Asilia Ol Pejeta Bush Camp
The setting of Asilia Ol Pejeta Bush Camp is strategically chosen for both privacy and wildlife access. It sits on the quieter western side of the conservancy, nestled under a canopy of acacia trees along the southern bank of the Ewaso Nyiro River. This river is a lifeline for local fauna, meaning that even while relaxing on your tent’s veranda, you are likely to see elephants crossing the water or giraffes browsing nearby.
The backdrop of the camp is dominated by the majestic, snow-capped peaks of Mount Kenya. At an altitude of approximately 1,800 meters, the air is crisp, and the mornings can be delightfully chilly, adding to the classic “safari feel” as guests gather around the campfire before sunrise.
Quick Facts: Asilia Ol Pejeta Bush Camp at a Glance
Category | Details |
Location | Southern bank of the Ewaso Nyiro River, Ol Pejeta Conservancy |
Accommodation | 7–8 Eco-friendly traditional safari tents (including family options) |
Sustainability | 100% solar-powered; gold-rated eco-credentials; community scholarships |
Primary Wildlife | All Big Five, Northern White Rhinos, Grevy’s Zebra, Jackson’s Hartebeest |
Unique Feature | Interactive K-9 anti-poaching unit visits and "hide-and-seek" training |
Activities | Electric vehicle game drives, lion tracking, river walks, and night safaris |
Authentic Accommodation: Living with the Land
The philosophy of Asilia Ol Pejeta Bush Camp is centered on “low impact, high engagement.” The accommodation consists of traditional safari tents that evoke the golden age of exploration. While they are built with canvas and wood, do not mistake them for simple camping.
Each tent at Asilia Ol Pejeta Bush Camp features:
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En-suite Bathrooms: Equipped with flushing toilets and the classic safari “bucket shower,” which provides a surprisingly luxurious and water-conscious way to bathe with solar-heated water.
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Private Verandas: Every tent is oriented toward the river, offering a private space to watch elephants crossing or vervet monkeys playing in the canopy.
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Family Tents: The camp offers specialized family units that include a shared lounge area connecting two bedrooms, making it one of the most family-friendly boutique camps in the region.
Sustainability and the Positive Impact Model
Asilia Africa is a leader in sustainable tourism, and Asilia Ol Pejeta Bush Camp is a flagship for this mission. The camp operates almost entirely on solar energy, significantly reducing its carbon footprint. There is a strict “no single-use plastic” policy, and guests are provided with reusable bottles that can be refilled with filtered water throughout their stay.
The sustainability efforts extend beyond the camp’s borders. Through a nightly “Conservation Charge,” Asilia Ol Pejeta Bush Camp directly funds community projects. This includes the Twende Porini initiative, which brings local school children to the camp to learn about wildlife, and a scholarship program that helps young people from neighboring ranches pursue careers in hospitality and conservation.
Primary Wildlife: A Biodiversity Hotspot
The wildlife viewing at Asilia Ol Pejeta Bush Camp is among the most diverse in East Africa. Because Ol Pejeta is a fenced conservancy with high-tech security, it has become a sanctuary for species that are struggling elsewhere.
Guests can expect to see:
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The Big Five: Lions, leopards, elephants, buffalo, and a thriving population of black rhinos.
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Northern Specialities: The region is home to “Northern Special” species like the Grevy’s zebra and the reticulated giraffe.
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The Rare Two: Perhaps most importantly, Asilia Ol Pejeta Bush Camp is the gateway to seeing Najin and Fatu, the world’s last two Northern White Rhinos.
Unique Feature: The K-9 Anti-Poaching Experience
One of the most popular and unique features of Asilia Ol Pejeta Bush Camp is the opportunity to visit the K-9 anti-poaching unit. This isn’t just a passive tour; guests can learn how these highly trained bloodhounds and spaniels track poachers and detect contraband.
Older children and adults can even participate in a “hide-and-seek” exercise, where they hide in the bush and watch as a dog tracks their scent across the savannah. It is a thrilling way to understand the frontline of wildlife protection.
Activities: Immersive Wilderness Adventures
A stay at Asilia Ol Pejeta Bush Camp is defined by activity. While standard morning and afternoon game drives are the core of the experience, the camp offers several specialized ways to explore:
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Electric Vehicle Safaris: The camp has introduced silent, electric safari vehicles. These allow you to glide through the bush without the rumble of a diesel engine, often leading to much closer and more relaxed animal encounters.
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Lion Tracking: Using radio telemetry, guests can join researchers to locate collared lions, contributing to the data used to manage the conservancy’s predator populations.
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Night Game Drives: Using red-filtered spotlights to protect the animals’ eyes, guides help you spot nocturnal creatures like the aardvark, zorilla, and hunting leopards.
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Junior Ranger Program: For families, the camp offers an educational program where children learn to identify tracks, bones, and dung, earning their “Junior Ranger” status by the end of the trip.
