This 24-000 acre reserve saddling the Equator, is situated within Ol Pejeta Ranch enjoys magnificent views across the plains to the snow-capped peaks of Mount Kenya, and has an abundance of wildlife and tropical vegetation. Sweetwaters is the closest reserve to Kenya's Capital Nairobi to boast all of the "Big 5" game - Lion, Leopard, Rhino, Elephant and Buffalo. Only 2.5 hours or 250 kilometres north of Nairobi on a paved highway, the Reserve is easily accessible and has the highest ratio of game-to-geographical-area of all parks and reserves in Kenya.

Game, game and more game:      There are many advantages to visiting this private reserve. Sweetwaters Tented Camp and Ol Pejeta Ranch House are both situated within the reserve. As it is a private reserve, guests can enjoy special activities not permitted in the Kenyan National Parks and Reserves such as game walks, night game drives, horse-back game rides and meals in the bush.  The reserve boasts a plethora of wildlife - over 400 species of birds, lion, elephant, rhino and cheetah to name just a few. The night game drives, a highlight of your stay in Africa, allow frequent sightings of the elusive leopard and other nocturnal species.

Horse Riding:     Horse riding through the wilderness is an unimaginable experience. A knowledgeable rider/guide takes you through the ranch, allowing you views across the plains to Mount Kenya, and the very fact that you are riding through the African bush, not knowing if you will encounter one of the "Big 5" around the next bend makes the ride one never to be forgotten!

Morani's Boma:     Morani, a black rhino, was rescued as a baby after he was found wandering near his mother who had been killed by poachers in Amboseli National Park. After having been taken to three or four other locations where unfortunately his safety was put at risk by both the presence of poachers and attacks by other rhinos, Morani came to Sweetwaters where he lives in his own 100-acre enclosure, protected 24-hours by armed guards.
Also at Morani's Boma (which means "warrior" in Masai) you will find Carol, a tame warthog. Carol was brought to the Sanctuary when she was found abandoned by her mother on the Ranch, and she lives in a smaller enclosure near Morani. She often ambles around the compound, and loves to greet visitors personally.

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 24 chimps, including two babies born in the Sanctuary. An information centre near the chimps' enclosure gives you amazing insight into the chimpanzees - did you know that they have 98.6% of our genes? After walking through the vast information and chimp paraphernalia you leave the center with the feeling that you must do something to stop this tragic "chimp trade".

Multi-cultural Manyatta:     A new addition is the multi-cultural manyatta situated just outside the Serat Gate of the Sweetwaters Reserve. Here clients can visit some of Kenya's tribes in their own environment. Masai, 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. This is a must when visiting the Sanctuary, as it give us insight into how different Kenyan tribes survive.

Facilities & Activities:     Facilities and activities available in Sweetwaters Game Reserve include:

INCENTIVE ACTIVITIES

The following incentive activities can be arranged at both Sweetwaters Tented Camp and Ol Pejeta Ranch House.

Karibu - upon arrival all guests are presented with a warm towel to freshen up. Upon arrival, all guests are also given a complimentary, non-alcoholic welcome drink Special punches / cocktails, alcoholic or non-alcoholic, can be arranged.

Celebrations, anniversaries, birthdays, weddings and other special occasions can be celebrated in style, with a festive ambiance created by an appropriate décor and menu. With exclusivity bookings, a band, disc jockey, etc can be arranged to entertain guests.  The Samburu and Turkana dancers are also available for incentive occasions. Fruit, flowers and cakes Are available on request. Cakes presented with a grand entrance, upon prior arrangement

Theme Events:

1. Sweetwaters Tented Camp Sundowner

2. Bush Luncheon/Dinner

3. Champagne Breakfast in the Sanctuary

DESCRIPTIONS:

SWEETWATERS SUNDOWNER:     Maximum : 50 persons; minimum : We recommend no less than 5 persons. Subject to fine weather

After an afternoon walking safari or game drive, gather on the banks of Sweetwaters Tented Camp Dam in 24,000 acre Sweetwaters Game Reserve and witness nature's bed-time preparations - the enchanting chorus of bird song; the timid beauty of a herd of impala enjoying a night-cap at the dam's edge; the silhouette of an elephant matriarch and her calf outlined against the ambers and russets of a setting sun. The hour before sun-down in Africa is imbued with a peace and beauty simply not found elsewhere in the world.

Careful not to break the spell, attentive waiters serve ice-cold beer, long gin and tonics, and tropical cocktails around a glowing camp fire. Hot roasted cashew nuts; macadamia nuts; cassava, arrowroot and banana crisps with avocado dips are just a few of the irresistible Kenyan `goodies' served. A cash bar is on offer.   Then, back to the camp with plenty of excitement en route - many nocturnal species are just coming to life. There are excellent chances of spotting leopard, lion, hyena, aardvark and porcupine.

BUSH LUNCHEON or DINNER:      Maximum: 50 persons; minimum: no less than 5 persons. Subject to fine weather.

After a morning's walking safari or game drive, gather at The Leopard Hide, a secluded, natural glade adjacent to the Uaso Nyiro River. Meandering slowly through 24,000 acre Sweetwaters Game Reserve, the Uaso Nyiro is one of the longest rivers in Kenya.  Tables are set with starched linen and wild flowers; chefs dressed from head to toe in gleaming white; and ice buckets overflowing with Kenyan beer and wines seem totally at odds with the surroundings. But, how special! How privileged you are to be one of the lucky few able to experience a banquet in the bush in the same style as the country's safari pioneers. Shaded by the thorny canopy of giant acacia trees, you settle down to a leisurely mid-day meal. A wide range of meat sizzles on the barbecue and ice-cold drinks are served by attentive waiters. More often that not, inquisitive elephant and waterbuck hover on the river's opposite bank. In fact they are becoming quite used to our strange human antics, and some extra-ordinary photographic opportunities present themselves!  A typical menu comprises:

A cash bar is on offer. Replete, return to camp for a well earned siesta or afternoon swim.  Security is excellent. The area chosen for your lunch/dinner is surrounded by our own lookout staff, just in case the elephants or other animals get too inquisitive!

WEDDINGS:    For those looking for an unusual, romantic and magical wedding, these wedding options are available:  Local choir / Chukka drummers; Blessing by Chief of Chukkas;  "Out of Africa" wedding breakfast;   Bride to arrive on camel; Bridal bouquet and floral headpieces (wild flower or formal arrangement);  Charles Hiedsick Champagne;  Videos / Professional photographs;  Wedding cake. A visit to Morani makes the perfect photographic opportunity for the whole wedding party, and guarantees a lifetime of happy memories! Please visit our page on Weddings on this site for more information.

EXCURSIONS & ACTIVITIES

The following activities and excursions can be booked through Reception when staying at either Sweetwaters Tented Camp or Ol Pejeta Ranch House.

PAYING ACTIVITIES

NATURE WALK - USD 16 Per person - (06.30 - 08.30 a.m. & 04.30 - 06.00 p.m.) :     Accompany our Resident Naturalist and an armed guard in the Sanctuary on a lovely nature walk where you will get a feel for the true African wild. Children under 12 years not permitted. Remember, it's just you and the wilderness, so keep a close eye out!

EARLY MORNING GAME DRIVE - USD 37 Per person - (06.30 - 08.30 a.m.) :     Drive out in the morning to catch the first glimpse of the animals as they awake. As you drive through the natural terrain of the plains game, it is possible to see early morning kills as the felines prefer the coolness of dawn for hunting… Return in time for a hearty breakfast and the rest of your day lies ahead of you! Vehicle seating capacity 7 people.

HALF-DAY GAME DRIVE - USD 152 Per vehicle - (06.00 a.m. - 12.00 p.m.) :       The half-day game drive is ideal for those of you wishing to view the game but still have the time to partake in other activities in the afternoon. Leave after breakfast, replete, and spend the morning taking in the wilderness and beautiful surrounds of the Camp. Vehicle seating capacity 7 people.

FULL-DAY GAME DRIVE - USD 273 Per vehicle - (09.00 a.m. - 04.00 p.m.):      Departing after breakfast, you have the whole day to spend at your leisure watching the various species of animals which inhabit the Sanctuary. A hearty picnic lunch and cool drinks ensure that you are not lacking for anything - or you may return to the camp for lunch if you prefer! Vehicle seating capacity 7 people.

NIGHT GAME DRIVE - USD 37 Per person - (07.00 - 09.00 p.m. or 09.00 - 11.00 p.m.):      A spotter ensures that the game is found and described to you. Aardvark, leopard, hyenas, genet or serval cats and porcupines are seen on the night game drives. It is not uncommon to see a kill during the night hours. Vehicle seating capacity 7 people.

CAMEL RIDE - USD 16 Per person - (08.00 a.m. - 05.00 p.m.):       Three camels are available for you to enjoy the first taste of a ride you are unlikely to forget in years to come. A quiet amble around the Camp grounds is a superb photograph opportunity, and a great memory-maker for children and adults alike.

• ACTIVITIES INCLUDED IN ACCOMMODATION COST:

BIRD WALK (10.00 a.m. - 12.00 p.m. & 04.00 - 06.00 p.m.):      This activity is one of the most calming and instructive ways to spend your free time. Learn about the bird species and discover which plants have medicinal values and what these are.

MORANI & CAROL and the VISITOR'S INFORMATION CENTRE (08.00 a.m. - 05.00 p.m.):      Morani and his playmate the orphaned warthog Carol are interesting and friendly to get to know. The Visitor's Information Centre is educational and has a "please touch" policy which makes it a fun way to spend the morning or afternoon.

TREE PLANTING (08.00 a.m. - 05.00 p.m.):     For the environmentally minded, this is an ideal way to help us save our environment. Tree planting is a favourite activity we have here at Sweetwaters, and we enjoy a special ceremony with those who wish to give nature a helping hand.

CHIMPANZEE SANCTUARY and INFORMATION CENTRE (09.00 - 10.30 a.m. & 03.00 - 04.00 p.m.):    The Sanctuary is home to 24 chimpanzees, all of whom were orphaned or rescued from terrible situations. Try a boat ride on the river (weather permitting) to see the younger chimps in the other enclosure. The information Centre is built with children in mind, and is a most interesting and educational tool for those who want to lend a helping hand to chimps the world over

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