Ol Pejeta Conservancy: A Model for Conservation
GetTripGo Travel Desk · 6 min read
Ol Pejeta is home to one of the most quietly significant stories in African conservation: the last two northern white rhinos on the planet, both female, living under armed protection within the conservancy's borders. It's also one of East Africa's most effective working examples of conservation funded directly by tourism.
Quick Facts
- Known for: Last two northern white rhinos on Earth, chimpanzee sanctuary
- Type: Private, not-for-profit conservancy
- Access: About 3-4 hour drive from Nairobi, or short flight
- Unique activities: Rhino tracking on foot, chimp sanctuary visits, night drives
The Last Northern White Rhinos
With no male northern white rhino left alive, the subspecies is functionally extinct in the wild — but scientists at Ol Pejeta are working on advanced reproductive techniques using preserved genetic material, in partnership with international research institutions, to attempt to save the subspecies. Visiting is a rare chance to understand a conservation story playing out in real time, not just read about it afterward.
More Than Rhinos
Ol Pejeta also hosts Kenya's only chimpanzee sanctuary, home to chimps rescued from conflict zones and illegal trafficking elsewhere in Africa — chimpanzees aren't native to Kenya, so this is a rehabilitation center rather than a wild population. The conservancy also has strong Big Five populations, including a healthy lion count, and offers activities like guided rhino tracking on foot that aren't available at most other parks.
Practical Tips
- Book a specific visit to the northern white rhinos in advance — access is controlled for their protection.
- The chimp sanctuary has separate visiting hours from general game drives — check the schedule ahead.
- Ol Pejeta pairs naturally with Samburu or the Aberdares on a northern Kenya circuit.
- Night drives and rhino tracking on foot are both offered here — ask your camp to arrange them in advance.