Ol Pejeta Conservancy Day Tour: Prices, Wildlife & Itinerary
Looking for an unforgettable safari experience just hours from Nairobi? Ol Pejeta Conservancy offers one of Kenya’s most rewarding day tours, combining Big Five wildlife viewing with meaningful conservation work. This comprehensive guide covers everything you need to know about visiting Ol Pejeta Conservancy, including detailed pricing, what to expect, and how to make the most of your day trip.
What Is Ol Pejeta Conservancy?
Ol Pejeta Conservancy is a 90,000-acre not-for-profit wildlife sanctuary located in Laikipia County, Central Kenya. Situated between the foothills of Mount Kenya and the Aberdare ranges, this privately managed conservancy has earned international recognition for its pioneering conservation efforts.
Conservation Highlights:
- East Africa’s largest black rhino sanctuary, protecting over 140 critically endangered black rhinos.
- Home to the last two northern white rhinos on Earth (Najin and Fatu), under 24/7 armed guard.
- Kenya’s only chimpanzee sanctuary (Sweetwaters Chimpanzee Sanctuary), providing refuge to over 40 rescued chimpanzees in partnership with the Jane Goodall Institute.
- One of the few places in Kenya where you can see all Big Five animals in a single day.
Originally a colonial-era cattle ranch, Ol Pejeta transformed into a conservation area in 1988. Today, it operates as a self-sustaining model that reinvests 100% of tourism revenue into wildlife protection and community development programs.
Where is Ol Pejeta located?
- Region: Laikipia, Central Kenya
- Distance from Nairobi: approx. 210 km
- Drive time: 3.5–4.5 hours via Nanyuki
Its location makes it perfect for a full-day excursion or a multi-day safari combined with a Samburu safari, Aberdares, or Mount Kenya.
Why Visit Ol Pejeta Conservancy?
Wildlife Highlights
Ol Pejeta boasts remarkable wildlife diversity with over 10,000 large mammals:
- The Big Five: Lions, leopards, elephants, buffalo, and both black and white rhinos
- Predators: Six lion prides (approximately 80 lions), 30+ cheetahs, spotted hyenas, and rare African wild dogs
- Plains game: Giraffes, zebras, impalas, Grant’s gazelles, elands, waterbucks, and more
- Bird species: Over 500 species including grey-crowned cranes and various raptors
- Special residents: Baraka, the blind black rhino, and rescued chimpanzees
Unique Experiences
Unlike many other parks, Ol Pejeta offers:
- Chimpanzee Sanctuary visits – Watch these intelligent primates and learn about rescue efforts (open daily 8:30 AM–12:30 PM and 2:00 PM–4:30 PM, free entry with conservancy ticket)
- Rhino tracking – Get close to black and white rhinos with expert guides
- Behind-the-scenes conservation – Visit Baraka’s enclosure and learn about anti-poaching initiatives
- Equator crossing – Stop at the famous equator line marker in Nanyuki
- Multiple activity options – Game drives, walking safaris, horseback rides, and lion tracking
Best Time to Visit
Peak Season (June–October & January–March):
- Dry weather makes wildlife easier to spot around waterholes
- Clear skies offer spectacular Mount Kenya views
- Roads are in excellent condition
Green Season (April–May & November–December):
- Fewer visitors mean more intimate wildlife encounters
- Lush landscapes and newborn animals
- Lower accommodation rates
- Some roads may require 4×4 vehicles
Wildlife viewing is excellent year-round, especially for rhinos, elephants, and resident chimpanzees.
How Much Does a Day Tour in Ol Pejeta Conservancy Cost?
Understanding the cost structure helps you budget effectively for your Ol Pejeta day trip. Prices vary based on several factors including group size, inclusions, and whether you choose a shared or private tour.
Ol Pejeta Conservancy Entrance Fees (2025)
Before adding tour packages, be aware of the conservancy’s official entrance fees:
- Non-resident adults: USD $110 per person
- Non-resident children (3-11 years): USD $55
- Non-resident students: USD $32
- East African residents: KES 3,500 per person
- East African residents children: KES 1750
- East African citizens: KES 2,000 per person
- East African citizens children: KES 1000
- East African students (residents & citizens): KES 500
- Children under 3: Free entry
Important notes:
- Entry is valid for single-day entry (day trippers) or 24 hours (overnight guests)
- The conservancy operates cashless – book online at bookings.olpejetaconservancy.org
- Gates open 7:00 AM – 7:00 PM daily (Rongai & Serat gates only)
- Chimpanzee sanctuary visit is included with conservancy entry
Complete Day Tour Package Costs
Most tour operators offer all-inclusive packages from Nairobi. Here’s what you can expect:
| Package Type | Price Range (USD / KES) | Inclusions | Typical Group Size |
|---|---|---|---|
| Shared / Basic Day Tour | USD 160–220 (KES 24,320–33,440) | Park fees, shared 4×4 vehicle, guide, water, lunch, transfers | 6–8 pax |
| Private Mid-Range Tour | USD 230–300 (KES 34,960–45,600) | Private 4×4, guide, lunch, transfers, unlimited game drives | 2–6 pax |
| Premium Private Package | USD 300–350+ (KES 45,600–53,200+) | Private 4×4, lodge lunch, chilled drinks, special activities added | 2–4 pax |
Note: Prices are market averages as of Dec 2025. Rates may change depending on season and availability. Contact Delfin Tours for an exact, up-to-date quote and bookings.
What’s Typically INCLUDED:
- Round-trip transport from Nairobi hotel/residence/airport
- Ol Pejeta Conservancy entrance fees
- Professional English-speaking driver/guide
- Full-day game drive in 4×4 safari vehicle
- Lunch (usually at Morani’s Restaurant or packed lunch)
- Bottled water during transit
- Flying Doctors emergency evacuation insurance (most operators)
What’s Typically EXCLUDED:
- Soft drinks and alcoholic beverages
- Personal items and souvenirs
- Tips and gratuities for driver/guide (recommended: $10-20 USD)
- Optional activities: lion tracking ($40 USD), night drives ($150 USD per group)
- Accommodation (for day trips)
Price Variables to Consider:
- Group size: Sharing with more travelers significantly reduces per-person costs. A 6-person group typically pays $80-100 less per person than a solo traveler.
- Private vs. shared: Private tours offer flexibility in timing and route but cost 40-70% more than shared options.
- Pickup location: Tours from central Nairobi are standard; pickups from distant suburbs or other towns may incur surcharges.
- Seasonal pricing: High season (July-September) may see 10-15% price increases.
- Tour operator reputation: Established companies with experienced guides and well-maintained vehicles charge premium rates but deliver better experiences.
- Additional permits: While chimpanzee sanctuary entry is included, specialized activities like lion tracking require separate permits.
Getting to Ol Pejeta Conservancy
From Nairobi (Most Common Route)
Distance: Approximately 200-210 km (124-130 miles)
Driving time: 3.5–4 hours depending on traffic and road conditions
Route: Take the A2 highway from Nairobi through Thika, Karatina, and Nanyuki. The conservancy is located approximately 25 km west of Nanyuki town.
What to expect during the drive:
- Pass through traditional coffee and tea plantations
- Stop at the equator crossing in Nanyuki for photos and demonstrations
- Weather permitting, enjoy stunning views of snow-capped Mount Kenya
- Well-paved roads for most of the journey
By Air
Nanyuki Airstrip: Located about 45 minutes from Ol Pejeta
Flight time from Nairobi: 45-50 minutes
Cost: $150-300 USD per person (one-way)
Scheduled and charter flights available from Wilson Airport. Conservancy offers transfer services from the airstrip.
Entry Requirements
Documentation needed:
- Valid passport (non-residents)
- National ID or passport (East African citizens/residents)
- Work permit or alien certificate (for resident rates)
What to bring:
- Confirmation of online booking or payment method (card/M-Pesa)
- Sunscreen, hat, and sunglasses
- Reusable water bottle (conservancy is plastic-free)
- Camera and binoculars
- Light layers (mornings can be cool)
- Closed-toe shoes for walking activities
Sample One-Day Itinerary
Ol Pejeta Full-Day Safari from Nairobi
5:00 AM – Pickup from your Nairobi hotel/residence
Early departure maximizes wildlife viewing time and beats Nairobi traffic.
5:00-8:30 AM – Scenic drive to Ol Pejeta
Travel through central Kenya’s highlands with coffee farms and rural villages. Brief comfort stop en route.
8:30-9:00 AM – Equator crossing stop in Nanyuki
Photo opportunity at the famous equator marker. Optional: watch the Coriolis effect demonstration.
9:00 AM – Arrive at Ol Pejeta Conservancy
Check-in at Rongai or Serat Gate. Receive conservancy map and briefing from your guide.
9:15 AM-12:30 PM – Morning game drive
Prime wildlife viewing time. Search for lions, elephants, rhinos, and other plains game. Visit the northern white rhino enclosure to see Najin and Fatu. Possible rhino tracking on foot with armed ranger (additional fee).
12:30-1:30 PM – Lunch break
Stop at Morani’s Restaurant for lunch (famous Morani burger or lighter options) with views of the waterhole, or enjoy a packed bush picnic.
1:30-2:30 PM – Visit Sweetwaters Chimpanzee Sanctuary
Observe rescued chimpanzees and learn about their rescue stories. Educational talk about primate conservation.
2:30-2:45 PM – Baraka Information Centre
Meet Baraka, the blind black rhino, and learn about individual animal care programs.
2:45-4:30 PM – Afternoon game drive
Continue wildlife exploration. Search for species missed in the morning. Visit different habitats including acacia woodlands and open grasslands.
4:30 PM – Depart conservancy
Begin return journey to Nairobi.
4:30-7:30 PM – Return to Nairobi
Arrive at your hotel/residence with unforgettable safari memories.
Total time: Approximately 14-15 hours (very full day)
Responsible Tourism & Conservation Impact
Ol Pejeta Conservancy operates on a not-for-profit model, meaning every shilling you spend directly supports:
Wildlife protection:
- 24/7 armed ranger patrols and anti-poaching units
- Veterinary care for injured and orphaned animals
- Habitat restoration and ecological monitoring
- Breeding programs for critically endangered species
Community development:
- Education programs for over 3,000 local children
- Healthcare clinics serving surrounding communities
- Water projects providing clean water access
- Job creation (Ol Pejeta employs over 500 local people)
How Delfin Tours Supports Conservation
When you book with Delfin Tours:
- We partner with conservancies committed to sustainable tourism
- We educate travelers about conservation challenges and solutions
- We follow strict leave-no-trace safari protocols
- We support local communities through ethical employment practices
Why Book with Delfin Tours?
Delfin Tours specializes in responsible, expert-led safaris throughout Kenya. Our Ol Pejeta day tours include:
- Experienced guides with wildlife knowledge and spotting expertise
- Well-maintained 4×4 safari vehicles with pop-up roofs for photography
- Small group sizes or fully private options for personalized experiences
- Flexible itineraries tailored to your interests
- Transparent pricing with no hidden costs
- 24/7 customer support before, during, and after your safari
- Conservation commitment – your tour supports wildlife protection
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How much does an Ol Pejeta day tour cost from Nairobi?
A typical day tour ranges from $160-350 USD for shared group tours to $320-590 USD for private experiences. This includes conservancy entrance fees (normally $110 USD), transport, guide, lunch, and game drives. Final costs depend on group size, tour operator, and package inclusions. Contact Delfin Tours for exact quotes based on your travel dates.
2. Is it guaranteed to see the northern white rhinos?
While the conservancy houses the last two northern white rhinos (Najin and Fatu), they live in a protected enclosure that visitors can view from designated areas. Sightings are very likely but not 100% guaranteed depending on where the rhinos are within their enclosure. Your guide will take you to the viewing area as part of the standard tour.
3. What is the best time of year to visit Ol Pejeta?
The dry seasons (June-October and January-March) offer the best wildlife viewing as animals congregate around waterholes. These periods also feature clear skies for Mount Kenya views. However, Ol Pejeta offers excellent year-round wildlife viewing, especially for resident rhinos, elephants, and chimpanzees. The green season (April-May, November-December) brings lush landscapes, fewer tourists, and lower prices.
Ready to Experience Ol Pejeta Conservancy?
Don’t miss the opportunity to witness one of Kenya’s greatest conservation success stories. Whether you’re tracking the last northern white rhinos, observing rescued chimpanzees, or encountering the Big Five against the backdrop of Mount Kenya, Ol Pejeta offers an unforgettable safari experience that supports critical wildlife protection.
Book your Ol Pejeta day tour with Delfin Tours today:
📞 Phone: +254 782 051 999
📧 Email: info@delfintours.com
Our expert team offers customizable day tours, multi-day safaris, and private experiences tailored to your schedule and interests. Contact us for personalized quotes, group bookings, or to design your perfect Kenyan safari adventure.
