Ol Pejeta Conservancy

Ol Pejeta Conservancy

Situated on the eastern side of Laikipia County, Ol Pejeta Conservancy spans over 90,000 acres and is one of Kenya’s most celebrated wildlife destinations. It is famously known as the home of the last two Northern White Rhinos on Earth and as a stronghold for the endangered Black Rhino. The Conservancy also shelters a Chimpanzee Sanctuary, which offers refuge to rescued and orphaned chimps—making it the only place in Kenya where you can see these primates.

The Laikipia region boasts the richest diversity of wildlife in Kenya outside of the Maasai Mara, and protected areas like Ol Pejeta are key to conserving this natural heritage. Habitats range from open Red Oat grasslands and riverine vegetation along the Ngobit and Ewaso Ng’iro rivers, to extensive stands of Whistling Acacia, all providing ideal conditions for a wealth of bird species. Birdwatchers can enjoy sightings of resident species, Palearctic migrants, and intra-African migrants.

Beyond birding, Ol Pejeta offers unique activities such as horseback safaris to see rhinos, lion tracking experiences, and night game drives—ensuring unforgettable encounters with wildlife both by day and after dark.

Birding in Ol Pejeta Conservancy

A birding tour in Ol Pejeta Conservancy begins at the main Rongai Gate, where the surrounding grasslands quickly come alive with bird activity. Visitors are often greeted by the gorgeous Superb Starling, while a colony of Speke’s Weavers can be seen nesting beneath the solar panels above the gate building. Keep an eye on the skies, where a Lanner Falcon may occasionally be seen hunting Speckled Pigeons around the nearby structures. Crowned Lapwing may also be seen scouring the plains adjacent to the gate.  In the surrounding bushes, lively Nanyuki Black-lored Babblers forage actively, providing an excellent introduction to the rich birdlife of Ol Pejeta.

Ol Pejeta’s remarkable birdlife thrives in its varied habitats—grasslands, open bush, riverine forest, swamps, marshes, and thickets—all of which host a diverse array of species. Although most birdwatching is done from the vehicle, there are special walking zones such as the Chimpanzee Conservation Park, where the riverine trails provide excellent birding. Along these trails, you may encounter Ethiopian Swallow, Hildebrandt’s & Shelley’s  Francolins, White-crested Helmetshrike, Rufous Chatterer, and the elusive African Black Duck.

In the tall grasses, especially during the rainy season, the spectacular males of Jackson’s Widowbird and Long-tailed Widowbird can be seen in their full black breeding plumage, vigorously displaying to impress females.

Common Birds of Ol Pejeta Conservancy

• Waterbirds & Wetland Species: African Black Duck, Spur-winged Goose, Yellow-billed Stork, Saddle-billed Stork, African Spoonbill, Hamerkop, Dwarf Bittern, Great Painted Snipe, Goliath Heron

• Raptors & Vultures: Secretarybird, Crowned Eagle, Amur Falcon, White-backed Vulture, Rüppell’s Vulture, Lappet-faced Vulture, Bateleur, Martial Eagle, Long-crested Eagle, Eurasian Hobby,  Lizard Buzzard, Gabar Goshawk, Black-chested Snake-Eagle, Bat Hawk, Levant Sparrowhawk, Grasshopper Buzzard, Eastern Chanting Goshawk, African Hawk-Eagle, Common Buzzard, Steppe Eagle, Pygmy Falcon, Shikra, Peregrine Falcon, White-eyed Kestrel.

• Grassland & Bush Species: Grey-crowned Crane, Kori Bustard, Black-winged Lapwing, Namaqua Dove, Rufous Chatterer, Nanyuki Black-lored Babbler, Somali Tit, Meyer’s Parrot.

• Nocturnal Birds: Marsh Owl, Cape Eagle Owl, Spotted Eagle Owl,  Pearl-spotted Owlet, Verreaux’s Eagle Owl, African Scops Owl, Dusky Nightjar, Donaldson Smith Nightjar, Freckled Nightjar, Pennant-winged Nightjar, Slender-tailed Nightjar

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