Ol Pejeta and Laikipia Wildlife Guide: Rhinos, Chimpanzees, Lions and Rare Antelope

Laikipia is a high plateau of open savannah, acacia bush and river valleys on the northern flank of Mount Kenya. Much of it is made up of privately run conservancies and ranches rather than a single national park, and that has helped wildlife flourish with fewer vehicles and more flexible activities.

Ol Pejeta is the best-known conservancy, but neighbouring properties add to the list of species. This guide explains what lives where and why Laikipia matters.

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

Rhinos: Black and Northern White

Ol Pejeta is celebrated for its rhino conservation. It holds one of the largest populations of black rhinos in East Africa, and it is also the home of the last two northern white rhinos on the planet, both females, which are guarded around the clock. Visitors can learn about their story at the conservancy and see southern white rhinos grazing on the plains. Rhino protection here relies on armed teams, tracking and community support. To understand the wider conservation picture, read save the black rhino.

Chimpanzees at the Sanctuary

Ol Pejeta hosts a chimpanzee sanctuary, set up to give a home to chimpanzees rescued from the illegal pet trade and other difficult circumstances. These are not wild chimps, because Kenya has no native wild population, but the sanctuary allows visitors to learn about their behaviour and the threats they face. It forms a natural contrast with wild trekking elsewhere. See where chimpanzees live in Africa.

Lions, Leopards and Cheetahs

Ol Pejeta's lions are regularly seen, and cheetahs hunt over the open plains, where the short grass gives them good sightlines. Leopards are present in the more wooded areas but are elusive. Hyenas and jackals add to the predator list, and wild dogs have been reintroduced in parts of the wider Laikipia region. Early morning and late afternoon give the best chances. See African big cats for identification and behaviour.

Rare Northern Species

Laikipia is where many travellers first meet species of Kenya's drier north. Grevy's zebra, with narrow stripes and large round ears, is endangered and found here in meaningful numbers, alongside the reticulated giraffe with its sharply patterned coat, the Somali ostrich with blue-grey neck and Jackson's hartebeest. The beisa oryx, with long straight horns, completes a group that is worth seeking out. Compare these with the animals of Samburu and the special five.

Elephants, Buffalo and Plains Game

Elephants move between conservancies on the plateau, and buffalo herds feed on open grassland and near dams. Zebras, waterbuck, impalas, elands and bushbucks fill the plains and thickets. Birdlife includes secretary birds, vultures, bustards and a wide range of species attracted to water. Learn more in elephant facts and where to see them.

Planning Your Wildlife Time

Plan at least two nights so that you can try both morning and afternoon drives, and ask whether the conservancy allows night drives and walks. Combine this guide with the Laikipia and Ol Pejeta Conservancy guide and the East Africa wildlife guide.

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