Laikipia

The Laikipia highlands lie 250 kilometres north-west of Nairobi, in the shadow of snow-capped Mt Kenya. It is a vast area, the size of a small country, and a great conservation success story of recent times. The area consists of a number of wildlife conservancies and some cattle-ranches, catering for a wide range of travellers.

Laikipia has it all from real adventure to pampering at some of the most luxurious lodges in Kenya. The area has a number of streams and rivers, all eventually joining up with ‘Ewaso Nyiro’, the largest river and lifeblood of northern Kenya. Some of these waterways flow all year round, supporting the resident wildlife and playing host to many an adventure on offer!

Laikipia’s higher altitudes make for very mild temperatures in summer, it can even be cold at night! This is a significant advantage over other safari destinations especially in southern Africa which can be extremely hot. The high altitude also means a very low risk of malaria. The low malaria risk and the array of activities on offer, make this a great destination for families with young children. We highly recommend Laikipia for families!

The conversion of grazing pastures to wildlife conservancies is playing an important part in the conservation of the area as it generates income from eco-tourism for the partnering local communities. Laikipia is still an important cattle area in Kenya. Most of the conservancies allow cattle to graze on the land in some form or another, albeit within the boundaries of an agreed management plan.

Laikipia is home to a large variety of animal species including some endangered ones, such as the black and white rhino, around 2000 elephants and Kenya’s ‘Northern 5’. These are the Grevy’s zebra, East African (Beisa) oryx, gerenuk, reticulated giraffe and Somali ostrich.

Many endangered and rarer species are collared and closely monitored by local rangers. This may come across as unnatural, but the outcomes for the wildlife’s survival and long term conservation cannot be argued. It also allows visitors to get a good understanding of the conservation efforts taking place. Guests can participate in some conservation-based activities which is another great experience for kids!

The three airstrips with scheduled flights that serve Laikipia are; Nanyuki, Loisaba and Lewa Downs. From each of these, a transfer to most camps is around an hour. Some of the more remote camps might require a charter flight to reach them or a longer road transfer for the more adventurous.

The Lewa and Borana Conservancy

These two conservancies have joined by removing the fence between them. Together they offer nine tourism properties that offer excellent, intimate and conservation-focussed safari experiences. The area serves as a safe refuge for the critically endangered black rhino and the endangered Grevy’s zebra, as well as elephant, lion, giraffe, African wild dog and other iconic species. The Conservancy is also home to more than 400 species of birds.

Lewa and Borana are very well managed from a conservation perspective, having combined the techniques of world-class anti-poaching operations, and cutting edge monitoring technology, with the engagement of the surrounding communities as critical partners in conservation.

Some of the finest luxury lodges in Kenya, notably Sirikoi and Arijiju House are here alongside more adventurous options such as Lewa Wilderness, certainly our favourite, especially for families!

The Ol Pejeta Conservancy

At 365 square kilometres, Ol Pejeta is one of the largest and also the busiest, of all the Laikipia conservancies. It is fairly close to the safari town of Nanyuki.

Ol Pejeta has transformed from a working cattle ranch in colonial Kenya to a trailblazer of conservation innovation today. The story of Ol Pejeta is as enchanting as it is inspirational. Today its owned by the NGO ‘Fauna and Flora International’ and is run on a not-for-profit basis.

Ol Pejeta is the largest black rhino sanctuary in East Africa and home to the last two remaining northern white rhinos, both who are sadly female and so cannot breed. It is also the only place in Kenya to see chimpanzees as they have a sanctuary that rehabilitates chimps rescued from the black market.

Ol Pejeta has some of the highest predator densities in Kenya and yet still manages a very successful livestock programme. By day the cattle graze the conservancy’s savannah under the watchful eyes of their herders and at night they are herded into mobile predator-proof enclosures. This operation has proven that it is possible for livestock and wildlife to co-exist when carefully managed.

Ol Pejeta also seeks to support the people living around its borders to ensure the wildlife conservation translates into better education, healthcare and infrastructure.

The Solio Ranch

Solio Ranch is a privately-owned game ranch in the southern section of Laikipia, between Mt Kenya and the Aberdare Mountains. Solio played a key role in saving the Kenyan black rhino from extinction and today more than 200 black rhinos live here. It’s one of the best places in the world to see large ‘crashes’ of rhinos in the wild.

The ranch has been in existence for many years and the recent addition of the modern Solio Lodge makes for a luxurious accommodation option. It offers real comfort and stunning views.

Solio offers varied activities including game drives, walks, riding and cycling trips. Day trips to the Aberdare and Mt Kenya National Parks are also available.

The El Karama Ranch

El Karama is a 70 square kilometre family-owned ranch in the heart of Laikipia. The Grant family has successfully operated a wildlife sanctuary and working cattle ranch here since 1963, with a strong conservation focus and community involvement. The game viewing is very good, including elephant and some rare species as well as most predators. Guests can take part in the outdoor lifestyle of the Grant family, which focusses on adventure activities including guided walking and sleepout excursions.

The Ranch also has the El Karama Eco-Lodge which is a rustic and very homely option for guests with kids of all ages most welcome. Their famous bush-school is always popular with children and adults alike.

The Loisaba Conservancy

Loisaba is a 200 square kilometre wildlife conservancy and working ranch in northern Laikipia. There are two permanent rivers and numerous springs here, making the area attractive to wildlife throughout the year. Loisaba is a critical piece of the larger landscape, connecting Laikipia to Samburu and Isiolo counties. The Conservancy ensures that a well-used wildlife and livestock movement corridor is protected.

The Conservancy is a haven for more than 260 species of birds and 50 species of mammal. Alongside the more common wildlife, there are 800 elephants, large herds of buffalo, Grevy’s zebra, reticulated giraffe and greater kudu. The cat population is thriving, with three resident lion-prides and numerous leopard and cheetah. Even the rare African wild dog, thought to have been extinct in the region, are starting to re-appear.

The conservancy is served by an airstrip with scheduled flights and a number of delightful places to stay, as well as an array of activities on offer.

Ol Doinyo Lemboro Ranch

The ranch is in of the more remote and truly wild areas of Laikipia! The Ewaso Narok River flows along its northern boundary and the river is the lifeline for wildlife in the drier months. The ranch is mostly devoted to wildlife conservation with good numbers of all species, large numbers of dik-dik and the endangered African wild dog have returned. An elusive ‘black leopard’ has also recently been filmed by camera trap along the river.

There is a small, rustic, eco-friendly owner-managed camp, which offers true adventures for families and guests looking for a real wilderness experience. The area gives the visitor a real sense of the vastness of Laikipia and the wilderness that it is. Ol Doinyo Lemboro Ranch comes highly recommended by the SAFARI FRANK Team!