Ol Pejeta is home to the last two remaining northern white rhinos, and a sanctuary for over 165 critically endangered black rhinos. The Conservancy employs highly trained rhino protection squads, partners with international veterinary experts and ensures data is gathered regularly on each individual animal. Steps like these ensure we remain a role model for rhino conservation in East and Central Africa.
Visitors have a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to meet these remarkable rhinos up close and personal and to hear their amazing story from the keepers that look after them 24/7. All proceeds from the Meet the Northern White Rhinos experience are reinvested into the continuing efforts to pull the species back from the verge of extinction.
5:00am
Visitors have a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to meet these remarkable rhinos up close and personal and to hear their amazing story from the keepers that look after them 24/7. All proceeds from the Meet the Northern White Rhinos experience are reinvested into the continuing efforts to pull the species back from the verge of extinction.
We’ll meet at 5 a.m. pickup from the hotel. Then the arrive for around 4 hours and arrive in Nanyuki in great views of Mt. Kenya. A good place to take a stop for breakfast or snacks.
A great experience to learn deeply about the Black and White rhino both Northern and Southern White rhino. Get to see both the common and gravy Zebra. Great views of Mt. Kenya on central Kenya.
The southern white rhino (Ceratotherium simum) is listed as near threatened by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), and decreasing in number. According to the IUCN, this subspecies was on the brink of extinction by the end of the 19th century – having been reduced to just one small population of approximately 20-50 animals in South Africa. However, in one of the most successful collective conservation efforts of the century, there are now thriving populations in 12 countries in east and southern Africa – totalling around 16,000 individuals. However, the population of white rhinos has decreased rapidly in the last four years, from over 18,000 in 2018 to 16,00 today.
While their numbers are far more stable than their black rhino cousins (estimated at just over 5,000), their horn is still just as sought after by criminal gangs. Demand comes from Asia and the Middle East, where rhino horn is considered to have medicinal properties and is used to make ornamental dagger handles. A kilo of rhino horn can fetch up to $60,000 on the black market, but ironically, it is just made of the same substance as human fingernails – keratin.
Ol Pejeta conservancy has 44 southern whites. The first animals were introduced into Ol Pejeta in 2005. The presence of southern whites on the Conservancy was instrumental in enabling the translocated northern white rhino from Dvur Kralove Zoo to settle into African life when they arrived from the Czech Republic in 2009. Introducing the newcomers to random groups of wild southern whites in their natural environment evoked natural behaviour amongst them. Over time, the natural traits became more prominent – even motivating the northern white to begin mating.
There is actually no colour difference between white and black rhino. The name is said to have been a mistranslation of the Afrikaans word ‘weit’ meaning ‘wide’ – which refers to their square shaped lips used for grazing. This is the main distinction between white rhino and black, which have a hooked lip for browsing.
The southern white rhino is said to have the most complex social structure of all rhino subspecies (a group of rhinos is called a crash) and prefer open grass plains to thick bush enjoyed by black rhinos, making them easier to spot on safari.
On a journey through a predator-free area set aside by Ol Pejeta for the recovery of the northern white rhinoceros. As well as coming close to the last two remaining northern white rhinos on the planet (conditions permitting), you will also encounter many other species including southern white rhinos and a myriad of plains game.
Enjoy a unique opportunity of viewing chimpanzees behind the scenes and learn more about the day-to-day care of the chimpanzees in our care.
Chimpanzees are not indigenous to Kenya and Sweetwaters Chimpanzee Sanctuary is the only place to see them in Kenya. Get exclusive access to see the chimpanzees during their feeding time and as they engage in enrichment activities within their enclosures.
