Overview - Ol Pejeta Conservancy

Ol Pejeta Conservancy is a 364sq km wildlife conservancy situated between the foothills of Mount Kenya and the Aberdares and its game-to-area ratio tops the Kenyan park and reserve league. The Ol Pejeta Conservancy in Kenya has over 10000 large mammals and it is the only park where the big 5 and chimpanzees can be seen. It is also where the fastest-growing population of rhino in Africa can be found. There are southern white rhino, about 80 endangered black rhino and in a special sanctuary, there are two of the world’s last remaining northern white rhino.

  • Best Time To Go June to September
  • High Season June to October & December to March
  • Size 360 Sq KMs

Pros & Cons

June to September: Dry Season

Pros:

  • Mostly sunny and there is little rain
  • Best time for wildlife watching as water sources attract a steady flow of animals
  • Vegetation is thinner and visibility of animals is better
  • Roads are in good condition

Cons:

  • The reserve gets quite busy
  • Dust in the sky reduces visibility and the scenery is less spectacular

October to May : Wet Season

Pros:

    • The reserve is less busy and low season rates might apply
    • Outstanding bird watching with migratory birds present
    • Newborn animals are readily seen
    • Scenery is lush and clear skies offer stunning views of Mount Kenya on cloudless days

    Cons

    • Smaller animals are difficult to spot in the long grass
    • Road conditions can be bad and a strong 4x4 is required
    • Rain can interfere with game drives
    • Some lodges close in April and May
     

 

Best Time to Visit

 The Ol Pejeta Conservancy in Kenya has over 10000 large mammals and it is the only park where the big 5 and chimpanzees can be seen. It is also where the fastest-growing population of rhino in Africa can be found. There are southern white rhino, about 80 endangered black rhino and in a special sanctuary, there are two of the world’s last remaining northern white rhino. Ol Pejeta Conservancy offers good wildlife viewing throughout the year, although heavy downpours can disrupt planned excursions. 4x4 vehicles are essential if visiting during the rainy season.

 

 

Wildlife

Ol Pejeta Conservancy is home to all of the Big five. It is the largest black rhino sanctuary in East Africa, and sightings of both black and white rhino are common. Ol Pejeta is said to have the highest predator density in Kenya outside of the Maasai Mara; and there is a good chance of seeing lion, cheetah, and hyena. Since 2011, two packs of wild dogs have moved into the area and the population has grown to over 30 individuals.

Weather & Climate

The high altitude of Ol Pejeta means the climate is cooler than otherwise would be expected this close to the equator. Temperatures are fairly constant all year – during the day, it creeps into the mid-twenties, while nights are far cooler. Game drives in the morning can be chilly in an open-air vehicle, so bring warm clothes. The main Wet season (the long rains) is from March to May while there is a shorter wet period (the short rains), which peaks in November.

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Best time to Visit- Ol Pejeta Conservancy

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  • May
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  •   Excellent
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 The Ol Pejeta Conservancy in Kenya has over 10000 large mammals and it is the only park where the big 5 and chimpanzees can be seen. It is also where the fastest-growing population of rhino in Africa can be found. There are southern white rhino, about 80 endangered black rhino and in a special sanctuary, there are two of the world’s last remaining northern white rhino. Ol Pejeta Conservancy offers good wildlife viewing throughout the year, although heavy downpours can disrupt planned excursions. 4x4 vehicles are essential if visiting during the rainy season.

  • Best Time June to September
  • High Season June to October & December to March
  • Low Season April,May and November
  • Best Weather June to October
  • Worst Weather Rainy

Best time to Visit - Ol Pejeta Conservancy

Ol Pejeta Conservancy offers good wildlife viewing throughout the year, although heavy downpours can disrupt planned excursions. 4x4 vehicles are essential if visiting during the rainy season. The Ol Pejeta Conservancy in Kenya has over 10000 large mammals and it is the only park where the big 5 and chimpanzees can be seen. It is also where the fastest-growing population of rhino in Africa can be found. There are southern white rhino, about 80 endangered black rhino and in a special sanctuary, there are two of the world’s last remaining northern white rhino.

Dry Season

June to October: Dry Season

It rains very little in the Dry season, although when the first rains fall is changeable. July and August are the coolest months, and temperatures increase in September through October before the rain breaks.

  • June, July, August & September – Lots of sunshine with very little rain. Afternoons are pleasant with temperatures around 24°C/75°F, but evenings and early mornings are cold with temperatures of around 12°C/54°F.
  • October – It is warming up a bit with afternoon temperatures of about 26°C/79°F. The short rains might start towards the end of the month, or it might be later in November. Temperatures drop after the rains.

Wet Season

October to May

Even though the Wet season is between October and May, a period of much lesser rainfall runs from December to February. This period separates the so-called ‘short rains’ and ‘long rains’. Overcast days are not unusual. Warm clothing in the early morning is advisable as the temperature is 9°C/48°F on average.

  • October & November – ‘Short rains’: It normally starts raining in October. The temperature in the afternoon averages a very pleasant 25°C/77°F.
  • December, January & February – These are the months separating the short and long rains when it is much drier. Its exact timing differs each year and it will still be wet some days.
  • March, April, and May – ‘Long rains’: April sees the most rainfall. Although it doesn’t rain for the whole day, tracks might become challenging to navigate. It is warmer in the morning with average temperatures of about 10°C/50°F.

Safety

Independent travelers should seek the latest advice before heading into Baringo County or Laikipia.
Most people fly to Ol Pejeta, but if you are to drive out here and visit towns between parks, observe normal safety precautions. 

Medicine & Vaccines

Several vaccinations need to be taken before coming to Kenya in general and, to a lesser extent, Ol Pejeta Conservancy. Malaria is the biggest health concern for visitors and antimalarials are recommended. The use of mosquito repellent and covering up during the evening is highly recommende.

Weather And Climate

 

The high altitude of Ol Pejeta means the climate is cooler than otherwise would be expected this close to the equator. Temperatures are fairly constant all year – during the day, it creeps into the mid-twenties, while nights are far cooler. Game drives in the morning can be chilly in an open-air vehicle, so bring warm clothes. The main Wet season (the long rains) is from March to May while there is a shorter wet period (the short rains), which peaks in November.