Things to Do at Ol Pejeta and Laikipia: Rhino Visits, Night Drives, Walks and Horse Riding

Because Laikipia's conservancies are privately managed, they can allow activities that national parks do not. That flexibility is one of the main reasons people choose the area.

The list below describes the most popular options. Availability varies between properties, so check before you book.

This guide is part of our Uganda park trails and activities guide. When you are ready to plan, see our Uganda safari packages or the Ameera Africa Safaris Uganda tours homepage.

Game Drives and Night Drives

Morning and afternoon drives are the staple, with guides tracking lions, cheetahs, elephants and rhinos across the plains. Night drives, where permitted, reveal nocturnal creatures such as bush babies, genets, porcupines, aardvarks and hunting hyenas, using a red-filtered spotlight so as not to disturb them. See game drives explained and night drives and walking safaris.

Rhino Encounters and the Conservation Story

Visitors can learn about rhino protection, anti-poaching work and veterinary care from rangers and conservation staff, and may be able to see rhinos on foot with armed guides in suitable areas. Seeing the last northern white rhinos is carefully managed, with their security the priority. These visits are best taken with a sense of purpose, because the money and attention they bring support the work. See save the black rhino.

The Chimpanzee Sanctuary

A guided visit to the chimpanzee sanctuary gives a close look at the lives of rescued apes and explains the pressures that led them there. It is a thoughtful complement to wild tracking in Uganda, covered in chimpanzee trekking in Uganda.

Walking, Riding and Cycling

Guided bush walks introduce animal tracks, plants and insects, and some conservancies allow horse riding or camel rides, which let you approach wildlife quietly. Cycling is possible on selected routes. Always follow the guide's instructions and keep to the group. Many visitors are surprised by how quickly they become comfortable on foot, because the guide reads the landscape constantly and chooses routes that keep the group safe. Children may be limited to certain activities, so check age rules before you arrive. Wear neutral colours, closed shoes and a hat, and bring a refillable bottle for water. See horse safaris in Africa and cycling and bike safaris.

Community and Cultural Visits

Some properties work with neighbouring communities and can arrange visits to local projects, schools or cultural performances. Choose experiences where the host community clearly benefits. See East Africa culture and people and responsible and conservation travel.

Choosing Activities Wisely

Two or three nights allow a mix of day drives, a night drive, a walk and a sanctuary visit. Read the wildlife guide for what you might see, and the Laikipia and Ol Pejeta Conservancy guide for the overall picture.

Planning a Uganda safari? Send us your dates and we will build the route, permits and transport around what you want to see.

Related Tours, Guides and Resources

• Ameera Africa Safaris homepage: Uganda safaris, tours and holidays
• Uganda safari packages
• Uganda travel guide
• How to book a Uganda safari
• Plan your safari with our team