Ol Pejeta Bush Camp Laikipia
On the banks of the Ewaso Nyiro river in central Kenya’s Laikipia region is Alex Hunter’s Ol Pejeta bush camp, the ultimate in Kenyan hospitality. Here you will share your space with the the northern white rhinos. Ol Pejeta’s 7 East African safari tents offer a base from which to explore the local projects that have made it famous to the sightings of black and white rhino and the big five. Ol Pejeta is the first choice for discerning safari veterans looking for a luxury bush camp and to understand and enjoy the very best of world-leading conservation practice.
Camp experience
Low-key East African authenticity is the hallmark of Ol Pejeta. With no permanent structures and an entirely eco-friendly design, the camp blends seamlessly into the surrounding plains in a mix of natural colours and materials. The mess area looks out over the sprawling plains and is the hub of the camp. Meals are enjoyed under canvas in the dining tent, while the cool, breezy mess tent with its inviting sofas and armchairs echoes the friendly, relaxed atmosphere in camp. When darkness falls, evenings are spent around the fire, waiting to catch a glimpse of a rhino ambling down to drink at the opposite river bank.
Meals
Hearty, homemade food with a gourmet twist using fresh organic beef, lamb and chicken from surrounding community ranches is what you’ll enjoy at Ol Pejeta. All the vegetables are brought from local farmers or from a local women’s co-op. Try the delicious mandazis, our local speciality doughnuts. A picnic breakfast in the middle of a game drive is a must-do. Lunch includes a selection of fresh salads, with pasta or a hot main dish followed by fresh fruit salad for dessert. You can enjoy bitings and canapés with an evening drink around the campfire from 7.30pm, and dinner is served at 8pm. The main course includes dishes like roast lamb, sirloin or fillet from Ol Pejeta Ranch, tilapia fillets, steak and chips, chicken curry with fresh chapatis, and so on, followed by a mouthwatering dessert.
A typical day on safari
The very best time for rewarding game viewing is in the cooler early mornings and late afternoons, when the animals are at their most active. Depending on the season, your day may start slightly earlier or later, but the general pace of life in camp is focused on giving you the very best possible game-viewing experience. If you have booked a private game-viewing vehicle do discuss personal schedule preferences with your guide.
Family safari
There is so much for kids to do at Ol Pejeta! As well as excellent wilderness game drives, it offers a unique opportunity to see some of the world’s most endangered wildlife species. A visit to the northern white rhino enclosure will introduce them to the last two surviving members of this species left on the planet. Children also enjoy tracking lion during a game drive or visiting the Sweetwaters chimpanzee sanctuary to feed rescued chimp. For an exceptional family safari, combine a stay at Ol Pejeta with a few days at our Mara bush houses.
Accommodation
Perfectly spaced along the Ewaso Nyiro River, the six traditional safari tents at Ol Pejeta are charming and full of character. All tents come complete with warm blankets for the winter mornings, rechargeable solar lights and en-suite bathrooms with hot-water safari bucket showers and flushing toilets. Individual verandas provide the perfect spot to while away an afternoon in privacy, watching the animals come and go along the river bank.
Location
Ol Pejeta Bush camp is on the banks of the Ewaso Nyiro river in the Ol Pejeta conservancy, a 400km² former cattle ranch in the foothills of the Aberdares with magnificent views of Mount Kenya. The wildlife is never far away from the camp. Ol Pejeta conservancy boasts one of the greatest game-to-area ratios of any reserve in Kenya. The big five can all be found in the area. Importantly, these wild animals live and graze alongside the world’s largest herd of Boran cattle in a pioneering and mutually beneficial land-management system. The conservancy also offers birding opportunities. The conservancy prides itself on safeguarding vulnerable wildlife. It is the largest black rhino sanctuary in east Africa. Over 100 critically endangered black rhino live on the land along with 20 southern white rhino.
Activities
However you choose to spend your days, Ol Pejeta guarantees a varied safari trip in this niche corner of Kenya. Most of the Ol Pejeta team members are drawn from the local areas. Their genuine warmth gives you a truly personal experience at this intimate bush camp. The team creates exceptional safari experiences with a focus on the pioneering projects in the area.
Game drives
Learn about the varied animal species and birdlife of the conservancy during morning and evening game drives with an expert guide, handpicked from the surrounding community. Our vehicles are open with a canvas canopy to give you the best viewing possible. Do remember that Ol Pejeta is at an altitude of 1,800 metres and so it gets extremely cold at night and in the early mornings, especially between June and September: wear plenty of warm layers that you can peel off as the day warms up.
Night drives
Dusk and the early evening just after the sun has fallen below the horizon is a thrilling time to be on safari. Antelope come out to feed in the cool air, predators take advantage of the cloak of darkness to stalk their prey and nocturnal species such as aardvark, zorilla and white-tailed mongoose begin their day. Join a knowledgeable guide on a night drive and seek out the action that takes place after darkness falls.
Walking safaris
Discover the sights, sounds and smells of the bush on a walking safari. On foot, the magic of the bush truly comes alive and walking through the big game country is an experience not to be missed. The minimum age for walking is 16 years on a shared basis. Children under 12 years is done by special arrangement and must be on a private basis.
