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.
A 200-acre Chimpanzee sanctuary has also 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.