Laikipia
Laikipia is one of the best destinations in Kenya, and is recognised as being second only to the Masai Mara National Park in terms of the top game-viewing experience in the country. That said, Laikipia has the distinct advantage of being off the main tourist circuit and also has more endangered mammals within its borders than any other area in East Africa. Half of Kenya's black rhino are protected within the internal sanctuaries of Solio, Lewa, Ol Jogi, Ol Pejeta and Ol Ari Ng'iro, whilst Grevy's Zebra and other northern species (Somali ostrich, Beisa oryx, gerenuk, reticulated giraffe...) are also present. Good predator populations mean that sightings of lion, leopard and cheetah are also common.
Extending from the foot of Mount Kenya, the Laikipia Plateau extends to the Rift Valley at Lake Baringo, and then goes through the lands of the Samburu at Isiolo to merge with the Lerochi Plateau in the north. The entire area is the same size as Wales, and entirely contains the Ewaso ecosystem - increasing the environmental importance of the area as typically ecosystems fall under multiple jurisdictions/countries and national parks.
Whilst Laikipia is divided into multiple farms, ranches and small reserves, ecotourism is increasingly becoming more profitable than the previously existing pastoral and ranching lifestyles, and so increasing numbers of farmers and ranchers are starting to embrace the wildlife area that they're in. The resulting conservation is doing the area a world of good, and because much of it is privately run, it's one of the few places in Kenya where you can break from the tourist norm of game drives, and explore the land on foot, bicycle, camel or horse! Lodges and camps are particularly luxurious, and the exclusivity that they offer is something to definitely value.
If you're looking for a safari without the bling click onto the "Laikipia and Masai Mara safari special".
Due to the area’s blend of human and wildlife populations, it is the centre of much research into humans successfully co-existing with the natural environment – further aiding the collaboration between individual land owners into conserving their wildlife “assets”. Lions and elephant are being studied especially – their wide ranges and particularly heavy impact on human activities makes them important animals to understand, and Laikipia can only but benefit from the research.
It's definitely one of our favourite locations in Kenya, even East Africa - our scouting trips have always been successful in the reserve, and it appeals to our sense of exclusivity; experienced travellers will understand the pleasure of escaping the main tourist haunts and Laikipia is fortunate in the sense that it matches the very experience that makes places like the Mara so popular.
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Our Recommended Tours
Lewa Wildlife Conservancy, Kenya - 4 days/3 nights
Of all our trips this is one of our favorite walking safaris. The walk is led by professional guides, fly camping under the stars with camels carrying the camp. The safari is extremely suitable for families as children can ride on the camels when their feet get tired! It is also an ideal way to really learn about the bush from the ground up ... The knowledge of the guides is deep and meaningful ensuring all who do this trek come away with a far greater knowledge of Kenya, its people and its wildlife.
The walking safari starts on the Lewa Wildife Conservancy, offering prime wildlife viewing. The length of the safari can be altered and extended to include Il'Ngwesi and five nights to Lekurruki (Tassia).
Laikipia Plateau and Masai Mara Reserve - 6 nights/7 days
The special rate valid in the low season 01-30 Jun & 01 Nov - 14 Dec and represents a saving of US$340.00 per person on the high season rate. High season rate applies 01 Jan - 31 Mar & 1 July - 14 July.
An amazingly great value safari covering two of the main game viewing areas and their highlights in Kenya. The offer includes all flights and transfers, meals, accomodation and activities on the ground in Kenya. Highlights of the safari include high quality of guiding in off the beaten track bush camps. No bling just a good value safari in one of the highest rated safari camps on Trip Advisor.
Offbeat Kenya
$ 3698
Laikipia and Masai Mara - 8 nights/9 days
The price includes all flights and transfers, meals, accomodation and activities on the ground in Kenya. Highlights of this trip include horse riding, fly camping and walking in Laikipia along with exceptional gameviewing without the masses in both Laikipia and the Masai Mara
Laikipia Plateau, Lake Bogoria, Lake Baringo, Mt Elgon National Park and Kakamega Forest Reserve - 11 days/10 nights
The cost is per person plus US$1200.00 conservation fees and transfer costs. The trip will depart with a minimum of 2 guests. The special price is for the same itinerary with more light weight camping nights.
Start with a relaxing big game ranch stay before hitting the trail visiting millions of greater and lesser flamingoes on Lake Bogoria. Black-necked Grebe, Steppe Eagles, fish eagles and other raptors are commonly seen. 470 species of birds are found in the Lake Baringo area, many specific to the Rift Valley and northern Kenya. Mt Elgon offers volcanic lava tube caves and is home to cave dwelling elephants, forest birds and unusual mammals such as the bongo, giant forest hog and African golden cat.
The little known Kakamega Forest Reserve is the only remmant piece of the Congo forest in Kenya and here are found 350 species of forest tree and 300 species of birds. Flying squirrels, forest duikers, potto and many types of monkey are also found in Kakamega.
Best of Kenya
$ 7495
Chyulu Hills, Laikipia Plateau and Masai Mara - 9 nights/10 days
The price includes all costs other than international flights and is per person and is valid July, August, September.
Our "pick" of our Kenya safaris because it covers the three best game viewing areas; you will most likely see the Big Five, the little Five and much more besides. You will also see Mt Kilimanjaro, Mt Kenya and much of the Kenyan countryside from the air including the spectacular sight of the Rift Valley escarpment.
With just a little extra cost and planning, this safari is easily converted into a dedicated riding safari for the novice or the experienced rider and can include full or half day rides on any of the days at Chyulu Hills or on the Laikipia.
Camp closed April, May and November.
Other Options
Several destinations in Tanzania capture this ideology of travelling to remote and rewarding locations similar to the Laikipia ideology. If you're looking for something along this vein of thought, have a look at Mahale Mountains for jungle and primate safaris, whilst Katavi National Park is a brilliant spot for elephant, buffalo and other East African game.
Mount Kilimanjaro is scenic option for the adventurous, climbers and hikers are able to make their way up the highest mountain in Africa and watch one of the finest sunrises you'll ever see!
For really good horse riding, the Laikipia is hard to beat but we do offer some great riding options in Botswana and Hwange National Park in Zimbabwe.
Kenya Safari Spots
Kenya Overview | Masai Mara | Amboseli | Kenyan Coast | Lamu | Samburu | Lake Naivasha | Northern Frontier District | Lake Turkana | Lake Nakuru | Chyulu Hills | Shompole | Tsavo West | Tsavo East | Lake Victoria | Meru
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