Home to some of Kenya’s best wildlife & conservation initiatives

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Sleep under the stars on a fly camping trip at El Karama

The vast Laikipia Plateau is one of Kenya's premier wildlife destinations. Located in remote northern Kenya between Mount Kenya and Samburu, it is made up of several conservancies which are either privately or community-owned and operated.  

These conservancies protect the land for Kenya’s wildlife and also bring benefits in the form of revenue and jobs to local communities. 

Tourist numbers are kept to a minimum which means that those who visit Laikipia and stay in the small camps within the conservancies have a more intimate and rewarding safari experience. Visitors can view wildlife in a pristine, unfenced wilderness without encountering large crowds. 

The conservancies are teeming with wildlife and you can expect to see elephant, giraffe, lions, buffalo, hippo and warthog. Laikipia is known for its excellent sightings of leopard, striped hyena and wild dog. 

More threatened, endangered and rare species can be seen here than anywhere else in East Africa, and while many other areas of Kenya are experiencing dwindling populations of certain animals, Laikipia is recognised for its increasing numbers of wildlife. 

As well as phenomenal wildlife sightings, Laikipia also offers visitors the opportunity to enjoy activities that are not usually permitted in Kenya’s national parks and reserves. Try something different with wild dog tracking, camel safaris, walking safaris, horse riding, rafting and swimming in waterfalls. 

 

Featured Laikipia Holidays

Laikipia features on our Kenya Off The Beaten Track holiday. This itinerary starts in Laikipia where you’ll explore the breathtaking wilderness on foot, fully supported by camels, and led by experienced Masai, Samburu, and Turkana walking guides. Your next destination will be Samburu National Reserve, followed by Saruni Rhino in the Sera Community Conservancy, the undiscovered northern frontier of Kenya, before enjoying a safari in the iconic Masai Mara. 

Where to stay in Laikipia

The conservancies within Laikipia offer fantastic accommodation options with some of the best guides in the country. Wayfairer partners with the wonderful Sosian Lodge, Ol Malo and El Karamo Eco Lodge. For a more adventurous experience we recommend our Kenya Off the Beaten Track holiday which includes a multi-day walking safari. On this itinerary we start at Laikipia Wilderness Camp and stay in mobile camps where you’ll sleep in simple dome tents and eat your dinner under the stars. 

 

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