Sundowner rock, Ol Lentille, Laikipia

Laikipia

Boasting more endangered mammals than anywhere else in East Africa, the vast Laikipia plateau extends from the lush foothills of snow-capped Mount Kenya to the walls of the Rift Valley.

Healthy big cat populations thrive alongside thousands of elephants. Unique northern species, including Grevy’s zebras and gerenuk antelopes, graze and browse alongside black and white rhinos.

Rhino silhouette, Laikipia, Kenya
Kenya
Lions in Grass, Borana Lodge, Laikipia, Kenya
Laikipia, Kenya

Wildlife of Laikipia

The wildlife is only the start of the adventure as the appeal of Laikipia lies in the opportunity to get out of the vehicle and head out on foot, horse, bike or camel to explore a wildlife reserve the size of Wales. The land itself is divided into exclusive wildlife conservancies, that practice high-yield, low impact tourism so numbers of guests are kept small, allowing the wildlife to thrive in a genuine wilderness, whilst you can enjoy some of the highest levels of service and guiding in the country.

Given the sheer diversity of game, the mix of habitat and the incredible sense of adventure, it is no wonder that the region is incredibly popular for photography safaris and family safaris and those looking for a much more rounded wilderness experience, with the some of the best guides in the country.

Experiences

Tell us what you love doing and we’ll curate a journey that’s perfect for you.

Chimp, Ol Pejeta, Laikipia, Kenya
Laikipia

Ol Pejeta Conservancy

At the Ol Pejeta Conservancy, visit the chimpanzee sanctuary, spot big cats and meet the last two surviving northern white rhinos.

Walking Safari, Masai Mara, Kenya
Laikipia

Bush School for Children

Learn bush skills, such as tracking and making bows, under the tutelage of fantastically knowledgeable local guides.

Black rhinos, Lewa, Laikipia, Kenya
Laikipia

Track Black Rhinos

Discover the largest population of eastern black rhinos, which can be found in the Lewa and Ol Pejeta conservancies in Laikipia.

Suggested Holiday Idea

Panoramic view of Lewa Wildlife Conservancy, Laikipia, Kenya
Laikipia

Wildlife Conservancies

Stay on one of Laikipia’s beautiful wildlife conservancies – rewilded areas of land that have been turned over to conservation.

Suggested Holiday Idea

Elephants, Ekorian's Mugie Camp, Laikipia
Laikipia

Outdoor Activities

Leave 4×4 vehicles and make the most of the activities on offer in Laikipia. Explore on foot, horseback, mountain bike and by camel.

Fly camping, El Karama, Laikipia, Kenya
Laikipia

Sleep Under the Stars

Spend a night sleeping out under the stars. Fall asleep with the sounds of the bush surrounding you, with the Milky Way bright overhead.

Suggested read: blog

Where to stay

Some of the wonderful places to stay that we frequently recommended.

El Karama £££££

  • Kenya
  • Safari Lodge

El Karama – meaning ‘treasured possession’ in Swahili – is a small, family-run lodge with a reputation for great, home-produced food and impeccable sustainable travel credentials. Murray and Sophie live on-site with their two young children and provide one of the most heartfelt safaris in Kenya.

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Il Ngwesi Lodge £££££

  • Kenya
  • Safari and Wildlife Lodge

Owned and run by the local Laikipiak Maasai community, Il Ngwesi is a beautiful eco-lodge but also a community empowerment and wildlife conservation project. It stands out for its commitment to the local community, with 6,000 local stakeholders having supported the lodge for more than two decades.

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Karisia Camel Walking Safari £££££

  • Kenya
  • Safari and Wildlife Lodge

As the name suggests, this award-winning, family-run safari outfit specialises in offering clients some of the most thrilling and authentic walking safaris in Kenya. The walking safaris can be tailored exclusively to any level of fitness or interest, with support camels used for tired legs, with the fully serviced camp being moved each day with a team of Samburu warriors and camels. From the simple, two-man dome tents with shared facilities, through to the luxury, en-suite canvas tents complete with dressing gowns, the Karisia team somehow managed to create the most magical experiences, in the wildest of places and comfort is never compromised.

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Loisaba Tented Camp £££££

  • Kenya
  • Safari and Wildlife Lodge

Sitting on the edge of the Laikipia plateau is Loisaba Tented Camp, home to some of the most spectacular views in the region.

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Borana Lodge £££££

  • Kenya
  • Safari and Wildlife Lodge

Borana Lodge wonderfully combines privacy, natural beauty and an abundance of wildlife to create unique and memorable safari experiences.

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Segera Retreat £££££

  • Kenya
  • Safari and Wildlife Lodge

Fusing luxury with the latest in cutting-edge environmental design, Segera Retreat offers an unforgettably chic safari. Secluded and private, it rests in the wooded savannah and grasslands of the Laikipia Plateau, to the north-west of Mount Kenya. The spacious villas offer privacy and a relaxed ambience, sitting amongst beautifully designed gardens. Each one offers dramatic views over the surrounding landscape, which is filled by an array of wildlife and birdlife. And the sights are not limited to the natural world, with Segera also home to a magnificent collection of artwork – The Zeitz Collection.

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Meet our experts

A passion for travel runs right through every one of our experts - meaning they're always ready with first-hand insight about their specialist countries.

Illona Cross

Illona has visited Kenya numerous times, as well as spending time in the Masai Mara as a safari guide at one of the camps. Having explored much of the country and stayed at a variety of camps and lodges, she always enjoys the diversity of activities on offer, including her personal favourite, horse riding.

Talk with our experts
  • 1 800 571 2985

Chris Johnston

Chris has explored much of Africa over the years, yet holds firm the belief that Kenya offers the best big-game experience in the world. He has walked, driven, mountain-biked, ridden and paddled past some of Africa’s most exciting wildlife whilst on safari in Kenya. And such is the style and comfort of the country’s lodges, all this was whilst within easy reach of an ice-cold G&T.

Talk with our experts
  • 1 800 571 2985

Why Choose Steppes?

Our knowledge, curiosity and expertise set us apart, driving us to create remarkable holidays and Beautiful Adventures tailored perfectly to you, carefully curated to help protect and conserve our planet.

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