Spend a long day on the Laikipia plateau tracking rhinos, watching chimpanzees at Sweetwaters and visiting Baraka, the conservancy’s blind rhino. This full-day drive from Nairobi balances close wildlife encounters with behind-the-scenes conservation insights.
More ways to explore the area's outdoor wonders
You leave Nairobi before dawn and the highway blurs into highland light — acacia silhouettes puncture the horizon and the road climbs toward the Laikipia plateau. By mid-morning the air smells of dry grass and dust; on the far side of the gate the landscape opens into broad, sun-baked plains and the patient drama of plains wildlife.
Difficulty
easy
Duration
11 hours
Fitness Level
No special fitness required; mostly seated game drives with short walks near lodge areas. Basic mobility recommended.
Wildlife
History
Once private ranchland, Ol Pejeta has been converted into one of Kenya’s largest private conservancies focused on conservation, tourism revenue, and community programs.
Conservation
Ol Pejeta operates intensive rhino protection squads, veterinary partnerships and community projects that fund anti-poaching work and research.
Reserve your spot on the Day Tour to Ol Pejeta Conservancy today and enjoy a trusted, highly rated experience designed to help you make the most of your adventure.
Start early and rest up
Departure around 5am means a very early wake-up; bring a travel pillow and snacks to stay comfortable on the 2.5-hour drive to Nanyuki.
Bring binoculars and a zoom lens
Animal sightings can be at range or in scrub—binoculars and a 200–400mm equivalent lens increase your chances of sharp wildlife photos.
Hydration and sun protection
Highland sun is strong even on cool mornings—carry water, sunscreen and a wide-brim hat for midday drives.
Follow guide instructions near rhinos
Rhinos, especially those under protection, require calm, quiet observation—stay inside the vehicle and keep noise low to avoid stressing animals.
Binoculars (8x–10x)
Helps you spot distant rhinos, elephants and birds during game drives.
Telephoto camera lens (200–400mm)
Useful for close, high-quality wildlife shots from the vehicle.
Sun hat and sunscreen
Protects against strong equatorial sun during midday drives and at the watering hole.
summer
Light insulating layer
Early mornings can be cool; a fleece or windbreaker is handy for dawn drives.
winter