Sweetwaters

Where to Stay While Visiting Sweetwaters:
Ol Pejeta Ranch | Sweetwaters |

Sweetwaters Game Reserve is 24,000-acre private ranch with magnificent views across the plains to the snow capped peaks of Mount Kenya. This game sanctuary is the closest reserve to Nairobi (2.5 hours drive) home to all the big five game, and has the highest ratio of game-to-area of any park or reserve in Kenya. Its popular waterhole is floodlit by night, providing excellent and secluded rarely seen game viewing.

Game drives at Sweetwaters are indeed a pleasure. Game viewing may also take the form of game walks accompanied by our Resident Naturalist, and game rides on horseback. Camel riding, night game drives and "bush" lunches or dinners are a delight. The Chimpanzee Sanctuary & Information Centre, Morani the tame black rhino and the Visitor's Information Centre are most informative and entertaining and should all be visited while in the Game Reserve.

Located on the reserve is one of several Jane Goodall Institute Sanctuaries maintained in East Africa. Kept here are a group of chimpanzees originally housed at the JGI sanctuary in Bujumbura, Burundi. When the Burundi government became unstable in 1994, the chimpanzees were relocated here.

Sweetwaters Chimpanzee Sanctuary

A 200-acre Chimpanzee sanctuary has been set up at Sweetwaters Game Reserve, a 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 aim of the project, initiated by Lonrho East Africa, Kenya Wildlife Services and the Jane Goodall Institute, was to set up a colony where chimps could be introduced, rehabilitated and taught to fend for themselves in an area similar to their natural living conditions.

Priority is given to orphaned and abused chimps. The Sanctuary currently has 26 chimps, including two babies born in the Sanctuary. There is also a new Visitor's Information Centre at Morani's Boma, which is a must for all visiting clients staying both at Sweetwaters Tented Camp and Ol Pejeta House.

Attractions

CAROL
Carol is a tame warthog who lives in an enclosure near Morani with her three piglets.

MORANI AND THE VISITOR'S CENTRE
Morani rates special mention. Morani is a tame black rhino (a rare phenomenon) born in 1974. He was brought to the ranch after his mother was killed by poachers, and ever since is resident in his own sub-sanctuary 8 km away from Sweetwaters Tented Camp. A visit to Morani is an especially wonderful treat for children. At the entrance to Morani's Boma is the new Visitor's Centre which is aimed at teaching guests about the Game Reserve. A definite must!

CHIMPANZEE SANCTUARY AND INFORMATION CENTRE
A 200-acre Chimpanzee sanctuary has been set up at Sweetwaters Game Reserve. A visit to this Sanctuary and the 30-minute boat ride (subject to fine weather) on the river among the chimps attracts no extra charge. The aim of the project, initiated by Lonrho East Africa, Kenya Wildlife Services and the Jane Goodall Institute, is to set up a colony where chimps can be introduced, rehabilitated and taught to fend for themselves in an area similar to their natural living conditions. Priority is given to orphaned and abused chimps. The Sanctuary currently has 24 chimps, including two babies born in the Sanctuary.

CAMEL RIDES
Seeing wildlife within the sanctuary, perched atop camels is a unique experience. Sweetwaters Tented Camp has three camels each carrying two people, and a guide always accompanies guests. The camel safari lasts for 1 hour, and can be taken at any time, subject to availability, from 0800 to 1700