Laikipia
Northern Kenya’s gem
- The Big Five
- Tribes, rhinos, mountains
- Lesser-known reserves
Laikipia,
far away, expensive and unforgettable
Imagine a breathtaking high-altitude plateau, once dotted with ranches, now home to a remarkable collection of private conservancies. This is Laikipia, a unique and undiscovered gem for those seeking an authentic African wildlife experience far from the madding crowds. That Laikipia isn’t your average tourist hotspot, because of its location and the cost of lodging, is one of its greatest assets. Each conservancy boasts its own distinct charm and offers exclusive lodges, often accommodating just a single family or a small group. This intimate setting is another of Laikipia’s draws – a special experience that not everyone gets to enjoy.
The plateau is also home to many indigenous communities, including the Laikipia Maasai and Samburu. A visit here offers a wonderful opportunity to connect with the traditions and culture of these African peoples.
The Laikipia region encompasses three main conservancies: Lewa, Borana, and Solio, along with a host of smaller reserves and sanctuaries. This means incredible opportunities for wildlife viewing abound. Laikipia rightfully claims its place as prime Big Five territory at the foot of majestic, snow-capped Mount Kenya. The Laikipia Plateau is an exceptional place to spot both black and white rhinos.
This area is a stronghold for the endangered African wild dog population. Here, you can embark on night drives, walking safaris, or even explore on horseback or camelback. Night excursions provide a fantastic chance to see nocturnal creatures like the agile and fluffy genet, the bushbaby (an adorable little primate whose cries sound like a human infant, hence its name), and the endearing aardvark (a charming mammal resembling an anteater).
The abundance of wildlife in Laikipia often leads to comparisons with the Masai Mara.
However, unlike the Mara, Laikipia offers the bonus of seeing rare northern Kenyan species. These include the reticulated giraffe, Grevy’s zebra, and the long-necked gerenuk. The polygonal spots of the reticulated giraffe almost merge, with the background yellow appearing as just fine lines – it looks as if a golden net drapes the animal. They are the most beautiful of the giraffe species. Younger individuals always have a lighter coat than older ones. The Grevy’s zebra, also known as the imperial zebra, is the most endangered zebra species. It stands out from other striped equines with its narrower stripes and white belly!
This distinctive zebra once roamed much of Africa north of the equator but fell out of favor with humans. Seen as competition for livestock grazing, people hunted them. Today, conservationists find Grevy’s zebras only in northern Kenya, where dedicated conservation efforts have continued for the past 50 years. The gerenuk antelope is a marvel of the African savanna. This “giraffe gazelle” can survive without water throughout the summer, relying solely on leaves and grass for hydration. To reach those coveted high leaves, gerenuks have evolved remarkably long necks. Their large ears help them orient themselves and detect danger from a considerable distance.
The weather in Laikipia can generally be divided into two seasons: the dry season (June to September) and the wet season (October to May). The dry season is typically very sunny with a low chance of rain, while the wet season sees more significant rainfall. The best times to visit are generally from June to September and from December to February. During these periods, there’s less rain, meaning the roads are in better condition, and wildlife viewing through the drier vegetation is easier!
To truly appreciate the beauty of northern Kenya, its boundless landscapes, stunning scenery, and incredible wildlife, an exhilarating helicopter tour is highly recommended, and there’s arguably no better place to start one than from Laikipia!
Africa is first and foremost the wild animal world of the national parks, each of which is unique.
Why go to Laikipia
and what to experience there
Emotions and new experiences are unique. Uniting with wild nature through experiences, feeling the power of ancient cultures, learning the wisdom of the African land is priceless.
Hotels in Africa have unforgettable dreams, the magic of comfort and wildlife can only be felt here
WHERE TO SLEEP?
or amazing hotels
Please select your overnight accommodations below,
for recommendations, hit us up on whatsapp
Solio Lodge offers an exceptionally personalized getaway with just five suites, each boasting a fireplace, private terrace, and expansive en-suite bathrooms. The small, private Solio Conservancy is meticulously managed by dedicated rangers, providing a sanctuary not only for lions, giraffes, and the usual savanna wildlife but also for an astounding number of rhinos. In the evenings, it’s not unusual to encounter a herd of 40—your driver will seek them out, and if the rhinos are in the mood, you might just find yourself sharing a sunset and a glass of wine with them.
Ol Jogi – Kenya’s largest private wildlife conservancy – 60,000 acres of pure, unadulterated wilderness, all for you. The exquisite interiors, impeccable service, and gourmet French cuisine are just the appetizers; the main course is the pristine, untouched African landscape, a sight found nowhere else on the continent. Part of the conservancy is a rehabilitation center, where you can get up close and personal with elephants, rhinos, and even a brown bear (the story of how that guy ended up in Africa is a Russian soap opera in itself).
Customized tours
to Laikipia
We know and love Africa. All of our routes are designed, tested, and personally traveled by us. These are just examples of what your trip could look like. We will create a personalized program just for you, one that will divide your life into “before” and “after,” and you’ll want to return, again and again.
Tour list
Regular airline flight itinerary
Private jet itinerary
The apex of exclusivity
Jeep tour itinerary
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