Why a trip to Mt. Kenya, Nanyuki & Ol Pejeta Conservancy?
A trip combining Mount Kenya, Nanyuki, and Ol Pejeta Conservancy offers a mix of scenic mountain trekking, small-town charm, and innovative wildlife conservation. Nanyuki, a town at the base of Mount Kenya, serves as the perfect launchpad for both the mountain and the conservancy.
Mount Kenya
Mount Kenya at a height of 5199m, is the second highest peak in Africa. It is an ancient extinct volcano, which during its period of activity (3.1-2.6 million years ago) is thought to have risen to 6500 m.
Hiking and climbing: The most accessible trekking peak is Point Lenana (4,985 m), which can be reached by a multi-day hike. The highest summits, Batian and Nelion, are only accessible to technical climbers.
Wildlife: The lower slopes and forests of the national park are home to elephants, buffalo, and a variety of primates. As you ascend, the ecosystem changes, offering different wildlife and plant species.
Nanyuki
This vibrant market town is situated on the equator and is a key hub for travel in the region.
Location: Nanyuki is an ideal base for exploring the surrounding attractions, with plenty of amenities for travelers.
Local attractions: You can find the British Army Training Unit Kenya (BATUK) here, and the nearby Mount Kenya Wildlife Conservancy is a sanctuary for endangered mountain bongos.
Ol Pejeta Wildlife Conservancy
Ol Pejeta Wildlife Conservancy is a 90,000-acre private, non-profit wildlife conservancy in Kenya’s Laikipia County, situated on the equator between the foothills of Mount Kenya and the Aberdare Range. It is a global leader in integrated conservation, using tourism and sustainable enterprises to fund wildlife protection and community development.
Ol Pejeta is best known for its critical work protecting endangered species.
The Last Northern White Rhinos: The conservancy is home to Najin and Fatu, the world’s last two northern white rhinos. They live under round-the-clock armed protection as part of a groundbreaking IVF research program to save the subspecies from extinction.
Eastern Black Rhino Sanctuary: Ol Pejeta is the largest black rhino sanctuary in East and Central Africa, with over 160 individuals.
Sweetwaters Chimpanzee Sanctuary: Established in partnership with the Jane Goodall Institute, it is the only place in Kenya to see chimpanzees. The sanctuary provides a lifetime home for rescued and orphaned chimpanzees from West and Central Africa.
Other Endangered Species: In addition to rhinos and chimpanzees, the conservancy is a vital sanctuary for the endangered African wild dog, Grevy’s zebra, and Jackson’s hartebeest.
Wildlife and habitats
Ol Pejeta’s landscape is a mix of grasslands, riverine forests, and acacia woodlands, supporting a rich diversity of wildlife.
Big Five: The conservancy is a prime location to spot the “Big Five” (lion, leopard, elephant, rhino, and buffalo).
Other animals: Common sightings include cheetahs, hippos, giraffes, hyenas, and various antelope species.
Abundant birdlife: Over 300 bird species make it an excellent destination for birdwatching.
