Kenya's conservation heartland: private conservancies, rhino strongholds and safaris you cannot do in the parks.
Enquire About LaikipiaLaikipia is not a national park but a vast plateau of private and community conservancies in the shadow of Mount Kenya, and it has become the heartland of Kenyan conservation. With no formal park status, the land is managed by ranches, communities and trusts that have turned wildlife protection into a working model, and the wildlife has responded.
It is one of the most important rhino refuges in East Africa. Ol Pejeta runs the largest black rhino sanctuary on the continent and is home to the last two northern white rhinos on earth, while Lewa, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, protects both black and white rhino alongside the endangered Grevy's zebra.
Because these are private lands, Laikipia offers what the parks cannot: off-road driving, night drives, walking safaris, horseback and camel safaris, and a genuine sense of exclusivity, with very few other vehicles. It is also a stronghold for African wild dog, one of the best places in Kenya to see them.
The conservancies range from intimate owner-run houses to family-friendly lodges, and the model channels tourism directly into conservation and community development. For travellers who care about where their money goes, Laikipia is among the most rewarding choices in Africa.
Laikipia is rhino country, with both black and white rhino protected across its conservancies, including the famous last northern white rhinos at Ol Pejeta. It is also one of Kenya's best regions for endangered African wild dog.
Lion, leopard, cheetah and spotted hyaena all do well, and the northern setting brings Grevy's zebra, reticulated giraffe and other dry-country species alongside large elephant herds that move between Laikipia and Mount Kenya.
The varied habitats and low tourist pressure make for excellent general game and birding, and the freedom to walk and drive off-road brings you closer to the smaller creatures and the tracking detail that vehicle-bound parks miss.
The dry seasons, June to October and December to March, offer the easiest game viewing, though Laikipia's higher altitude keeps it green and pleasant for much of the year, and the conservancies are less seasonal than the lowland parks.
The rains of April and May, and November, bring lush scenery, newborns and lower rates. Because activities here are flexible and not crossing-dependent, Laikipia rewards a visit in almost any month.
Landmark conservancy lodges combining superb wildlife, conservation leadership and design at the very top of the market, several with star-bed options.
Refined camps on the Lewa conservancy with outstanding rhino and Grevy's zebra viewing and a strong conservation pedigree.
Comfortable tented camps on Ol Pejeta with easy access to the rhino sanctuary and the chimpanzee sanctuary.
Exclusive-use family homes and houses across the conservancies offer private guides, vehicles and complete flexibility for families.
Simpler tented camps and self-catering options on Ol Pejeta give budget travellers access to a leading conservancy.
Laikipia's off-road and walking access, low vehicle numbers and Mount Kenya backdrops make it a rewarding photographic destination, with rhino, wild dog and northern species among the standout subjects.
Laikipia sits at the luxury and conservation-minded end of Kenya, though Ol Pejeta's camps offer more accessible options. Its flexibility, exclusivity and family-friendly houses make it a superb complement to the Masai Mara.
Laikipia lies in central Kenya, on the plateau north-west of Mount Kenya, reached by a short scheduled flight from Nairobi's Wilson Airport to the conservancy airstrips, or a road transfer of around four to five hours.
We arrange every detail, from the right camp to flights and transfers. Tell us your dates and we will do the rest.
Plan My Safari WhatsApp UsA plateau of private and community conservancies north of Mount Kenya, with no national park status. It is a leading model of African conservation and offers safaris you cannot do in the parks.
Yes. Laikipia is one of East Africa's most important rhino refuges. Ol Pejeta runs the largest black rhino sanctuary on the continent and protects the last two northern white rhinos.
Because the conservancies are private, you can drive off-road, take night drives, walk, and explore on horseback or camel, with very few other vehicles around.
Yes, it is one of the best regions in Kenya for endangered African wild dog, alongside strong lion, leopard and cheetah viewing.
Excellent. Many conservancies offer exclusive-use family houses with private guides, vehicles and flexible, all-ages activities.
June to October and December to March are easiest, but the high-altitude conservancies are rewarding year-round thanks to their flexible, crossing-independent activities.
Tell us roughly when you would like to travel and what you most want to see. Every enquiry is answered personally by Jarryd, a former Sabi Sands guide and Head Ranger at andBeyond Phinda, usually within 24 hours. No set packages, no booking fees.
