Meeting the Last Northern White Rhinos: A Journey to Kenya's Ol Pejeta Conservancy
Mother & daughter Najin and Fatu grazing on Ol Pejeta Conservancy.
In November 2020, while much of the world remained under COVID-19 restrictions, I made a break for freedom and set off on a journey to Kenya. Like many wildlife enthusiasts seeking an escape from lockdown life, I was craving Africa's wide-open spaces and amazing wildlife experiences. Among the many highlights of this trip was my visit to Ol Pejeta Conservancy in Kenya's Laikipia County, where I got to meet two of the rarest creatures on Earth - the last two Northern White Rhinos left on the planet. Yes, you read that right - the entire planet!
A Once-in-a-Lifetime Encounter in Laikipia
The highlight of my Kenya safari was undoubtedly visiting Ol Pejeta Conservancy in Laikipia County, home to the last two Northern White Rhinos in existence. Yes, you read that correctly - Najin and Fatu, a mother and daughter pair, are the only surviving members of their subspecies on the entire planet.
The Journey to Save a Species
Their story is both heart-wrenching and hopeful. In 2009, these magnificent creatures were relocated from Dvůr Králové Zoo in the Czech Republic to Kenya, along with two males, Sudan and Suni. The ambitious plan was to encourage breeding in their natural habitat, where they might have a better chance of reproduction.
Despite the unwavering dedication of Ol Pejeta's conservation team, natural breeding proved unsuccessful. The species suffered devastating blows with the natural death of Suni in 2014, followed by Sudan in 2018. Sudan's passing made global headlines as he was the last male of his kind, becoming a powerful symbol of species extinction in our time.
Hope Through Science: The Future of Northern White Rhinos
However, this isn't the end of the story. An international team of scientists is pioneering groundbreaking conservation techniques to save the subspecies:
• In vitro fertilisation using preserved genetic material
• Stem cell technology to create viable embryos
• Surrogate pregnancy programmes using Southern White Rhinos
Their efforts are showing promising results. By December 2020, they had successfully created five viable Northern White Rhino embryos - a remarkable achievement in conservation science. The next crucial phase involves implanting these embryos into Southern White Rhino surrogates, a delicate process that could determine the subspecies' survival.
The Vital Role of Tourism in Conservation
Ol Pejeta Conservancy's location in Kenya's Laikipia region places it in one of Africa's most biodiverse areas. This remarkable sanctuary offers visitors an extraordinary range of experiences. During your visit, you can enjoy close encounters with endangered species while experiencing exceptional safari game drives. The conservancy also provides unique insights into cutting-edge conservation practices, and visitors have numerous opportunities to contribute directly to wildlife protection through their stay. The combination of wildlife viewing, conservation education, and hands-on participation makes Ol Pejeta a truly special destination within Kenya's rich safari landscape.
Choosing to include Ol Pejeta in your Kenya safari itinerary goes beyond traditional tourism. Your visit directly supports numerous vital conservation initiatives across the conservancy. Every guest contributes to the protection of endangered species, ongoing scientific research, and critical conservation efforts. The benefits extend to local community development programmes and crucial habitat preservation work. Perhaps most significantly, your visit helps fund the Northern White Rhino conservation project, making you part of one of the most important species preservation efforts in Africa today.
Planning Your Visit
The best times to visit Ol Pejeta are:
• June to September (dry season)
• December to February (short dry season)
• March to May (green season - quieter and you’ll get some rain but it’s excellent for photography)
Where to Stay at Ol Pejeta Conservancy
Kicheche Laikipia Camp - An eco-award-winning small luxurious tented camp nestled in the shadows of Mount Kenya.
Ol Pejeta Bush Camp - where I stayed during my visit, a lovely tented camp with 8 tents, including a family tent.
Porini Rhino Camp - This small and intimate safari eco- camp with just nine spacious and comfortable guest tents.
Sanctuary Tambarare - with just 10 tents and a 2 bedroom Villa Tambarare is a luxurious base from which to explore Ol Pejeta.
Top Tips
Book accommodation well in advance if you want to stay during peak season (July-September and December-February). The more luxurious options, in particular, can be fully booked months ahead. Many properties offer special rates during the green season (March-May), which can be an excellent time to visit for photography enthusiasts.
Properties vary in distance from the Northern White Rhino enclosure and visiting the Endangered Species Enclosure needs to be booked in advance as part of your safari itinerary.
A Call to Action for Conservation
The COVID years highlighted the importance of purposeful travel. Visiting places like Ol Pejeta offers a rare opportunity to combine an unforgettable safari experience with meaningful conservation support. As we witness what could be the final chapter of the Northern White Rhino's story, we also have the chance to be part of their potential salvation.
Whether you're a wildlife enthusiast, conservation supporter, or simply seeking an extraordinary African adventure, a visit to Ol Pejeta Conservancy provides a unique opportunity to witness conservation in action while contributing to the survival of one of Earth's rarest creatures and I highly recommend incorporating it into your Kenya holiday plan.