Tracking Black Rhinos at Ol Pejeta Conservancy

Tracking Black Rhinos at Ol Pejeta Conservancy

Rhino tracking in Ol Pejeta Conservancy Area in Kenya is a great chance for nature lovers to explore more about the black rhinos. The black rhinos are among the Big 5 game available in Ol Pejeta and is remarkably East Africa’s biggest black rhino sanctuary. The sanctuary offers a perfect opportunity for visitors to track the black rhinos and unearth their unique behaviors. The black rhinos are among the endangered species in Africa. Embarking on tracking black rhinos at Ol Pejeta Conservancy allows you to explore more on how these mammals behave, their feeding habits, and also the different challenges they encounter in the wild. Ol Pejeta is a remarkable spot for visitors to encounter these huge mammals at a close range.

Ol Pejeta rhinos comprise 2 species; the Northern white rhinos and over 110 endangered black rhinos. There are highly trained and skilled teams in charge protection of these rhinos and on an actual rhino trek, you can be led by an experienced guide.

Tracking black rhinos at Ol Pejeta Conservancy presents a great opportunity for visitors to film or take pictures of black rhinos including the first rhinos to be born at the conservancy area.

Ol Pejeta Conservancy

Ol Pejeta is a 360 sq. km wildlife sanctuary, home to a diversity of animals. The conservancy is home to an important species the black rhinos. During a rhino-tracking adventure, visitors follow the signs and tracks with an experienced guide. The guide will always share deep insights into the conservation efforts that have been put in place to secure the lives of these mammals from declining.

Ol Pejeta Conservation initiatives

At Ol Pejeta Conservancy, visitors can explore more about the different conservation projects that have been implemented. These include anti-poaching initiatives, community engagement initiatives, and measures that have been put in place to curb wildlife crime and ensure biodiversity protection and preservation. The conservancy area also shelters the Northern white rhinos, a few subspecies of rhinos that are a risk of becoming extinct.

Other experiences to enjoy at Ol Pejeta

Lion tracking

Ol Pejeta Conservancy is one of the best destinations in East Africa that is worth visiting to enjoy the lion tracking experiences. The lion tracking expeditions take you on a search for the pride of lions, guides make use of gadgets to track lions. The lions have tracking collars around their necks which makes it easier for rangers to locate them. These mammals often wander around the 360 Ol Pejeta Conservancy but luckily, with the collars around their necks, it becomes easier to locate them. As you search for lions, you may also come across other wildlife including elephants, giraffes, and bird species.

The tracking collars around lion necks are aimed at ensuring the safety of these mammals from poachers. The tracking sessions are available in different periods of the day including 6:30 to 8:30, and 15:30 to 17:30.

Game drives

Ol Pejeta is an excellent destination that guarantees wildlife enthusiasts great game encounters. On Kenya, safaris to Ol Pejeta, expect to explore different wildlife on a morning game drive, full day, or evening game drive session.  A guided game drive session allows visitors to encounter wildlife. These include; leopards, African wild dogs, Beisa Oryx, Cheetahs, lions, rhinos, and giraffes. Other wildlife to encounter during the guided game drive in Ol Pejeta include Jackson hartebeests, Grevy’s zebras, bat-eared foxes, dik-diks, silver-backed jackals, vervet monkeys, elands, impalas, elephants, and baboons.

Bird watching

Over 300 bird species survive in Ol Pejeta making it an ideal birding spot. The diverse bird species to explore on a birding excursion here include the scaly francolins, guinea fowls, African black ducks. Crested francolin, helmeted guineafowl, ostriches, black storks. African open-billed storks, yellow-billed stork, common quail, vulturine guinea fowl, and Egyptian geese. Additional birds to expect to find in Ol Pejeta include Abdim’s storks, Maccoa duck oxyura, red-billed tea, spur-winged goose, little grebe, northern shovelers, crested francolins, and many others.

Hippo hides

This takes you on a guided walk down along the scenic banks of the Ewaso Nyiro River. At this point, expect to observe hippos and the best time to experience the hippo hides is early in the morning. During the early morning hours, visitors can easily come across hippos as they just surface for sunshine. The hippo hides experience involves exploring the scenic nature route via the indigenous plants that are of great importance to local communities. The hippo hide activity is best done around 7:00 am and late 6:30 pm.

Guided walks

Guided walking safaris in Ol Pejeta Conservancy are a great deal for nature lovers to experience something unusual on Kenya safaris. The guided walking safaris come with undisrupted views of the conservancy and diverse wildlife. There are routes to be followed that run through Ol Pejeta. With an experienced guide, expect to search for your favorite wildlife including elephants, leopards, and wildebeest. Walking excursions in Ol Pejeta are best enjoyed between 6:30 to 9:30 am and the other phase begins from 3:30 to 6:30 pm.

Explore the chimp sanctuary

Visit the Sweet Waters’ chimpanzee sanctuary and explore more about the orphaned chimpanzees. The Sweet Waters Chimp Sanctuary was officially established in 1993. The primary goal was offering a natural habitat to the non-indigenous species in the area. It is only in Ol Pejeta where you can find chimpanzees in Kenya.

The best time to go explore Ol Pejeta Conservancy

Ol Pejeta is all year-round wildlife conservancy area. But enthusiastic wildlife travelers can get there to experience the best of its game viewing around the peak dry season; June, July, August, September, and October. The conservancy area receives varying climatic conditions in November and December. These months mark the short wet or rainy season.

It is during the rainy months when most plants bloom and also it is possible to observe a diversity of migratory birds. January, February, and March are the best months for photography experiences in Ol Pejeta. The long rainy season or months occurs in April and May.

Accommodation at Ol Pejeta

There are different accommodation options to consider for an overnight stay at Ol Pejeta Conservancy. They include budget, midrange, and luxury and all guarantee visitors on Rhino Trek ultimate comfort. They include;

Ol Pejeta Bush Camp –This is a comfortable accommodation option to consider for an overnight stay at the Ol Pejeta Conservancy. The bush camp is set on the scenic banks of the Ewaso Ng’iro River. The tented camp features a fully furnished tented camp fitted with en suite bathrooms.

Sweetwater’s Serena Camp –A perfect luxury accommodation option for visitors to consider for an overnight stay. This luxury accommodation choice comprises 50 tents each offering great views of the watering holes, mountains, and wildlife.

Porini Rhino Camp – This is an eco-friendly camp and is set in the scenic valley where a peaceful treat is guaranteed to all nature lovers.

Kicheche Laikipia Camp – This is a small luxury camp set in the shadows of Mt. Kenya. It is set overviewing a waterhole and is also surrounded by the wilderness zone of Ol Pejeta.

Ol Pejata House – An intimate accommodation option located in a private and peaceful location. This comfortable accommodation features two private swimming pools. Additionally, many other amenities or facilities aimed at making visitors realize an unforgettable experience as they explore Ol Pejeta Conservancy.