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Northern Kenya

Laikipia

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Why visit Laikipia

Laikipia, located in Kenya’s northern frontier, offers a unique and intimate safari experience, blending wildlife conservation, luxury, and diverse landscapes. Known for its privately managed conservancies, Laikipia provides low-impact, high-quality safari encounters with a strong focus on conservation. Here, travellers can enjoy exclusive activities such as horseback safaris, camel treks, and guided bush walks, offering close, memorable wildlife experiences that go beyond traditional game drives.

One of the jewels of Laikipia, Lewa Wildlife Conservancy, is a pioneer in community-led conservation and home to critical populations of endangered species, including black and white rhinos and Grevy’s zebras. Lewa’s wide, open plains and wooded valleys are teeming with wildlife, from lions and elephants to rare species like wild dogs. The conservancy is also deeply committed to preserving local culture, working closely with surrounding communities to foster sustainable tourism that benefits both wildlife and people.

Travellers to Laikipia can explore contrasting landscapes, from arid savannahs to lush riverine forests, with the stunning backdrop of Mount Kenya. With its commitment to conservation, exclusive accommodations, and authentic cultural experiences, Laikipia provides a truly immersive safari experience, allowing travellers to engage deeply with Kenya’s wild beauty and the people who protect it.

Did you know?

Laikipia is home to Kenya’s only wild population of endangered patas monkeys. These fast, ground-dwelling primates are rare and thrive in Laikipia’s savannah and acacia woodlands.

Nomadic tribes

This region is home to several semi-nomadic tribes, including the Samburu and Maasai, who still practice traditional ceremonies, intricate beadwork, and cattle herding as part of their daily lives.

Highlights of Laikipia

Unique Wildlife: Laikipia hosts a diverse array of wildlife, including the endangered black and white rhinos, Grevy’s zebras, and wild dogs, along with classic safari species like lions, elephants, and leopards. Its private conservancies offer close-up, uncrowded wildlife encounters.
Lewa Wildlife Conservancy: One of Kenya’s premier conservancies, Lewa is a UNESCO World Heritage site known for successful rhino conservation and sustainable tourism. Here you can experience thrilling game drives, guided walks, and rhino-tracking expeditions in this pristine landscape.
Horseback and Camel Safaris: Laikipia is one of the few regions in Kenya offering horseback and camel safaris, allowing guests to get close to wildlife on an entirely different level. This unique approach creates an intimate connection with nature.
Diverse Landscapes: From open savannahs to lush riverine forests and rocky outcrops, Laikipia’s varied landscapes offer stunning scenery and an ideal backdrop for diverse safari activities, including scenic bush walks and drives.
Stunning Mount Kenya Views: Laikipia offers breathtaking views of Mount Kenya’s snow-capped peaks, providing a scenic backdrop to wildlife sightings and creating unforgettable moments, especially at sunrise and sunset.
Community-Led Conservation: Laikipia’s conservancies work closely with local communities, promoting sustainable tourism that benefits both people and wildlife. This presents an incredible opportunity to engage in cultural exchanges and learn about traditional ways of life.
Luxury Lodges and Private Reserves: The region is home to exclusive, eco-conscious lodges and private reserves, providing luxurious accommodations, personalised service, and low-impact safaris, perfect for travellers seeking privacy and responsible tourism.

Where to stay

Best hotels in Laikipia

Nothing but the best. Browse our handpicked, tried-and-tested luxury hotels.

Luxury Safari Lodge

Borana Lodge, The Laikipia Plateau

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Luxury Safari Lodge

Ol Lentille, The Laikipia Plateau

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Gallery

Black Rhino in Laikipia

Zebra in Laikipia

A zebra in Laikipia

You never know who will follow you home in Laikipia

Elephant Road, Laikipia

Elephant watering hole, Laikipia

Good to know

Getting to Laikipia

Laikipia has several airstrips and small airports primarily serving chartered and scheduled flights from Nairobi’s Wilson Airport and other parts of Kenya. Here are the main ones:

Nanyuki Airstrip
- Located near Nanyuki town, this is the primary airstrip for Laikipia, with regular flights operated by Safarilink and AirKenya from Nairobi.
- Nanyuki Airstrip provides access to many conservancies, lodges, and private reserves across Laikipia.
Lewa Downs Airstrip
- Situated within the Lewa Wildlife Conservancy, this airstrip serves Lewa and nearby conservancies.
- It is a popular entry point for travellers heading to Lewa and the surrounding areas.
Ol Pejeta Conservancy Airstrip
- Located in the Ol Pejeta Conservancy, this airstrip allows direct access to Ol Pejeta’s wildlife and conservation programs, known for rhino conservation and varied wildlife.
Segera Airstrip
- Situated in the Segera Conservancy, this private airstrip serves guests staying at Segera Retreat and nearby lodges.
Loisaba Airstrip
- Located in Loisaba Conservancy, this airstrip provides access to Loisaba Tented Camp and Star Beds, known for unique activities like camel safaris and horseback riding.

These airstrips primarily handle small aircraft charter flights, providing easy access to Laikipia’s conservancies and lodges for a seamless safari experience.

Is the Laikipia a good destination for families?

Yes, Laikipia is an excellent destination for families, offering a mix of wildlife, unique activities, and cultural experiences that cater to all ages. Here’s why it’s family-friendly:

Diverse Wildlife Viewing
Laikipia’s private conservancies provide intimate wildlife encounters, with opportunities to see rhinos, Grevy’s zebras, elephants, and lions in low-traffic settings. Many conservancies allow flexible schedules, so families can enjoy shorter game drives or opt for morning and afternoon adventures.
Unique Safari Activities
Laikipia offers activities beyond traditional game drives, including camel and horseback safaris, nature walks, and even mountain biking in certain areas. These activities add variety and excitement, making safaris more engaging for children and teens.
Cultural Experiences with Local Tribes
Families can learn about Maasai and Samburu culture through village visits and interactions, offering educational and immersive experiences. Children enjoy learning about traditional crafts, dancing, and storytelling, which provide a meaningful connection to the local communities.
Child-Friendly Lodges
Many lodges in Laikipia cater to families, offering family suites, flexible meal options, and even Junior Ranger programs that teach kids about wildlife and conservation through hands-on activities.
Emphasis on Conservation and Education
Laikipia’s focus on conservation provides an educational aspect, where families can learn about efforts to protect endangered species and preserve the ecosystem. Engaging in these initiatives can be inspiring and enriching for young travellers.

Which destinations combine well with Laikipia

Laikipia combines well with several iconic Kenyan and East African destinations, offering a diverse safari and travel experience. Here are some ideal combinations:

Maasai Mara National Reserve
- Known for the Great Migration (July-October) and abundant big cat sightings, the Maasai Mara provides an excellent contrast to Laikipia’s quieter, private conservancies. Together, they offer an unparalleled wildlife experience, from rhinos in Laikipia to wildebeests and lions in the Mara.
Samburu National Reserve
- Located nearby, Samburu offers a unique northern Kenyan ecosystem with species not commonly found in Laikipia, like Grevy’s zebras, reticulated giraffes, and beisa oryx. Its rugged, arid landscapes pair well with Laikipia’s varied habitats.
Mount Kenya
- Close to Laikipia, Mount Kenya offers scenic hiking trails, forest walks, and cultural experiences. Combining it with Laikipia allows you to experience Kenya’s highlands, adding a sense of adventure and stunning mountain landscapes to the trip.
Amboseli National Park
- Known for its large elephant herds and views of Mount Kilimanjaro, Amboseli adds a classic safari feel to a Laikipia itinerary. Amboseli’s open plains and iconic landscapes complement Laikipia’s private, conservation-focused experiences.
Kenyan Coast (Diani Beach or Lamu)
- After a safari in Laikipia, the Kenyan coast offers relaxation and a change of scenery. Diani Beach or Lamu Island are ideal for winding down, with pristine beaches, turquoise waters, and opportunities for cultural exploration in Swahili coastal towns.
Serengeti National Park, Tanzania
- For an East African adventure, combine Laikipia with Tanzania’s Serengeti, especially for those interested in the migration. The Serengeti’s vast plains offer another wildlife spectacle, pairing well with Laikipia’s exclusivity.