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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