Come and join us at Ol Pejeta

By Wandering Maasai | 18 November 2015

Set along the banks of the Ewaso Nyiro River in the south of the Laikipia region you’ll findAlex Hunter’s Ol Pejeta Bush Camp. Commanding magnificent views of the jagged peaks of Mount Kenya, the 6 comfortable and traditional tented suites are an excellent base from which to discover this renownedand award-winning conservancy. The conservancyis home topioneering conservation projects andspectacular sightings of white and black rhino and rare Northern wildlife.

About Ol Pejeta Conservancy

Located in central Kenya under the watchful eye of Mount Kenya is the Laikipia region, increasingly recognised as one of Kenya’s best-kept conservation secrets. Characterised by a network of streams and rivers that flow into the ever-present Ewaso Nyiro, the region contains some of the highest densities of wildlife in Kenya and a wealth of endangered species, including wild dog, Grevy’s zebra and the locally threatened Jackson’s hartebeest. Significantly, the region is also home to some of the most pioneering and successful conservation initiatives of recent years, and Ol Pejeta Conservancy is a beacon amongst them.

A former cattle ranch, the 400sq km conservancy in the foothills of the Aberdares is a splendid example of sustainable and quantifiable conservation benefiting both local communities and wildlife. Cutting-edge equipment combined with smart fencing schemes are redefining the future of conservation, whilst effective land-management programs on the vast swathes of land create jobs for local pastoralists, putting Ol Pejeta Conservancy firmly on the map as one of the most successful conservation initiatives in the world.

The rolling plains are home to high concentrations of mammals and day and night drives from Ol Pejeta Bush Camp offer impressive sightings of lion languishing in the shade and leopard darting in and out of the evergreen thickets. Buffalo, elephant and the smaller plains game are all to be found in the area and importantly, graze peacefully alongside the world’s largest herd of Boran cattle in a pioneering and mutually beneficial land management system that adds to the unique and varied safari experience.

Rhino Conservation Efforts

Perhaps the most exciting draw of the Ol Pejeta Conservancy is the extraordinary rhino conservation efforts. The conservancy prides itself on safeguarding vulnerable wildlife and is the largest black rhino sanctuary in East Africa. Over 100 critically endangered black rhino live on the land along with 20 Southern white rhino, and a sanctuary for thelast 3 remaining Northern white rhino in the world. As well as catching a glimpse of these magnificent beasts in the wild, guests may also visit the Northern white rhino sanctuary and learn a little more about what makes Ol Pejeta one of the role models in modern day rhino conservation.

A Shining Beacon for Conservation

Covering an area of400 sq km, Ol Pejeta Conservancy boasts one of the greatest game-to-area ratios of any reserve in Kenya. From evergreen thickets to gnarled acacia forests, Ol Pejeta Bush Camp offers easy access to a diverse range of habitats. The Big 5 can all be found in the area, alongside some of the rarer Northern species of Grevy’s zebra, Beisa oryx and Jackson’s hartebeest, and of course the majestic black and white rhino. The area also offers excellent birding opportunities with over 200 migrant and resident species in a great ornithological gathering that ensures excellent sightings.

Alongside the traditional game drives and superb bush walks with Alex Hunter, activities from Ol Pejeta Bush Camp focus on the unique conservation projects in the conservancy. Visits to the Sweetwaters Chimpanzee Sanctuary and the Northern white rhino enclosure are both on offer, as well as mornings or afternoons spent with the local communities to gain an insight into the daily workings of the conservancy.

However you choose to spend your days, Ol Pejeta guarantees a wonderfully varied safari adventure in this unique corner of Kenya and a chance to make a true difference to the future of conservation.

Ol Pejeta Bush Camp

Low-key East African authenticity is the hallmark of Ol Pejeta. With no permanent structures and an entirely eco-friendly design, the camp blends seamlessly into the surrounding plains in a mix of natural colours and materials.

The 6 traditional safari tents are charming, comfortable and full of character. Tents are triples, doubles or twins and come complete with warm blankets for the winter mornings, re-chargeable solar lights and en-suite bathrooms with safari bucket showers and flushing toilets.

Perfectly spaced along the Ewaso Nyiro River, all rooms command magnificent views of the jagged peaks of Mount Kenya. Individual verandas with tables and safari chairs provide the perfect spot to while away an afternoon and watch the animals congregate at the salt lick on the opposite bank of the river.

Looking out over the sprawling plains, the 2 mess areas at Ol Pejeta are the hub of the camp. Meals are enjoyed under canvas in the dining tent and the cool, breezy mess tent with its large sofas and armchairs echoes the friendly and relaxed atmosphere in camp. When darkness falls, flickering lanterns light the way to supper and evenings are spent waiting to perhaps catch a glimpse of a rhino ambling down to the river.

The team, led by Alex Hunter, are mostly drawn from the communities around the conservancy and have worked together for many years. Their genuine warmth and Alex’s infinite knowledge of the area combine to give guests a truly personal experience at this intimate and traditional bush camp.

Camp Amenities
  • Number of tents: 6
  • Suitable for children of all ages
  • En-suite bathrooms
  • Hot water safari bucket showers
  • Flushing toilets
  • Laundry service
  • Power: solar and generator
  • Battery charging facilities (in the mess tent)
  • Suitable for disabled guests:please contact us
Activities
  • Game drives
  • Night drives
  • Game walks
  • Bush breakfasts and picnics
  • Sweetwaters Chimpanzee Sanctuary
  • Endangered Species Enclosure
  • Lion tracking
  • Cultural and community visits

Discover more about Ol Pejeta on our website.

If you are interested in seeing the wildlife and experiences we have to offer at Ol Pejeta Bush Campthen please get in touch with your trusted Travel Agent to start planning your dream safari ormake an enquiry with us.

The post Come and join us at Ol Pejeta appeared first on Asilia Africa.


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