Destinations / Kenya / Laikipia
Laikipia
Kenya's Conservation Heartland
Stretching west from Mount Kenya, the Laikipia Plateau is a patchwork of private and community conservancies where wildlife thrives alongside local people. Rhino, wild dogs and rare northern species roam vast, uncrowded landscapes, explored on foot, on horseback or by camel as much as by vehicle.
Wild, Private and Pioneeringn
Rhino Stronghold
Laikipia's conservancies protect around half of Kenya's black rhinos. Ol Pejeta is home to the last northern white rhinos on earth.
Rare Northern Species
Grevy's zebra, reticulated giraffe, African wild dogs and the elusive black leopard all make their home on the plateau.
Beyond the Game Drive
With few vehicles and private land, Laikipia is ideal for walking, horseback and camel safaris, night drives and community visits.
Unforgettable Experiences
Active, intimate and off the beaten track.
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Game Drives
Search for cheetah, lion, elephant and reticulated giraffe in open vehicles, with few others in sight.
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Northern White Rhino
Meet the last northern white rhinos on earth with their keepers at Ol Pejeta, also home to the Sweetwaters chimpanzee sanctuary.
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Horseback Safaris
Ride among zebra, giraffe and eland across open plains.
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Sunset Camel Rides
Ride out as the sun goes down, with Samburu guides leading the way.
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Walking Safaris
Explore rocky kopjes and acacia country on foot with expert guides.
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Walking Safaris with Maasai Guides
Walking with the Herds
Join herders moving cattle across working ranches, where livestock and wildlife share the land.
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Night Drives
Head out under starry skies in search of leopard, aardvark and other nocturnal wildlife.
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Maasai & Samburu Culture
Meet the Maasai and Samburu communities, famous for their vivid beadwork, who share in the conservancies' success.
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Young Explorers
Children learn to track, identify spoor and spot small wonders with Samburu and Maasai guides.
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Black Leopard
Laikipia is one of the only places in Africa where these elusive melanistic leopards have been recorded, for the rarest of sightings.
When to visit
Laikipia's high altitude keeps it pleasantly temperate year-round.
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The long dry season offers excellent game viewing, with cool mornings and evenings.
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Warm, dry weather and superb wildlife viewing, with fewer visitors.
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The rains bring green landscapes, newborn animals and great value.
Premier Stays
Private conservancies shared with only a handful of guests.
Luxury Tented Camps
Elegant tents on raised decks, with sweeping views toward Mount Kenya and wildlife on the doorstep.
Conservancy Lodges
Design-led suites with private plunge pools and views across untouched wilderness, the only lodge on its conservancy.
Exclusive Use Homestead
A private safari home for one family or group, with its own pool, guides and vehicles.
Pairs Perfectly with…
Because the best safaris rarely stop at one destination.
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Ngorongoro Crater
Cross into Tanzania to descend into the Ngorongoro Crater, one of Africa’s densest concentrations of wildlife.
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Tarangire National Park
Ancient baobabs, enormous elephant herds and exceptional game viewing.
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Zanzibar
Swap safari for white sand beaches and warm Indian Ocean waters.
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Rwanda
Add an unforgettable gorilla trekking experience to your East African adventure.
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Masai Mara
Add big cats and the drama of the Great Migration.
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Samburu National Reserve
Discover rare northern species in Kenya's rugged north.
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Serengeti
Cross into Tanzania to follow the herds across endless plains.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Scheduled and private flights connect Nairobi's Wilson Airport with airstrips across the plateau, in around one hour.
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Laikipia offers fewer vehicles, rare northern species and a wider range of activities, including walking, horseback and camel safaris. Many guests combine the two.
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June to October and January to March offer dry weather and the best wildlife viewing.
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US citizens need an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA), applied for online before travel. Antimalarial medication is recommended for the Mara, and a yellow fever certificate is required if you arrive from a country with yellow fever risk.
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Yes. Its range of activities, from camel rides to community visits, makes it one of Kenya's best family destinations.
