Laikipia Plateau

This area is known for its traditional ranches and rolling farmland. The landscape is different to elsewhere in Kenya and although wildlife might not be as prolific as in the Mara, Laikipia is a wonderful and very interesting place to include on a safari circuit of Kenya.

Today many of the old livestock ranches have been converted to luxurious safari lodges where you can ride horseback, walk the hills with local Maasai and learn about conservation efforts, which have made Laikipia famous. Laikipia is all about immersive travel. The atmosphere is very laid back and the day very much revolves around you and want you want to do and see.

You will see plenty of wildlife from black rhino, almost half of Kenya’s population reside here, around 2000 elephants migrate between Mt Kenya and Samburu crossing Laikipia on their way, wild dogs are increasing and the beautiful Grevy’s Zebra also reside in these hills.

This area is vast and served by three main airstrips including Lewa Downs, Nanyuki and Loisaba. Flying in from Nairobi and then linking to the Mara is the most common circuit, with most lodges within an hour of one of the airstrips. Borana Lodge is a favourite in this area as is Lewa on the neighbouring Lewa Conservancy. Both have done much for rhino conservation and Borana is also home to the Living with Lions project. It is from Borana and Lewa that you can visit the anti poaching dog squad (based at Lewa). From both conservancies you can meet with rangers and join a host of activities – many of which are included in your stay.

Ol Pejeta is another of the conservancies in Laikipia. This huge private conservancy, covering over 90,000 acres is situated between the Aberdares and Mt. Kenya in Central Kenya. It is home to sanctuaries for both chimpanzees and rhino, using the revenues generated from visitors to further its conservation efforts.

The Rhino Sanctuary is the most important place for rhinos in East Africa, its population of over 100 black rhino are under constant guard. It is also home to the last remaining Northern White rhino who live in a special boma guarded by rangers. Ol Pejeta is easy to access being not far from Nanyuki and offers a really exciting range of traditional safari activities and conservation visits.
Within the greater reserve you’ll find most large land mammals, including the ‘Big Five’ animals of lions, leopards, elephants, buffalo and, of course, the rhino. With a range of different style properties in our portfolio, including Kicheche Laikipia and Ol Pejeta Safari Cottages, it makes an excellent first-stop on a Kenyan safari. You can reach Ol Pejeta either by flying to Nanyuki and transferring to camp by road, or going with a private vehicle and guide from Nairobi which takes around 5-6 hours depending on traffic! Most guests opt for the flight wanting to make the most of their time. Guests then travel further north to Samburu or head to the Mara, or combine a safari in Lakipia with the coast.

Even more remote and exceptionally beautiful in this area is Ol Lentille based on the community-owned Kijabe Group Ranch, on the far northern escarpment of the Laikipia Plateau with enormous views to the craggy peak of Mt Kenya, the Samburu sacred mountain Ol Olokwe, the Matthews Range and the Karisia Hills.

The private conservation area, known as The Ol Lentille Conservancy, is 24,000 acres of grassy hills and deep valleys, heavily wooded with many Acacia species and African olives. Its sandy laghas are bordered by great stands of fig and fever trees. The Conservancy is home to the endangered African wild dog and Grevy’s zebra, greater kudu, leopard, striped and spotted hyena, elephant, Burchell’s zebra, and klipspringer. The Sanctuary offers just a handful of stunning private villas – in additon to the safari activities you can also visit the community projects supported by Ol Lentille from schools to clinics.