Laikipia Plateau Kenya

An idyllic and lesser-visited area, often referred to as the gateway to Northern Kenya, the Laikipia Plateau is an undiscovered ecosystem of wilderness terrain that covers over two million acres. The unique and varied habitats here create stunningly scenic landscapes, from arid plains to sweeping hills, making it an excellent choice for a Kenya safari holiday away from the tourist trails.

Wildlife on Laikipia Plateau Game Drives

The Laikipia Plateau is the only area to have a growing population of wild dogs, and there are burgeoning numbers of leopard, lion, rhino, elephant and many other game species, such as gerenuk, Jackson’s hartebeest and the reticulated giraffe. It is also excellent for sightings of the Grevy's Zebra as 40% of their population live here.

Lewa Wildlife Conservancy

Located South of Laikipia and North of Mount Kenya, this conservancy was established in 1995 by the Craig family and is renowned for its exemplary research and commitment to conservation activities on private land. Spread across 58,000 acres of private land and 14,000 acres of national forest, this is an area of open savannah, gently rolling acacia hills and semi-arid desert, in which common game viewing can be enjoyed, including Beisa Oryx, reticulated giraffe, Grevy’s zebra and greater Kudu. There is a healthy but sometimes reclusive lion family, a trio of male cheetah and leopard; in total some 70 mammal species and over 350 species of birds. The conservancy involves its visitors in the regular ongoing projects and a raft of game drives, night drives, guided bushwalks, trips to prehistoric sites, riding and fishing trips.

Ol Pejeta Conservancy

Established in 1998, the 90,000-acre Ol Pejeta Conservancy was once a cattle ranch owned by multi-millionaire Adnan Kashoggi. It is just a three-hour journey from Nairobi, making it the closest place to experience Big Five game. The beautiful open plains can be explored by either game drives, night drives, bush walks or horse rides. Within the Sweetwaters Game Reserve you will find the popular Chimpanzee sanctuary, a refuge for rescued chimps from Burundi, who escaped the civil war. There is also the fastest growing number of black rhinos in Kenya.

Samburu National Reserve

Samburu National Reserve, located in the northern part of Kenya, along the Ewaso Ng'iro River. The reserve spans approximately 165 square kilometers, offering a unique blend of arid savannahs, verdant riverine forests, and rugged terrains teeming with diverse and unique wildlife. Discover the rare northern and unique species of the Samburu Special Five-the Grevy's zebra, Somali ostrich, reticulated giraffe, gerenuk, and the Beisa oryx. Home to indigenous Samburu tribe, engage with their vibrant culture and traditional practices and lifestyle.

Loisaba Ranch

Covering 150 square kilometres, Loisaba was the creator of the inventive ‘star bed’ (great for honeymooners!), another private conservancy within the Laikipia area. Habitats and wildlife vary according to location, with the north enjoying open savannah plains and the south giving rise to escarpments, cliffs, valleys and areas of riverine fig and palm forest. With over 50 mammal species, wildlife sightings can be excellent, including elephant, buffalo, cheetah, impala, waterbuck, reticulated giraffe, Grevy’s zebra, oryx and kudu. The healthy lion family here have been collared for Laikipia’s Predator Project and can be traced via radio tracker.

Borana Wildlife Conservancy

mily here have been collared for Laikipia’s Predator Project and can be traced via radio tracker. The 32,000-acre Borana Wildlife Conservancy is located north of the equator, at the foot of Mt Kenya. Home to both the black and white Rhino, this non-profit conservation organisation is dedicated to wildlife conservation.