Destinations Near Fortunas Resort

Ol Pejeta Conservancy

Home of the world’s last two northern white rhinos and East Africa’s largest black rhino sanctuary.

approximately 130 km from Fortunas2 to 3 hourBest: Year-round; peak game viewing June to October

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Ol Pejeta Conservancy

Overview

About Ol Pejeta Conservancy

Ol Pejeta Conservancy is a 360-square-kilometre conservancy at the foot of Mount Kenya and one of the most famous wildlife properties in Africa. It is home to the world’s last two surviving northern white rhinos — Najin and Fatu — alongside more than 165 black rhinos in East Africa’s largest sanctuary for the species. It is the only place in Kenya where you can see chimpanzees, at the Sweetwaters Chimpanzee Sanctuary established with the Jane Goodall Institute.

Although Ol Pejeta is the furthest of the conservancies covered in this guide, it remains a highlight day or overnight trip from Fortunas Resort. Our team builds two- and three-day Laikipia loops that combine Ol Pejeta with Lewa or Borana for the ultimate rhino-focused safari.

History & Heritage

The Story of Ol Pejeta Conservancy

Originally a colonial cattle ranch, Ol Pejeta was converted into a not-for-profit wildlife conservancy in 2004 with backing from Fauna & Flora International. The conservancy reinvests 100% of its tourism profits into community development and conservation, supporting more than 100,000 people across surrounding districts.

In 2009, four of the world’s last northern white rhinos were translocated to Ol Pejeta from a Czech zoo in a last-ditch attempt to save the subspecies. Today only Najin and Fatu remain, and Ol Pejeta hosts the BioRescue programme that is pioneering IVF and stem-cell techniques to bring the subspecies back from functional extinction.

Experiences

Things To Do

Meet the Northern White Rhinos

A guided visit to Najin and Fatu — the last two members of their subspecies on Earth. One of the most moving wildlife encounters available anywhere.

Sweetwaters Chimpanzee Sanctuary

The only chimpanzee sanctuary in Kenya, providing lifetime care to rescued chimps from across Central and Eastern Africa.

Lion Tracking Experience

Join an Ol Pejeta researcher to track collared lions using telemetry — a rare hands-on conservation experience.

Night Game Drives

Guided drives after dark reveal aardvark, porcupine, bat-eared fox and hunting predators rarely seen on day drives.

Endangered Species Boma & Rhino Cemetery

Educational areas commemorating Sudan, the last male northern white rhino, and other lost individuals.

Wildlife & Attractions

What You'll See

Black & White Rhino

Around 165 black rhino and a strong southern white rhino population, alongside the two northern white rhinos.

The Big Five

All five present in healthy numbers, with regular sightings of cheetah and African wild dog as bonuses.

Chimpanzees

Around 35 rescued chimpanzees live in two large forested enclosures at Sweetwaters.

When To Go

Best Time to Visit

Year-round; peak game viewing June to October offers the most rewarding conditions at Ol Pejeta Conservancy. Plan around Kenya’s two dry seasons — late June through October and January through February — when wildlife congregates around water sources and trails stay accessible.

Getting There

Distance & Travel from Fortunas Resort

Ol Pejeta Conservancy lies just approximately 130 km from Fortunas Resort — a 2 to 3 hour drive through Meru’s scenic countryside. Our concierge team arranges private transfers, guided day trips and multi-day safari itineraries that start and end at the lodge.

Gallery

Scenes from Ol Pejeta Conservancy

Your Base Camp

Why Stay at Fortunas Resort

A two- or three-night package from Fortunas Resort lets you experience Ol Pejeta on a deeper level than a typical day visit. You return each evening to a quiet, well-staffed lodge rather than a busy conservancy camp.

We co-ordinate Ol Pejeta conservancy fees, special-experience permits (lion tracking and chimp sanctuary visits) and 4×4 transfers so your safari time is spent in the bush, not at gate counters.

Browse rooms and suites — alpine views and premium comfort.

Explore our dining — farm-fresh menus drawn from Meru’s highlands.

Conference & events — purpose-built halls for groups visiting the region.

Talk to our concierge — custom safari and day-trip planning.

Stay With Us

Make Fortunas Resort your base

Reserve a suite at our Meru retreat and explore Kenya’s most diverse travel corridor — wildlife, mountain, waterfalls and farm country, all within reach.

Official Website

Ol Pejeta Conservancy

Verified source for permits, fees and conservation updates.

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