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The Laikipia Plateau offers something a little different from other Kenyan safari experiences. Instead of national parks, Laikipia is sprinkled with community-run conservancies, most of which offer incredible wildlife viewing, great scenery, and luxury tented camps and lodges, all combined with commercial cattle ranching. This is prime Big Five territory, with the conservancies among the best places in Kenya to see rhinos. Laikipia is also home to many indigenous communities, including the Laikipia Maasai and Samburu.
Best Time
There is good wildlife viewing year-round in the Laikipia Plateau conservancies, although heavy downpours can disrupt safaris. Road conditions can become a problem in the Wet season (October to May), especially in the rainfall peaks of April, May and November, and some lodges close during these months. The best wildlife viewing overall is from July to September, which falls during the Dry season. January to March is also good.
June to September –Dry Season
October to May –Wet Season
Scenery
Laikipia is one of the most beautiful regions in Kenya. Basalt outcrops and lush, forested slopes dot the semi-arid plains, usually against the backdrop of the mighty snowcapped peak of Mt Kenya, which often appears magically when the clouds part and you least expect it. In places, the scenic Ewaso Nyiro and Ewaso Narok Rivers cut through the plateau via spectacular rocky gorges.
Activities
Guided game drives, including night drives, are the main activity in the Laikipia Plateau conservancies. All guided drives are allowed off-road, which can make for some really up-close encounters. Self-guided drives are allowed only in Ol Pejeta Conservancy. Other terrific activities include horseback riding and walking safaris (the latter led by an armed guide).
From: $204 to $1,223 pp/day
From: July to September (Little rain)
From: June to October and December to March
From: Size 9,723km² / 3,754mi²
Laikipia Plateau is home to all of the Big Five. The different ranches offer very different wildlife experiences, and some have better animal densities than others. However, in general, the wildlife viewing is excellent. The plateau supports large numbers of elephants and plenty of predators. Most of the reserves have a good population of both black and white rhinos.
Wildlife Highlights
Laikipia is home to more than 70% of the world’s remaining Grevy's zebra population, and it’s a good place to see the striking reticulated giraffe. It also has healthy numbers of wild dogs, although sightings are never guaranteed, and the reserves are home to one of Kenya’s most important lion populations. The fenced Sweetwaters Chimpanzee Sanctuary at Ol Pejeta Conservancy supports a rescued chimpanzee population.
Best Time for Wildlife Viewing
Wildlife viewing at Laikipia is best in the dry months from July to September when animals gather around predictable water sources. January to March is also good. Some lodges are closed in April, May, and November due to rain. The soil in the region is mostly black cotton soil, which means that getting stuck is a real possibility after heavy rain.
The climate at Laikipia Plateau is cool and temperate. Temperatures are uniform throughout the year as a result of being so close to the equator. Daytime temperatures are in the mid-twenties Celsius (seventies Fahrenheit), while it cools off considerably at night. Warm clothing for early morning game drives is strongly recommended.
Dry Season –June to September
The Dry season has mostly sunny days, but it can rain at any time. Temperatures don’t vary too much and are around 24°C/75°F. It is cold at nighttime and in the early mornings as the temperature is around 12°C/54°F.
Wet Season –October to May
A drier period, from December to February, interrupts the Wet season and separates the short rains and the long rains. Days are often overcast, but it seldom rains all day. It is cold in the morning and warm clothing is necessary.
Your entry point to Kenya will most likely be Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (NBO), 15km/9 mi southeast of the capital city Nairobi.
The drive to Laikipia Plateau takes about 4 to 8 hours* from Nairobi and 3 to 7 hours* from Lake Nakuru National Park, depending on which Laikipia reserve you are visiting. You could also combine a visit to some of the Laikipia conservancies with Meru National Park and/or Samburu and Buffalo Springs National Reserves. Laikipia is commonly visited as part of a 4x4 tour of the country, which includes a driver-guide.
*Driving times are only a rough indication. You should always consider the possibility of significant delays.
Airlines & Ticket Prices
Please check Skyscanner to see which airlines can take you to Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (NBO), and what tickets would cost.
Domestic Flights
Many people visit Laikipia by plane from Nairobi or other parks, and all the reserves within Laikipia have airstrips. Charter flights between parks are usually booked by tour operators as part of the tour package.
There are scheduled flights from Nairobi’s Wilson Airport (WIL), which is 6km/4 mi south of Nairobi, to some of the reserves in the Laikipia Plateau. These include the following:
Passport, Visa & Other Entry Requirements
Please check our Getting There – Kenya page to learn more about passports, visas, COVID-19, and other entry requirements.
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