Laikipia might just be Kenya’s best-kept safari secret. Nestled north of Mount Kenya, this expansive plateau delivers a raw, immersive safari experience far from the well-trodden routes of the Maasai Mara. With intimate lodges, dramatic scenery, and a commitment to conservation, Laikipia is the kind of place where you can track wild dogs in the morning and sip sundowners in utter silence come evening.
Why Laikipia is a hidden gem
1. Space, silence, and solitude
Unlike Kenya’s busier parks, Laikipia feels like your own private wilderness. Game drives here are uncrowded, offering rare moments of stillness and uninterrupted wildlife encounters.
2. Rare and diverse wildlife
Home to some of Kenya’s most endangered species, Laikipia boasts:
- Black and white rhinos
- African wild dogs
- Grevy’s zebras
- Reticulated giraffes
- Over 350 bird species This makes it one of the best areas in East Africa for conservation-focused safaris.
3. Dramatic, varied landscapes
From rolling savannahs and acacia woodlands to riverine forests and escarpments, Laikipia’s diverse terrain creates visually stunning backdrops and unique habitats.
4. Community-driven conservation
Laikipia is dotted with private conservancies that blend luxury tourism, community engagement, and conservation. Staying here means supporting projects that protect wildlife and uplift local livelihoods.
When to visit Laikipia
- June to October (dry season): Ideal for wildlife visibility as animals gather around water sources.
- November to May (green season): Lush landscapes, baby animals, and fewer tourists. A great time for birders and photographers.
Safari activities in Laikipia
Beyond the classic game drives, Laikipia offers a richer, more flexible safari menu:
- Walking safaris with expert guides
- Camel treks across remote valleys
- Horseback safaris among zebra and giraffe
- Night drives for nocturnal sightings
- Cultural visits with Samburu and Maasai communities
How to get there
Laikipia is accessible via:
- Charter flights from Nairobi to local airstrips (e.g., Nanyuki, Loisaba)
- Road transfers from Nairobi (~5-6 hours) Many lodges arrange seamless transfers, often combining Laikipia with other destinations like Samburu or the Mara.
Where to stay: accommodation styles
Laikipia caters to a wide range of preferences:
- Ultra-luxury lodges: High-end exclusivity with private guides and pools
- Tented eco-camps: For close-to-nature, low-impact stays
- Ranch-style lodges: Family-friendly, ideal for longer stays and slow travel
- Boutique retreats: Intimate, design-forward options with curated experiences
What makes it untapped?
- Less commercialized: You’ll rarely share a sighting with more than one other vehicle.
- Unique activities: Trekking, horse riding, and conservation projects go far beyond the standard safari.
- Raw beauty: Fewer roads, more off-road freedom, and a real connection to the land.
Travel tips
- Stay 3-5 nights to fully enjoy the slower safari rhythm
- Bring warm layers: Early mornings and evenings can be chilly, even in the dry season
- Support local: Choose conservancies that reinvest in community and wildlife
- Combine with Samburu, the Aberdares or Maasai Mara for contrast
Conclusion
If you’re seeking a safari experience that goes deeper — into landscapes, wildlife, and meaning — Laikipia is your place. Far from the crowds, filled with rare species, and rich in purpose, it offers a soulful alternative to mainstream circuits. Come for the rhinos and wild dogs. Stay for the silence, the sunsets, and the stories that will stay with you long after you leave.
Explore more handpicked safari destinations, packing tips, and travel ideas at WhySafari.com.
FAQs
Yes. Its guided experiences, variety of lodges, and low tourist traffic make it perfect for both first-timers and seasoned travellers.
Absolutely. Many ranch-style lodges offer kids’ activities, flexible schedules, and safe environments.
Yes. Laikipia is especially strong on rhinos and predators like lions and wild dogs.
Laikipia offers a more private, varied experience with fewer tourists and more flexible safari options.
Very much so. The landscape diversity, dramatic light, and rare species make it a dream for wildlife photography.
Yes, when led by trained professionals. They offer a thrilling, close-up perspective of the bush.
Days are typically warm and sunny; mornings and nights can be cold, especially from June to September.
Yes. Flights from Nairobi make it easy to connect Laikipia with Kenya’s coast or Zanzibar.
Some lodges and conservancies offer immersive programs or short-term projects for interested guests.
The risk is lower due to its elevation, but precautions are still recommended.
