Laikipia Travel Guide

Bordering Mount Kenya to the southeast and stretching towards Kenya's remote northern frontier, Laikipia's vast, untamed wilderness is often considered a hidden gem for safari lovers. Unlike the Masai Mara, where wildlife sightings can sometimes be accompanied by crowds, Laikipia offers an uncrowded, private safari experience, making it ideal for luxury safaris, walking safaris, horseback safaris, and camel trekking adventures.

While Ol Pejeta Conservancy is a well-known safari hotspot, other parts of Laikipia—such as Lewa Wildlife Conservancy, Borana Conservancy, and Loisaba—offer a more exclusive and immersive experience, with opportunities for night drives, fly camping, and even tracking radio-collared predators.

Laikipia is at the heart of Kenya's modern conservation success story. The region has transitioned from large-scale cattle ranching to community-based conservation, creating sustainable revenue for local Samburu, Ilaikipiak, and Mokogodo Maasai communities through eco-tourism, wildlife protection, and land stewardship.

Wildlife conservation is taken seriously here, with GPS tracking collars placed on predators and rhinos monitored 24/7 by rangers to prevent poaching. Some conservancies even offer guests the chance to participate in conservation activities, such as tracking wildlife and assisting anti-poaching units.

Laikipia has become famous for sightings of a black leopard called Giza. Melanistic cats are extremely rare, and when wildlife photographer Will Burrard-Lucas first captured Giza on camera in 2019, the news sparked global excitement. Wildlife photographers and safari-goers dream of capturing a black leopard on camera, but only a lucky few succeed.

During his visit to Laikipia Wilderness Camp in May 2023, our safari guide, Simon Vegter, had the rare privilege of photographing Giza in her natural habitat. With patience and expert guiding, he documented this breathtaking feline as she moved gracefully through the rugged terrain. Read about Simon's unforgettable encounter with Giza in our blog post and discover what makes Laikipia one of the best places in Africa to witness this elusive predator.

One of Laikipia's most famous conservancies, Lewa Wildlife Conservancy, is renowned for its thriving black and white rhino populations, rich biodiversity, and varied landscapes. Covering more than 62,000 acres, the conservancy is home to:

• Over 350 Grevy’s zebras, one of the largest remaining populations of this endangered species.
• A small population of sitatunga, a rare, semi-aquatic antelope usually found in central Africa’s wetlands.
• Elephants, lions, cheetahs, and leopards, all thriving in the diverse habitats of Lewa.

Lewa's rolling grasslands, riverine forests, and scrub bushveld provide the perfect backdrop for exceptional game viewing, walking safaris, and horseback safaris.

Laikipia is well-connected by scheduled flights and private charters:

• Nanyuki Airstrip – The main airport servicing Laikipia, with daily flights from Nairobi's Wilson Airport.
• Loisaba and Lewa Downs Airstrips – These airstrips provide easy access to the conservancies.
• Private Charters – Many remote lodges have their own private airstrips, offering seamless access for those flying in via charter flights.

From the airstrips, lodge transfers are usually under an hour, ensuring a smooth and scenic arrival into the heart of the Laikipia wilderness.

For those seeking a luxury, conservation-focused safari with extraordinary wildlife encounters, Laikipia is an unbeatable destination. Its combination of rare species, exclusive safari experiences, and sustainable tourism makes it one of Kenya's most rewarding safari locations. Whether you're looking for big game viewing, walking safaris, horseback adventures, or a chance to see the legendary black leopard, Laikipia offers a safari experience unlike any other.

Laikipia is also a fantastic family-friendly safari destination. Many lodges offer engaging, conservation-focused programmes for children, allowing young explorers to learn about the vital work of wildlife conservationists and anti-poaching units while having fun. From guided bush walks to hands-on activities like tracking wildlife, these experiences create unforgettable memories and foster a lifelong appreciation for nature.

Additionally, Laikipia is an excellent choice for senior travellers. Its well-connected airstrips allow for easy access, cutting down on long and tiring road transfers. Many lodges cater to guests with mobility concerns, offering comfortable accommodations and flexible safari options to ensure an enjoyable and stress-free experience.

With its mix of adventure, exclusivity, and accessibility, Laikipia stands out as one of Kenya's most rewarding safari destinations.