Loisaba conservancy

Overview–kenya

Loisaba Conservancy

High atop Kenya’s Laikipia Plateau, Loisaba Conservancy is a gorgeous spot. It’s as good for wildlife, including several species you see only in northern Kenya, as for the beauty of its surroundings. It also offers activities and many opportunities for engaging with the local community. And wherever you go on the conservancy, there’s a real feeling of wilderness.

Scenery

Loisaba is a picturesque place where the lush green hills and grasslands of the Wet season (October to May) give way to a more barren landscape during the drier months. Late in the Dry season (June to September) the entire conservancy turns golden. There are plenty of lovely hilltop vantage points from where the views seem to go on forever.

Activities

Loisaba is a private conservancy, which means that guided game drives (including night drives and off-road drives) are permitted. Self-drive or self-guided game drives are not allowed. You can also join a walking safari (where you’ll be escorted by an armed guard) and visits to the local community are possible.

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Rates

From: $204 to $1,223 pp/day

Best Time to Go

From: June to September (Wildlife), December to March (Birding)

High Season

From: June to October and December to March

Size

From: 231km² / 89mi²

​Wildlife & Animals

Loisaba has more than 260 bird species and around 50 different kinds of mammals. While you’re here, expect to see elephants (there are 800 on the conservancy), as well as buffalo, greater kudu, Grevy’s zebra, and reticulated giraffe. Big cats are also a possibility, with lion, leopard, and cheetah in residence. African wild dogs are also returning to the conservancy.

General Wheather

The weather and climate of Loisaba Conservancy is identical to that of the wider Laikipia Plateau.

The climate at Laikipia Plateau is cool and temperate. Temperatures are uniform throughout the year due to 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 anytime. Temperatures don’t vary too much and are around 24°C/75°F. It is cold at night-time and in the early mornings as the temperature is around 12°C/54°F.

  • June & July  – Although it can rain anytime, days are mostly sunny. The average afternoon temperature is 24°C/75°F. Don’t forget warm clothing for early morning game drives.
  • August & September  – During August, rain increases a little. Afternoon temperatures reach up to 24°C/75°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.

  • October & November  – ‘Short rains’ – The rains normally begin sometime in October. Afternoon temperatures are around 24°C/75°F.
  • December, January & February  – There is not as much rainfall in this period, which separates the short and long rains. It will still rain some days, however.
  • March, April & May  – ‘Long rains’ – The wettest month is April. There is a lot of rain but it doesn’t always shower the whole day. Driving is more problematic as tracks can get slippery. Early mornings are chilly with average temperatures around 12°C/54°F.

​Prons

  • Excellent wildlife viewing
  • Good for northern Kenyan specialty species
  • Chance to engage with the local community
  • Beautiful scenery
  • Walking, horse, and camel safaris are available
  • Never crowded

​Cons

  • No budget accommodations nearby
  • Often booked out in high season

How To Get There

You can fly from Nairobi’s Wilson Airport (or from Lewa Downs, Nanyuki, Meru, Samburu, and the Masai Mara) to Loisaba Conservancy’s private airstrip with AirKenya. Your tour operator or accommodations can help make arrangements. To drive from Nairobi to Loisaba (290km/180 mi) takes 6 to 8 hours*.

*Driving times are only a rough indication. You should always consider the possibility of significant delays.