Why Laikipia
The Mara is where Kenya shows you its wildlife. Laikipia is where Kenya shows you its conservation.
The Laikipia plateau — a high-altitude semi-arid plain stretching north from Mount Kenya — is owned almost entirely by private conservancies and large ranches that have, over the last forty years, become the most successful rhino-protection region on the African continent. Lewa Conservancy runs the most effective black rhino programme in Africa. Ol Pejeta is the only place on earth you can see the last two northern white rhinos — Najin and her daughter Fatu, the final two members of a species that is, scientifically, already extinct. Solio has the highest density of rhino anywhere on the continent.
This is a different kind of safari. You will see big cats, but predator density is lower than in the south. What you will get instead is rare species (Grévy’s zebra, reticulated giraffe, chimpanzee), the chance to walk safely on foot with a ranger and track a black rhino, and direct contact with the people doing the work.
For travellers on their second or third trip to Kenya, this is the one we’d recommend.
The northern white rhino visit
Worth saying clearly: spending an hour with Najin and Fatu changes how the rest of the week feels. There are exactly two of them on earth, the species cannot recover from this position naturally (scientists are working on IVF using preserved sperm from deceased males), and Najin is now too old to carry. You’re watching the last months of a lineage that stretches back millions of years.
It is, factually, sad. It is also one of the few moments in a normal travel itinerary that can rearrange a person’s view of the world. We include it in the standard Laikipia trip.
Getting there
Drive from Nairobi — 3.5 to 4 hours, paved most of the way. We transfer you private.
Fly Wilson → Nanyuki (45 min, ~$220 pp). Useful if you’re tight on time or combining Laikipia with a Mara flight.
Onward connections from Laikipia work well to the Mara (fly Nanyuki → Wilson → Mara), to Samburu (45 min drive north), or back to Nairobi.
Trips into Laikipia
Our 5-night Laikipia + Mount Kenya flagship includes Ol Pejeta, Lewa, and a night at the foot of Mount Kenya at a waterhole lodge. The trip works year-round and pairs well with three additional nights on the coast for travellers wanting to add beach time.
Best time to visit Laikipia
- September – March Best
Dry, mild, clear. Cool nights at altitude — bring layers. Christmas through January is the most expensive window.
- April – May Avoid
Long rains, particularly heavy in this region.
- June – August Good but cooler
Dry. Mt Kenya visible most mornings. Camps less busy than in the south.
- November Short rains
Some afternoon showers. Greenest the region looks.
What you'll see in Laikipia
- Black rhino, tracked on foot with an armed ranger
- Najin and Fatu — the last two northern white rhinos in the world
- Grévy's zebra (the larger, narrow-striped species, only found here and Samburu)
- Reticulated giraffe (sharp-edged patches — a different species)
- Chimpanzee sanctuary at Ol Pejeta (only chimps in Kenya)
- Lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo — the usual five
- Mount Kenya on the southern horizon, snow-capped most mornings
Where to stay in Laikipia
- Sirikoi Top-tier
Owner-run, six suites in the heart of Lewa. The conservation work here is exceptional. ~$1,800 pp/night.
- Lewa Wilderness Top-tier
Family home of the Craig family who founded Lewa. Riding, walking, classic. ~$1,400 pp/night.
- Sasaab Premium
Technically Samburu (immediately north) but works in a Laikipia loop. Moroccan-styled, on the Ewaso Nyiro river. ~$1,100 pp/night.
- Ol Pejeta Bush Camp Mid-tier
Inside Ol Pejeta conservancy, light footprint, closest to the white rhinos. ~$650 pp/night.
- Solio Lodge Premium
Private game reserve, highest rhino density in Africa, six rooms. ~$1,300 pp/night.
Laikipia safari — common questions
When is the best time to visit Laikipia?
Sep – Mar. September – March: Dry, mild, clear. Cool nights at altitude — bring layers. Christmas through January is the most expensive window.
How much does a Laikipia safari cost?
Our Laikipia packages start from $1,450 per person, including accommodation, park fees, a private 4x4 with driver-guide and Nairobi pickup. Book online or plan the trip with us on WhatsApp.
How many days do you need in Laikipia?
We run Laikipia trips from 3 days upward. For the best wildlife viewing we recommend at least 3 days so your guide has time to track the cats and, in season, the migration.
What wildlife will I see in Laikipia?
Black rhino, tracked on foot with an armed ranger; Najin and Fatu — the last two northern white rhinos in the world; Grévy's zebra (the larger, narrow-striped species, only found here and Samburu); Reticulated giraffe (sharp-edged patches — a different species); Chimpanzee sanctuary at Ol Pejeta (only chimps in Kenya).
