers a closer look at the chimpanzees’ personalities as they feed, play, and interact. The feeding sessions, carefully managed by the sanctuary staff, allow a unique view of the chimpanzees and provide insights into their social structures and individual quirks.
The Sweetwaters Chimpanzee Sanctuary is a chartered member of the Pan African Sanctuary Alliance (PASA), which plays a critical role in the conservation of chimpanzees and other primates through public education and advocacy. This visit is a profound experience, ideal for families, wildlife enthusiasts, and anyone interested in primate conservation. The sanctuary’s work underscores the importance of protecting vulnerable species, offering visitors not only a memorable encounter with chimpanzees but also the chance to support ongoing efforts to rescue and rehabilitate them.