Destination Details

Olpejeta Conservancy, Kenya

🐘 Overview

• A 360 km² not-for-profit wildlife conservancy in Laikipia County, Kenya.

• Located between the Aberdares and Mount Kenya, on the equator.

• Focuses on wildlife conservation, great ape sanctuary, and community development through tourism and livestock.

🦏 Wildlife Highlights

• Hosts the largest black rhino sanctuary in East Africa.

• Home to the last two northern white rhinos in the world.

• Contains all members of the “Big Five” and over 300 bird species.

• Sweetwaters Chimpanzee Sanctuary is the only place in Kenya with chimpanzees.

🛡️ Anti-Poaching & Security

• Uses dogs, drones, aircraft, and armed patrols to combat poaching.

• Fully electrified perimeter fence to prevent human-wildlife conflict.

• Rhino patrols and general security teams monitor wildlife and protect endangered species.

🌍 Conservation & Ecology

• Ecological Monitoring Department tracks habitat and species health.

• Management plans developed in collaboration with Kenya Wildlife Service.

• Cattle ranching integrated with conservation to enhance biodiversity.

👥 Community Engagement

• Supports local communities with health, education, water, and infrastructure projects.

• Promotes community-based tourism and agricultural services.

• Raised over $4 million for development programs by 2011.

🦍 Sweetwaters Chimpanzee Sanctuary

• Established in 1993 with support from KWS and Jane Goodall Institute.

• Provides refuge for rescued chimpanzees from conflict zones and illegal trade.

• Currently houses 43 chimpanzees in natural enclosures.

🏕️ Tourism & Visiting

• Offers multiple accommodation options and safari activities.

• Entry fees vary by residency status; activities include rhino visits, lion tracking, and bushwalks.

• Includes a research facility for ecological studies.