Ol Pejeta Conservancy
Ol pejeta conservancy “here we come”, was the phrase that tingled my mind and couldn`t wait for the day.
I was now doing a second time and lastly, I was there the Mad Max the Alpha Chimpanzee almost slapped me when I naively stretched out to say hi Lol.
I guess he thought I was going to hurt him or something, little did I know these Chimps came from a torturous background and are very sensitive.
Well, this time I was ready for him and hopefully, he will remember me as an old friend. This kind of made me ecstatic and looked forward to meeting him.
Ol Pejeta Conservancy boasts 360 Kilometers Squared/ 140 Square Miles and it is a Non-Profit Organization. It is between the foothills of Aberdares and Mount Kenya.
The conservancy works to Preserve wildlife in Sanctuaries and work on community development through wildlife Tourism.
Across this conservancy you are most likely to spot a prowling pride of lions in the plains, Elephants Munching on whistling acacia drepanolobium trees, Leopard scanning for prey at the top of the acacia tree.
It Boasts of having the largest Chimpanzee Sanctuary in East and Central Africa, making it a pre-eminent conservancy in Kenya.
We left Nairobi at 7:00 AM and drove 207 Kilometers, Taking us 3 hours and 30 Minutes.
It is doable for a day trip from Nairobi but I always recommend and advocate for an overnight to any destination. We were ready for an overnight in this Spectacular conservancy.
What to see in Ol Pejeta Conservancy?
Ol Pejeta is one of the famous conservancies in Kenya, where you get up close and personal with the wildlife.
The first time I was to go to Ol pejeta Conservancy I had no clue what to expect, it was a prickling but at the same time a Confusing Moment.
Let us now delve in and see what Ol pejeta Conservancy has to offer.
11.) Sweet Waters Chimpanzee Sanctuary.
Max am here! We had a moment with him and I could tell he vividly remembered me, this time he was more friendly and accommodating than the last time, I don`t know who could have angered him then.
Sweet Waters Chimpanzee Sanctuary was started in 1993 in a negotiated agreement between the Kenya wildlife service, the Ol Pejeta Conservancy and Jane Goodall Institute.
This Sanctuary purpose was to rescue abused Chimpanzees in West and Central Africa. The first three to be brought were from Bujumbura, Burundi.
They needed to be evacuated because of the war. Now a staggering number of 43 Chimps live in two groups separated by the Ewaso Nyiro River.
10.) Behind the Scenes Sweet Waters Chimpanzee Sanctuary.
In this Video, Narrated by Dr Jane Goodall Ol pejeta Conservancy, watch their journey.
Do you want to get close and personal? Probably even adopt one? This is the time where you get into their “houses” and learn more on an individual level. However, this comes at an extra fee of-:
- $60 Per Person (Adult)
- $30 Per Child
The best time to see The Chimpanzees behind the scenes is during feeding time.
There are two sessions of feeding, at 7:30 AM and the Evening Session which is at 4:30 PM.
Please follow the following conditions while doing either of the sessions.
The Conditions are-:
- As much as they are photogenic, you can only take pictures outside their houses.
- The Chimpanzees are well taken care of and they will not compromise anything, they have a set number of Maximum of 6 Pax.
- To minimize human infection to them, you have to keep a distance of at least four Meters.
- If it happens you have any contagious disease likes flu, you will not be allowed to go behind the scenes. This is why the entire Sweet Waters Chimpanzee is closed for now due to COVID 19 Until further notice.
- Your guess is right, you are not allowed to feed the Chimpanzees only the caregivers.
- In case the Chimpanzees becomes uncontrollable, the caregivers have the right to ask you to leave, please do and follow what they say to ensure smooth operation.
9.) Meet the Northern White Rhinos.
The Northern White Rhino and first cousins of their counterparts Southern White rhino, closely resemble each other. It is considered Extinct but Ol Pejeta became home to four out of the remaining seven in 2009.
They were brought from the Czech Republic since Ol Pejeta had a favourable climate, they were two Males (Suni and Sudan) and two females (Najin and Fatu).
Am lucky to have seen Sudan before he passed on in 2018, not from poaching as they enjoyed 24hours armed security. I never got to see Suni, who passed on in 2014 due to unknown complications.
The Ol Pejeta Conservancy is trying to crossbreed the Northern White and their cousins Southern Rhinos to preserve and save the Northern Rhino.
- Time: Morning Session (8:30AM – 9:30AM) Late Morning (11:00AM – 12:00PM)
- The Charges
- Adult $60
- Child $30
8.) Afternoon Ride the Wild at Ol Pejeta Conservancy.
Tell me, how does it feel to ride a horse in the wild? I want you to get the real picture of the event, I mean as you gallop past the Rhinos donning that light helmet and probably those riding boots.
You get the feeling like you are one of them (wildlife). This is one of the most exhilarating experiences one can have in the wild.
I did not get the chance to do this but I will be back for it soon.
We were told it Starts at the Moran Information Centre, gallop to Sudan`s Grave and Rhino Cemetery, gallop through the wild like a cowboy/Girl.
You get close to the wild animals like you are part of them. This is the short game drive is better than hours of game drives in the Tourist vehicle, however, am not dismissing vehicle game drives but I just want you to get the impact it brings.
I don`t know why I fancy it this much probably it is because I missed the event. Please don’t if you can just do it.
Time: (2:00PM – 4:00PM)
The Charges
- Adult $70
- Child $70
7.) The Afternoon Lion Tracking at Ol Pejeta Conservancy.
I love lions, I did an article about lions, they fascinate me, to say the least.
Well, you will have the opportunity to become a researcher of Ol pejeta Conservancy by joining the team to track the collared lions for conservation data.
You will be provided with a pen and a notebook to do your noting of the lions.
This two-hour tracking can be exciting as you will be able to see other wildlife and other not collared lions along the way. This is done in the conservancy shared vehicle and is subject to departure with at least two pax, however, you can do it solo if you can pay double the price.
Time: (3:30AM – 5:30PM)
The Charges
- Adult $60
- Child $30
6.) Run in the Ol Pejeta Plain.
Another one, but not the one for DJ Khalid, this is another incredible activity to do in Ol pejeta Conservancy, if you have read up to here you are an adventure lover, big up yourself.
Now in this one, you need to be fit. You are needed to run at least 5 Kilometers Non-Stop.
However, if you want to rest the rangers will wait for you while doing press-ups or sit-ups as they do not rest throughout the run.
Along the way you will spot Jumbos (Elephants) but worry not, you will be in the safe hands of the rangers and just in the case between the run, you feel like you can not take it.
There will always be a chase tourist vehicle carrying your kit which you can always board on but you are encouraged to do the first 5 Kilometers. Sounds like fun? You will be doing a game run.
Time: 7:00 AM (Every Wednesday and Friday)
The Charges
- Adult $40
- Child $40 (Kids allowed are from 12 Years Old)
5.) Meet the Surrounding Community of Ol pejeta Conservancy.
If you were in Masai Mara National Reserve or Amboseli National Park or even Samburu National Conservancy.
The surrounding community would be the Maasai, the ones with the checkered colorful Shukas.
Now, this is the community living within Ol Pejeta Conservancy, they are not as traditional, they are a bit westernized but still, you will learn a lot from them.
Ol pejeta will showcase the projects they have done and continue to support the community.
The best thing about this Activity, the fees collected goes directly to the community.
Time: (10:30AM – 12:30PM)
The Charges
- Adult $60
- Child $00.00
4.) Ranching with the wild.
Ol Pejeta is a unique conservancy on its own. The activities provided are rare in other parks and conservancies across Africa. Where else do you get to ranch domestic animals in the wildness full of predators and you can do that smoothly without any oppression or scuffle from either?
They boast of more than 7,000 Boran Cattle and a small number of Ankole Cattles, famously from Uganda.
The cattle make a balanced grassland of biodiversity hotspots. You will get a chance to visit the Boma`s which are built in a way they are free from eminent predators.
3.) Meet Baraka the Black Blind Rhino in Ol Pejeta Conservancy.
I liked this guy, he`s smart and friendly, being the Rhino Ambassador to humans. He lost his right eye during a fight with another bull, just like any other man would do to protect his family.
He never gave up on the fight even after losing the eye, he continued to use the left eye and fought to retain his territory. Luckily, he was spotted in time and he was moved to Morani in a 100 acre.
He startled everyone when within three weeks he adapted to the new lifestyle.
Baraka is iconic and a legend at the same time, for that reason you can adopt him in this Link.
2.) Bush Walk at Ol Pejeta Conservancy.
I like bushwalks, I like walking in the wild, it stretches my nerves. This is one of the best ways to start your morning. Graced by the morning due and the gleaming sunrise as you are awed by the beautiful songs of the early morning bird songs as you stride past bushes to your left some small mammals browsing.
You will walk in a straight line guarded by the rangers, the walk is not that strenuous but you need to be fit, walking for more than three hours needs some fitness. A group is restricted to a maximum of six people. Please get your closed shoes don’t don open shoes.
Time: 6:30AM
- The Charges
- Adult $60
Child $60 (Kids allowed are from 12 Years Old)
1.) Night Game Drive at Ol pejeta Conservancy.
Tourists flock to Ol Pejeta conservancy for Night Game drives, few parks and conservancies have such luxury of a night game drive but Ol pejeta boasts as one of the few who can provide Night Game Drive.
Armed with Spot Light in a shared Conservancy Tourist Vehicle. You will be picked at your lodge and start a lifetime experience that lasts for two or so hours but it will remain at the back of your mind for a long time.
You will be able to spot the nocturnal animals, the likes of Aardvark, the elusive Leopard, the lions which are active during the Night, the white-tailed Mongoose, which was believed back in the days if you see it you were going to get rich. Since it was rare to spot.
Time: 9:00 PM
The Charges
- Adult $60
- Child $30
Ol Pejeta Conservancy 2021 Entrance fees.
The fee activities I have listed above are all optional, depending on what you like the most. However, at the main entrance to the Conservancy at the gate, you will have to pay the mandatory Conservancy fees as follows.
Due to COVID 19, to resuscitate tourism, rates were reduced by 50% below are the new rates. Take this opportunity.
East Africans: Adults Kes700 child Kes350
Residents: Adults Kes1300 Child Kes650
Non-Resident: Adult $45 Child $22
Please Note: Due to COVID 19, the Sweet Waters Chimpanzee Sanctuary is closed till further Notice since the Chimpanzees are as vulnerable as Humans but the other activities are up and running smoothly.
Also Read:-
