Ol Pejeta Bush Camp
On the banks of the Ewaso Nyiro River in central Kenya’s Laikipia region is Alex Hunter’s atmospheric Ol Pejeta Bush Camp, the ultimate in Kenyan hospitality and safari excellence. Here you will share your space with the last two surviving northern white rhino in the world.
Ol Pejeta’s seven traditional East African safari tents offer an excellent base from which to explore the secrets of this renowned conservancy – from the pioneering conservation projects that have made it famous to spectacular sightings of black and white rhino and the Big Five.
Ol Pejeta is the first choice for discerning safari veterans looking for a luxury bush camp and to understand and enjoy the very best of world-leading conservation practice.
Low-key East African authenticity is the hallmark of Ol Pejeta, offering an authentic safari experience. With an entirely eco-friendly design, the camp blends seamlessly into the surrounding plains in a mix of natural colors and materials. The lounge and dining area, looking out over the sprawling plains towards Mt Kenya, are the hub of the camp - raised from the ground with communal dining space, a viewing platform overlooking the waterhole, and a lounge with a fireplace. When darkness falls, evenings are spent around the fire, waiting to catch a glimpse of a rhino ambling down to drink at the opposite river bank.
Guest Tents
Perfectly spaced along the Ewaso Nyiro River, the six traditional safari tents at Ol Pejeta Bush Camp are charming and full of character. All tents come complete with warm blankets for the winter mornings, rechargeable solar lights and en-suite bathrooms with hot-water safari bucket showers and flushing toilets. Individual verandas provide the perfect spot to while away an afternoon in privacy, watching the animals come and go along the river bank.
Family Tent
The family tent at Ol Pejeta features central shared lounge which joins the king room and the twin room. Both rooms come complete with en-suite bathrooms with hot-water safari bucket showers and flushing toilets. Individual verandas provide the perfect spot to while away an afternoon in privacy, watching the animals come and go along the river bank.
Game drives
Learn about the varied animal species and birdlife of the conservancy on a game drive from Ol Pejeta Bush Camp. Let our expert guides inspire you with their knowledge as you explore this diverse conservancy. Vehicles are open-sided and seat up to 6 guests.
Night game drives
Dusk and the early evening just after the sun has fallen below the horizon is a thrilling time to be on safari. Antelope come out to feed in the cool air, predators take advantage of the cloak of darkness to stalk their prey, and nocturnal species such as aardvark, zorilla, and white-tailed mongoose come out. Join a knowledgeable guide on a night drive and seek out the action that takes place after darkness falls.
Walking safaris
Discover the sights, sounds and smells of the bush on a walking safari. On foot, the magic of the bush truly comes alive and walking through big game country is an experience not to be missed. The minimum age for walking: 16 yrs. on a shared basis. Children under 12 by special arrangement only and and on a private basis.
Visits to the Endangered Species Enclosure
Today, only 2 northern white rhino remain in the world and both are found at Ol Pejeta Conservancy in a 700acre enclosure protected by 24hour armed security. Take the opportunity to visit the enclosure, learn from the keepers about the efforts being taken to preserve the last of this highly endangered species, as well as see Grevy’s zebra and Jackson’s hartebeest in a private and intimate setting. Morning visit: 08h30 or afternoon visit: 16h00 – duration 45 minutes. Maximum 6 people per visit and physical interaction with the rhinos is relatively restricted. (At an additional cost)
Canine Anti-Poaching Unit visit
Visit the conservancy’s blood hound dog kennels and learn about the training that transforms these canines into anti-poaching patrollers. After your tour, you can play a game of human-canine hide and seek, trying to evade the dogs and finding a spot to hide within the Morani Information Centre. A great way to interact, get a bit of exercise for you and the hounds as well as assist in their training. Morning visit only: 08h30, maximum group size 6, minimum age 12years. Closed-toe shoes recommended. In case the dogs are deployed we will refund money or try to reschedule the activity. (At an additional cost)
Lion Tracking
Several lions on the conservancy have been fitted with radio collars, and you can learn how to track them with the researchers with a special tracking device. When you locate a pride, you will learn how to identify the individuals by notches on their ears, whisker patterns, and other distinguishing marks. All data is passed to the Ol Pejeta Ecological Monitoring team in order to further understand these magnificent predators. Guests remain in the vehicle at all times. Morning activity: 06h30 and afternoon visit: 15h30 – duration approx. 2hours, maximum 6 people. (At an additional cost)
Horse riding with rhinos: Endangered Species Enclosure
The chance to ride amongst the endangered species including the northern white rhinos is a once in a lifetime experience. This predator-free area is wonderful to explore on horseback, with the chance to also encounter various other endangered species such as the southern white rhinos, Grevy’s zebra or Jackson’s hartebeest. Morning ride: 10h00 or afternoon ride: 15h00 – duration approximately 1hour. Riding hats and tack are provided. Riders must wear suitable footwear, long trousers and sleeves. Maximum of 9 riders in a group. The rides will only be open to experienced riders and some proof of riding ability will be required at point of booking; visitors judged to be of insufficient riding ability will not be permitted to undertake this activity for safety reasons. (At an additional cost)
Cultural and Community visits
The staff at Ol Pejeta Bush Camp are all drawn from the communities surrounding the conservancy and are always eager to share their culture and history. See first-hand how these communities are benefitting from the conservancy, visiting agricultural projects such as water collection and tree nurseries, or the Jiko Energy Project to reduce firewood usage. During term-time on weekdays, it is also possible to visit a local school. Visit: 10h30-12h30 - pre-booking recommended. (At an additional cost)
Visits to Sweetwaters Chimpanzee Sanctuary
Fully incorporated into the Ol Pejeta Conservancy, the Sweetwaters Chimpanzee Sanctuary remains the only place in Kenya where this highly endangered species can be seen. Over 40 chimps rescued from the bush-meat industry live in troops on either side of the Ewaso Nyiro River, in a project that aims to preserve chimpanzees and their habitats through public education. (At an additional cost)
Junior Ranger Program
Are you between the ages of 4 and 12? Are you ready to join the Ol Pejeta Team? Become an Ol Pejeta Junior Ranger by purchasing one of our exciting Junior Ranger Packs which includes an activity booklet, a box of crayons, and five stickers all contained within a very cool Ol Pejeta bag. As you journey through the Conservancy, the idea is to work through all of the questions and games in the booklet. At the end of your journey, the Tourism Team at Morani Information Centre will be waiting for you and will ask you to repeat the official ranger oath, before presenting you with a ranger hat, a certificate, and an honorary pin. (At an additional cost)
Running with the rangers
Keep your fitness levels up while on safari by joining the Ol Pejeta Conservancy rangers on their early morning run. They do this daily to keep fit, and we can arrange for our guests to join them and enjoy the chance to have a coffee with them afterwards to learn more about their work to keep the wildlife on the conservancy safe. A fun and rewarding way to start your day!Available on Mondays and Wednesdays at 07h00, maximum 6 pax, minimum age 12years. Suitable running shoes are needed as well as the ability to run a minimum of 5kms without stopping. (At an additional cost)
Gym in the wild
Going to the gym will never be the same again after trying it in the wild! In these one-hour-long classes, you’ll enjoy some functional fitness which will include strength, endurance, mobility, agility, and flexibility but will be scaled to your fitness level and ability. Open Mondays and Thursdays. Sessions available on the hour from 10h00 until 16h00. Must book in advance. Maximum of 10 people in a class. (At an additional cost)
Cycling Safaris
Are you a cycling enthusiast looking for a unique ride? Then look no further! We offer a weekly 84km ride from Nanyuki to Mpala Research Centre and back, including a stop for lunch at the Big Rock and some non-technical rock climbing. Departs by car every Sunday from Ol Pejeta to Nanyuki at 9h00 and returns at 17h00. Bikes and helmets are provided. (At an additional cost)
Nanyuki Market Day
Head into the nearby market town of Nanyuki with staff from the Ol Pejeta Bush Camp to visit the huge, open-air market at Mutumba. Pick up the week’s supplies for the camp and soak up the hustle and bustle before heading to local restaurant, Mulima View, for a traditional nyama choma lunch – roasted goat, maize meal ugali, and local vegetables. Return to camp in the mid-afternoon in time for an afternoon activity if you wish. Available Wednesday and Saturdays. (At an additional cost)
Wildlife – Livestock Integration
Ol Pejeta operates a unique wildlife-livestock integration model; balancing over 6000 cattle with conservation. During the activity guests will learn about the creation of biodiversity hotspots and either help move one of the conservancy’s predator proof cattle ‘bomas’ or assist in a cattle spray race. Morning activity: 9h00 duration of 2hours. Closed shoes recommended. (At an additional cost)
Horse riding in the Conservancy
Carry more memories home by riding on horseback across the Ol Pejeta plains. You will ride through the endangered species enclosure, then out the gate onto the Ol Pejeta plains and to the rhino memorial, Sudan’s resting place. Horse riding gives you a unique perspective of the landscape and allows you to get closer to wildlife than in a safari vehicle. You will feel a sense of quiet isolation amidst the vast scenery of Ol Pejeta Conservancy. Depending on weather conditions and rider experience there may be a swim in Pelican Dam. Morning ride: 8h00-10h00 or afternoon ride: 14h00–16h00 – duration approximately 2 hours. Riding hats and tack are provided. Riders must wear suitable footwear, long trousers and sleeves. Maximum of 9 riders in a group. The rides will only be open to experienced riders and some proof of riding ability will be required at point of booking; clients judged to be of insufficient riding ability will not be permitted to undertake this activity for safety reasons. (At an additional cost)
Positive Impact
We empower crucial wilderness areas in East Africa, benefiting people and nature alike. By making bold, and often pioneering, investments into areas that are ecologically and economically vulnerable, we aim to turn these areas into viable conservation economies, benefiting both the local communities as well as the environment.
We acknowledge that people and nature are inseparable partners, so we work closely with communities, authorities, NGOs and industry partners to achieve the best possible long-term outcomes for all concerned. With the help of our guests, who contribute a levy of US$5 for each night that they stay with us, we’re able to make the most significant positive impact towards our goal of empowering these areas, including the communities and wildlife that call them home.
Twende Porini
Twende Porini is our flagship environmental and community programme. Every year a group of children from local communities in the areas surrounding our camps are hosted for five days in one of our camps where they learn about wildlife and the environment. Lessons are combined with games and fun activities, including playing sports, talent shows, and storytelling to help the children learn about sustainable tourism and conservation, and the benefits that these have for them and their families.
Building a Brighter Future with our Partners
Meet Nailante and Sipanto, two Maasai girls in the Masai Mara, aged 12 and ten years old. They were about to be taken from school and married off for financial reasons when Asilia got an emergency appeal from the Maa Trust, our social development partner. Through AsiliaGiving we were able to make funds available for a multi-year scholarship for both girls who are now back in school and doing well. Our continuous efforts to leave a positive impact are enhanced through our partners such as the Maa Trust who reach out to us whenever the need arises and allows us the opportunity to assist wherever possible.
Scholarships: Inspiring and Enabling Success
One activity that is very close to our hearts is our scholarship program. Each year, we conduct interviews in the communities surrounding our camps to identify candidates who will receive scholarships for further education and training in the tourism industry. This successful project has resulted in 38 scholarships being awarded to date – a number that is growing all the time. One example of the success of this program is Lailatu, a remarkable young lady from a local community near Tarangire. She was the first ever Asilia scholarship student in Tanzania, and since graduating, she is now making a career as a chef at Dunia Camp, our all-women-camp in the Serengeti.
Mara Naboisho Conservancy
The Mara Naboisho Conservancy is a prime example of the power of partnership. Ten years ago, this critical 200km2 wildlife corridor bordering the famous Masai Mara Reserve was degraded and threatened as a result of intensive herding and various tourism activities. The roughly 500 families that lived in this region were facing dark times. Asilia took the lead and reached out to 5 other ecotourism operators, forming a community wildlife conservancy together with the local Maasai. Our camps Naboisho and Encounter Mara are found within this exceptional conservancy, helping to protect this precious wildlife habitat.
In 2016 the conservancy was named the Overall Winner of the African Responsible Tourism Awards in 2016 for its unique model of partnership that makes it so efficient. In the first five years of existence, the conservancy created over 300 new jobs, providing income to over 500 Maasai families and indirectly further benefiting the lives of approximately 10,000 people.
For more information about Ol Pejata Bush Camp, click HERE
For a virtual tour of Ol Pejeta Bush Camp click HERE.
