Ol Pejeta Conservancy, located in Kenya’s Laikipia County, is a haven for wildlife and a must-visit destination for conservation enthusiasts. Famous for protecting endangered species, Ol Pejeta is the perfect mix of luxury and a chance to get up close with incredible wildlife.

Arrival and Sweetwaters Serena Tented Camp

We arrived at Ol Pejeta just in time for lunch and checked into the Sweetwaters Serena Tented Camp. Nestled within the conservancy, the camp offers a unique blend of comfort and wilderness. Our tent overlooked a bustling watering hole, a prime spot for watching wildlife activity throughout the day.

Afternoon Game Drive and Rhino Encounters

After lunch, we headed out for our first game drive, which included a special excursion to meet the last two northern white rhinos, Najin and Fatu. These magnificent animals are under 24/7 armed guard protection as part of the conservancy’s efforts to save the subspecies from extinction. Hearing their story and seeing them up close was moving; it was a rare chance to connect with these magnificent creatures and reflect on the urgency of protecting them for future generations.

We also had the chance to meet Baraka, a blind black rhino who resides in a secure enclosure at Ol Pejeta. Visitors can feed him carrots and greens, and pet him as he is remarkably gentle and calm, making the interaction truly memorable.  It’s a unique opportunity to interact with a rhino and also learn more about rhino conservation.

As the day came to a close, we returned to the camp and spent sunset having drinks outside our tent. The watering hole came alive with activity, as zebras, giraffes, elephants, and more gathered to drink. It was a mesmerizing scene, showcasing the vibrant ecosystem of Ol Pejeta.

Early Morning Game Drive and Lion Sighting

The next day began with an early morning game drive at 7 a.m. The cool morning air carried a sense of anticipation as we set off to find the cats. Along the way, we spotted zebras, giraffes, elephants and rhinos, but the highlight was encountering three lions. We observed a male lion fiercely guarding his mate from another male—his loud roar was not just a display of strength, but a critical part of asserting dominance and protecting his position within the pride. To our amazement, we also witnessed the pair mating!

Chimpanzee Sanctuary Visit

After lunch, we visited the Sweetwaters Chimpanzee Sanctuary, the only place in Kenya where chimps can be found. The sanctuary provides a safe haven for orphaned and rescued chimpanzees. While it was wonderful to observe these intelligent animals, the electric fencing did give the area a more managed and less natural feel, more like being in a zoo.

Night Game Drive

That evening, we embarked on a night game drive from 7 to 9 p.m., a thrilling experience that offered a completely different perspective on the conservancy. Equipped with spotlights, our guide expertly pointed out nocturnal animals such as hyenas and we also got to see hippos out of the water, elephants, zebras and giraffes.

New Year’s Eve Celebration

We ended our Ol Pejeta adventure by ringing in the New Year over dinner and drinks by the campfire. The evening featured a local African dance performance, adding a festive and cultural touch to the celebrations. Surrounded by the sounds of the wilderness, it was a magical way to welcome the year ahead.

Summary

Ol Pejeta is more than a safari destination; it’s a place where conservation and wildlife come alive. From meeting Baraka the blind rhino to thrilling game drives and enjoying sundowners by the watering hole, it was the perfect way to wrap up our Kenya trip with a mix of adventure and tranquility.