Ol Pejeta Bush Camp

LOCATION

Location of Ol Pejeta Bush Camp

Ol Pejeta is in Central Kenya’s Laikipia County, overlooked by the ragged foothills of Mount Kenya. The terrain ranges from marshland and savannah to thickets of acacias and yellow-green fever trees. The 36,420-hectare reserve was once a cattle ranch and is still used by herders today. Due to the clever use of bomas (enclosures), the herders can keep their Boran cattle safe overnight while fertilising the conservancy’s grassland. 

There is a dense population of all sorts of wildlife – including the Big 5 and 300 species of birds – but the conservancy is especially famous for its rhinos, both black and white. It is the only place you can see northern white rhino, with the last two in the world living under 24-hour armed guard at Ol Pejeta. Other endangered animals — Grevy’s zebra, Jackson’s hartebeest and wild dog — are kept in a special 283-hectare enclosure that protects vulnerable species from predation or poaching.  

Getting to Ol Pejeta is made simple, with an easy drive in under four hours from Nairobi or quick flight. The conservancy is shared with eight other camps and lodges, as well as several self-catering campsites. It is also open to self-drive day trippers. 

Experiences

A typical day on safari at Ol Pejeta Bush Camp

A stay at Ol Pejeta differs from traditional safaris due to the vast array of activities on offer, but the general rhythm is the same. We head out safari in the early morning and late afternoon when animals are at their most active. If you have hired a private vehicle, itineraries can be discussed with your guide. 

Start the day bright and early with a wake-up call and tea or coffee. Enjoy breakfast before departing for your morning game drive (or set out a little earlier and take a picnic breakfast). Arrive back in camp mid-morning, with a chance to freshen up before lunch. 

After a leisurely lunch, enjoy siesta time. Read a book or just relax and enjoy the views from your tent’s deck. Refuel with afternoon tea and then depart for an afternoon/evening game drive with sundowners. Arrive back at camp in time for drinks and dinner — the perfect chance to unwind after a long day in the bush. 

Experiences

Night 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 begin their day. Join a knowledgeable guide on a night drive and seek out the action that takes place after darkness falls.

9 Aug 2023 onwards: US$70 per adult/US$35 per child

Experiences

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 other of the endangered species such as southern white rhinos, Grévy’s zebra or Jackson’s hartebeest.

Morning rides: 8 am or 10 am and Afternoon rides: 2 pm or 4.30 pm — duration approximately 1 hour. Riding hats and tack are provided. Riders must wear suitable footwear, long trousers and sleeves. Maximum of six 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.

9 Aug 2023 onwards: US$70 per person. 

Morning rides: 8 am or 10 am and Afternoon rides: 2 pm or 4 pm — duration approximately 1 hour. 

Experiences

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, and 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: 6.30 am
Afternoon visit: 3.30 pm — duration approx. two hours

Minimum two – maximum six people

Experiences

Running the Wild

Keep your fitness levels up while on safari to counteract all the delicious food you’ll be eating 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 on a run and have a cup of coffee with them afterward 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 Wednesday and Friday at 7 am, maximum six people, minimum age 12 years. Suitable running shoes are needed as well as the ability to run a minimum of five kilometres without stopping.

US$40 per person

Experiences

Meals and refreshments

Homemade meals are served communally in our mess tent. We source our produce from a local women’s co-op or other regional farmers. Breakfast is a spread of fresh fruit, yoghurt, cereals and muffins or hot options including omelettes or bacon and eggs. If you’re on a longer game drive, have breakfast in the bush, set up under a shady tree. Lunch is a buffet of pasta or pizza with salad, and dinner is a three-course affair — curry night is always popular!