Sweetwaters Chimpanzee Sanctuary at a glance
The Sweetwaters Chimpanzee Sanctuary is a refuge for chimpanzees that were orphaned, mistreated or taken from the illegal wildlife trade. It lies inside Ol Pejeta Conservancy near Nanyuki and houses around 35 animals. This is a sanctuary, not a zoo and not a wild trek. The chimps are looked after here for life.
The public visit is part of your entry ticket. A paid extra called Behind the Scenes goes deeper, and you will find it among the Ol Pejeta activities with its price and time.
Why are there chimpanzees in Kenya?
Chimpanzees are not native to Kenya.
Where the chimps come from
The animals come from West and Central Africa. Many were rescued from the illegal trade in wildlife or from owners who mistreated them. Kenya has no wild chimpanzees, so there is no wild chimpanzee trekking here.
Who is behind it
The sanctuary rests on an agreement between Ol Pejeta, the Kenya Wildlife Service and the Jane Goodall Institute.
When it started
The sanctuary dates to 1992 or 1993, depending on whether you count the building work or the opening. It took in chimpanzees after a rescue station in Burundi closed. The name Sweetwaters comes from the game reserve that was set up here in 1988.
History of Ol Pejeta →Our pick: three days including the chimpanzee sanctuary
This safari has the Sweetwaters chimpanzee sanctuary on its plan, next to the game drives.
Hand-picked tours, booked through GetYourGuide. Prices are indicative starting prices in US dollars (as of October 2026). Tap a tour for live availability and the current price in your currency.
Ol Pejeta tours and day trips
Day trips and safaris to Ol Pejeta that can include the chimpanzee sanctuary, with live prices and availability.
Visiting the Sweetwaters chimpanzees
There are two ways to visit. The public visit is the standard one. Behind the Scenes explains the daily care of the chimps and is booked separately.
| Visit | Time | Price in 2026 |
|---|---|---|
| Public visit | 08:30–12:30 and 14:00–16:30 | Included in conservancy entry |
| Behind the Scenes | 11:45–12:45 | $70 per adult, plus entry |
| Conservancy entry, non-residents | – | $110 adult, $55 child |
| Conservancy entry, citizens | – | KES 2,000 adult, KES 1,000 child |
Behind the Scenes has an adult price only. For most visitors, the public visit is enough, and Behind the Scenes suits anyone who wants to understand how the care works.
Tips for the chimpanzee sanctuary
Practical points for the visit.
Plan the time
The morning window runs for four hours and the afternoon window for two and a half. The conservancy is large, so decide whether the chimps fit your drive before you leave your camp or hotel in Nanyuki.
Keep your distance
Watch the chimps and follow the instructions of the staff on site. Touching or feeding is not part of the visit, and feeding animals is not allowed anywhere in the conservancy.
Combine it with rhinos
The sanctuary fits well with a morning on a game drive. For the rhinos, see our guide to the northern white rhinos.
Getting to the chimpanzee sanctuary
The sanctuary lies inside the conservancy.
From Nairobi
Nairobi is about 220 km from Ol Pejeta, or 4 to 4.5 hours each way depending on traffic and road. That makes a day trip possible but long, with roughly 8 to 9 hours of driving before any time at the sanctuary.
Day trips →From Nanyuki
Nanyuki is the nearest town. Allow extra time for the transfer from town to the gate, and for the drive inside the conservancy at no more than 40 km/h.
Nanyuki →Entry and gates
You enter through the Rongai or Serat gate, daily from 07:00 to 19:00. Payment at the gate is cashless, so buy your ticket online first.
Chimpanzee sanctuary: frequently asked questions
Are there wild chimpanzees in Kenya?
No. Chimpanzees are not native to Kenya. The animals at Sweetwaters came from West and Central Africa as rescued orphans or from the illegal wildlife trade.
When can I visit the chimps?
From 08:30 to 12:30 and from 14:00 to 16:30. The visit is included in your conservancy entry.
What is Behind the Scenes?
A separate paid visit that explains the daily care of the chimpanzees. It costs $70 per adult in 2026, runs from 11:45 to 12:45 and is booked on top of entry.
How many chimpanzees live there?
Around 35. The number changes over time.
Can I touch or feed the chimpanzees?
No. Touching or feeding is not part of the visit, and feeding animals is not allowed in the conservancy.
Is this the official Ol Pejeta website?
No. This is an independent travel guide. Check current hours and bookings with the conservancy before you go.