Laikipia plateau, north-west of Mount Kenya
Laikipia Conservancies
Private wilderness and community conservation
- Country
- Kenya
- Region
- Laikipia plateau, north-west of Mount Kenya
- Type
- Kenya Safari
- Best months to visit
- Jun–Oct, Dec–Feb
Overview
The Laikipia plateau is a mosaic of private ranches and community conservancies that together hold some of Kenya’s largest wildlife populations outside the national parks. Because they are private, they offer activities that parks do not: walking, horse riding, camel treks, night drives and off-road tracking.
Many conservancies are run with local Maasai and Samburu communities, so your stay supports both wildlife and people.
- Exclusive, uncrowded game viewing
- Walking, riding and camel safaris
- Community-run conservancies
- Night drives
What you'll see
Elephant, lion, leopard, African wild dog, black rhino (in some conservancies), Grévy’s zebra and reticulated giraffe.
Wildlife you may see
- Elephant (Big Five)
- Lion (Big Five)
- Leopard (Big Five)
- African wild dog
- Black rhino (Big Five)
- Grévy's zebra
- Reticulated giraffe
- Cape buffalo (Big Five)
- Cheetah
Things to do
- 01
Walking safaris
Track wildlife on foot with experienced guides.
- 02
Horse and camel safaris
Multi-day options for adventurous travellers.
- 03
Community visits
Meet the communities who own and run the conservancies.
Best time
- Jan: Great time
- Feb: Great time
- Mar: Possible
- Apr: Possible
- May: Possible
- Jun: Great time
- Jul: Great time
- Aug: Great time
- Sep: Great time
- Oct: Great time
- Nov: Possible
- Dec: Great time
June to October and December to February; Laikipia is good much of the year.
Getting there
Flights from Nairobi to Nanyuki or conservancy airstrips; by road about 4 hours.
Where to stay
Luxury
Owner-run lodges and private houses with exclusive guiding.
We'll suggest camps and lodges that fit your dates and budget.
Comfort
Community-owned tented camps with excellent guiding.
We'll suggest camps and lodges that fit your dates and budget.
Budget
Simple camps and guesthouses around Nanyuki.
We'll suggest camps and lodges that fit your dates and budget.
