Ol Pejeta Conservancy, Kenya.
Cradled by the rolling foothills of Mount Kenya and the wide Laikipia plains lies Ol Pejeta Conservancy—a place where raw wilderness and groundbreaking conservation meet. It’s not just a safari stop; it’s a living story of survival, hope, and unforgettable wildlife encounters. From coming face-to-face with the very last northern white rhinos on Earth to tracking lions under the stars, every moment here pulls you deeper into the magic of Africa’s wild heart.
Meet the Last Two Northern White Rhinos.
Few experiences in the world compare to standing before the last two northern white rhinos—Najin and Fatu. As you watch these gentle giants graze peacefully, their keepers share the emotional story of a species on the edge of extinction. It’s a rare, humbling encounter that makes you reflect on the urgency of conservation. What’s even more powerful is knowing that your visit directly supports the tireless efforts to keep their legacy alive.
Lion Tracking.
Ever heard that you can guess a lion’s age by looking at the color of its nose? That’s just one of the fascinating insights you’ll pick up while tracking lions at Ol Pejeta. Guided by skilled trackers, you’ll venture into the bush with radio equipment to locate collared lions. Each discovery is more than just a thrill—it’s a chance to contribute to vital research that helps protect these vulnerable big cats for generations to come.
All-Day Game Drive.
A full day out in Ol Pejeta feels like flipping through the most beautiful wildlife storybook. Beyond rhinos, you’ll come across the Big Five—elephants lumbering across the savannah, buffalo herds grazing lazily, and if luck is on your side, a leopard stretched out on a tree branch. Alongside them, rarer animals like the Grevy’s zebra, Jackson’s hartebeest, and African wild dogs add color to the adventure. Every bend in the track reveals a new lesson from nature’s classroom.
Night Game Drive.
When the sun dips below the horizon and the air cools, Ol Pejeta takes on a whole new rhythm. On a night game drive, your spotlight might catch the gleam of a hyena’s eyes, the graceful stride of a serval, or even a lion beginning its nocturnal hunt. The savannah hums with sounds you never notice by day, from chirping insects to distant calls in the dark. It’s a mysterious, unforgettable journey into the wild’s secret nightlife.
Dog Tracking with the K9 Unit.
Imagine playing a game of hide-and-seek with some of Africa’s most skilled guardians. Ol Pejeta’s bloodhounds are famous for their tracking abilities, and during this interactive experience, you’ll get to test your stealth as they follow your scent across the bush. It’s fun, thrilling, and eye-opening—showing you the crucial role these dogs play in protecting wildlife from poachers. Few adventures connect conservation and adrenaline quite like this.
Behind the Scenes with the Chimpanzees.
Step into the quieter world of the Sweetwater’s Chimpanzee Sanctuary, the only place in Kenya where you can see rescued chimps. While they aren’t native to this country, each chimp here has a heartbreaking backstory of habitat loss or the bushmeat trade. On a behind-the-scenes tour, you’ll learn how caretakers nurture and rehabilitate them, offering a second chance at life. It’s moving, educational, and a reminder of the shared responsibility we hold in protecting all primates.
“I just love what I do. Whenever I find a rhino that has been missing for some days and see it safe and doing well, that is my biggest happiness. I love the rhinos so much. Thanks to the support we receive from Helping Rhinos, myself my team and I have been able to remain operational and provide the essential protection to keep the rhinos safe.”
Simon Irungu, Rhino Patrol Unit, Ol Pejeta Conservancy
Plan your journey with Mateys Wild Tours and let us take you closer to this extraordinary conservancy. Whether you dream of game drives across sweeping savannahs, intimate wildlife photography, or conservation experiences that leave a mark on your heart, we will craft a trip tailored to you.
