The River Camp

The River Camp at Ol Pejeta

The Ol Pejeta Conservancy on Kenya's Laikipia plateau is a critical hub for East African conservation, renowned for its successful rhinoceros protection programmes.

The River Camp occupies a prime tract of land along the banks of the Ewaso Nyiro River, affording consistent wildlife viewing directly from its grounds. As a Big Five conservancy, Ol Pejeta offers a complete and compelling safari destination.

Location and Logistics at The River Camp

The camp sits entirely within the boundaries of the Ol Pejeta Conservancy, approximately 220 kilometres north of Nairobi. This position allows for immediate access to game drive circuits without transiting through public areas.

The River Camp's unfenced perimeter is a defining design choice, facilitating the free movement of wildlife through the grounds. This offers unfiltered encounters but requires guests to be escorted by staff after dark. The camp's proximity to the river is a primary feature, as the watercourse acts as a natural corridor for a high density of animals.

Tented Suites and Accommodation at The River Camp

The River Camp maintains an intimate and exclusive atmosphere with just seven expansive tented suites. This low-density approach ensures personalised service and a quiet environment, allowing the sounds of the Ewaso Nyiro River to remain the dominant soundtrack.

The accommodation is designed to blend classic safari romance with modern comforts, all built on raised platforms for superior views.

Suite Design and Amenities

Each tented suite features heavy-duty canvas walls that can be rolled up to reveal mesh panels, encouraging airflow and providing clear views of the surrounding bush. The interior space is generous, appointed with polished wooden floors, writing desks, and comfortable seating areas.

Every tent includes a full en-suite bathroom constructed with permanent fixtures, featuring a flushing toilet and a safari-style shower with consistent hot water. The front of each tent opens onto a private wooden veranda with chairs, directly overlooking the riverine setting. Modern travellers will appreciate that the tents are equipped with sufficient charging points for cameras, phones, and other electronic devices.

• En-suite bathroom with flushing WC and hot-water shower
• Private shaded veranda with river views
• In-tent charging facilities with UK-style sockets
• King-size or twin bed configuration available
• Secure in-room luggage storage

Lodge Facilities and Guest Services

The central guest area is a larger, open-plan tent that houses the lounge and dining facilities. This communal space is oriented towards the river, furnished with comfortable sofas and a small reference library for guest use. The main deck frequently hosts alfresco dining, weather permitting, allowing meals to be accompanied by the natural sounds of the bush.

The camp operates on a 24-hour solar power system, providing reliable electricity and lighting throughout. WiFi connectivity is available in the main lodge and within individual guest tents, offering a level of connectivity not always found in such a remote location.

Unique Conservation Activities in Ol Pejeta

While standard morning and evening game drives form the core safari activity, The River Camp's location inside Ol Pejeta provides direct access to a unique roster of conservation-focused experiences. Guests can arrange visits to the Endangered Species Boma to see Najin and Fatu, the last two northern white rhinos on the planet.

This encounter provides profound insight into the conservancy's critical mission. Further activities include tracking lions with the research team, visiting the Sweetwaters Chimpanzee Sanctuary, and engaging with the anti-poaching K-9 unit. These excursions offer a more educational and participatory alternative to a conventional safari itinerary.

The River Camp Key Facts

Who Should Stay at The River Camp

The River Camp is an excellent choice for couples, solo travellers, and dedicated wildlife enthusiasts seeking an intimate and authentic safari experience. Its strength lies in the combination of a prime riverfront location and direct access to Ol Pejeta's important conservation activities. The unfenced nature of the property and its immediate proximity to a major river require a high degree of caution.

The camp is less suitable for families with very young or unsupervised children. The property is better matched to families with mature teenagers who can appreciate the unfiltered proximity to wildlife and adhere to strict safety protocols.