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Sweet Waters
Game Reserve Chimpanzee Rhino Sanctuary & Ol Pejeta Conservancy
Extent:
The Ol pejeta conservancy occupies the plains between the foothills of
the Aberdares and the magnificent snowcapped Mount Kenya. The
Conservancy comprises extensive savannah grasslands and the riverine
forests that border the Ewaso Nyiro River. A visit to Ol Pejeta is
ideal for nature, cultural fun and leisure lovers.
Those who wants to enjoy the adventures of the African bush
(big 5) within the confines of the modern comforts.
Area:
The Ol Pejeta Conservancy occupies an area of 90,000 acre.
To many people Ol Pejeta Conservancy is synonymous with
SweetWaters game reserve.
The Sweet Waters game reserve and Chimpanzee Sanctuary is an inner
area of 24, 000 Acres which existed by that name before the extension
of 2004.
The Ol Pejeata Conservancy combines stunning views across the open
plains and unforgettable wildlife safari experience.
Animal life:
Ol Pejeta Conservancy boasts an astounding array of wild animals
approximately. The ranch has over 55 species of mammals and 500
species of birds recorded.
Mammals in the Ol
Pejeat include the big 5 (the endangered black rhino, leopard,
elephant, buffalo and lion) and about 40 chimpanzees.
In addition to these one is likely to spot the following,-
Aardvark (Antbear),Aaardwolf, African Civet, African Wild Cat,
Baboons, Beisa Oryx, Black-Back Jackal, Bohor Reedbuck, Burchell‛S
Zebra, Bush Squirrel, Bushbuck, Cape Clawless Otter,Cape Hare, Caracal
Cat, Chandlers Reedbuck, Cheetah, Common Jackal, Crested Porcupine,
Crocodile, Defassa Waterbuck, Dwarf Mongoose, Eland, Elephant Shrew,
Genet Cat, Grants Gazelle, Greater Kudu, Grimm‛S Duiker, Hippopotamus,
Impala, Jacksons Hartebeest, Leopard, Lesser Bushbaby, Patas Monkey,
Ratel (Or Honey Badger), Reticulated Giraffe, Serval Cat, Side-Striped
Jakal, Slender Mongoose, Spotted Hyena, Steinbok, Striped Hyena,
Suni, Thomson‛S Gazelle, Tree Hyrax, Tropical African, Hedgehog,
Vervet Monkey, Warthog, White-Tailed Mongoose, Zorilla (Or Striped
Polecat)
Over 500 species of birds have been recorded including the ostritch.
The Sweet Waters Game Reserve and Rhino Sanctuary
The 24,000 Acres SweetWaters Game Sanctuary is currently part of the
Ol Pejeta conservancy.
Formerly called Ol Pejeta Ranch it was a cattle ranch for breeding of
beef cattle. One of the attractions of SweetWaters is the history
behind. The ranch was founded by Lord Delamere.
The ownership of the ranch has changed hands severally since
1949 when John Kenyon took over the management.
Next in line was
John Kenyon’s old school-friend Marcus Wickham Boynton, notorious
for occasionally shooting cattle “he didn’t like the look of”.
Other owners included Christina Onassis' father-in-law, Roussel,
and in due the Saudi Millionaire
Adnan Khashoggi, who used the ranch house as his private
getaway.
In 1988, the former owners Lonhro Africa took over the management of
the ranch. In 1989 they
set it up Sweetwaters Game Reserve as a sanctuary for the endangered
black rhino and other wildlife populations (including the “Big Five”).
Between 1989 and 1993, twenty-two black rhinos were introduced into
Sweetwaters from other sanctuaries. Today, with the birth of 29 calves
the population has steadily increased, making SweetWaters a successful
breeding ground of these ancient animals.
However excess animals are trans-located and the population
stands at 40 animals, the carrying capacity of the sanctuary.
In 2004 the ranch was purchased by Fauna and Flora
International, and expanded into a 90,000 Acres “Ol Pejeta
Conservancy”. This will create the largest black rhino
sanctuary in East Africa, with the aim of generating profit
from wildlife tourism and complementary activities (including cattle)
for reinvestment into community development in the local area.
Sweetwaters Chimpanzee Sanctuary:
Within the SweetWaters game reserve is A 200-acre Chimpanzee
sanctuary.
It is 15-minute drive from Sweetwaters Tented Camp. A visit to
this sanctuary and the 30-minute boat ride (subject to fine weather)
on the river among the chimps is a must. The SweetWaters Chimpanzee
Sanctuary was a brain child of Lonrho East Africa, Kenya Wildlife
Services and the Jane Goodall Institute.
It is a not a zoo but a sanctuary for the orphaned and abused
chimpanzees, where they are rehabilitated and taught to fend for
themselves in an area similar to their natural living conditions. The
sanctuary currently is a home to some 40 chimpanzees. Did you know
that they have 98.6% of our genes?
Morani's Boma:
Morani (warrior in Maasai) was the name given to the tame black rhino,
rescued as a baby after he was found wandering near his mother who had
been killed by poachers in Amboseli National Park. Morani’s Boma is
100-acre enclosure, protected 24-hours by armed guards which he
occupies. Being tame, a
photography while holding him is a thrilling experience especially to
those aware of the temperament of these beasts. Also with Morani is
Carol, the tame Warthog.
Multi-cultural Manyatta:
A visit to Ol Pejeta conservancy would be in-complete without visiting
the multi-cultural Manyatta.
Situated just outside the Serat Gate of the Sweetwaters Game Reserve.
Here clients have a chance to visit Kenya's tribesmen in replicas of
their traditional homesteads and sample their culture. The Maasai, Pokot, Turkana, Samburu men and women
invite you into their homes and sell their traditional wares, show off
their ritual dances and introduce you to their lifestyle.
Accommodation:
At the Ol Pejeta you
have the choice of two different styles of accommodation, Sweetwaters
tented camp or the Ol Pejeta House.
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Ol Pejeta house
offers large luxurious rooms, a stunning garden with watering
hole, and two swimming pools. Ol Pejeta
House, in the Sweetwaters Game Reserve, still retains the
tradition of Kenya's famous farmhouse hospitality. Accommodation
is provided in six suites with 2 deluxe suites. The main suite
overlooks a private swimming pool, while the main swimming pool is
located in the grounds next to the tennis courts.
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