East African Safaris Guide preview

Brochure

East Africa Guide

East Africa in signature pairings, like elephants beneath Mount Kenya: the Serengeti and Masai Mara, gorilla trekking and Zanzibar.

The basics

Why, when, and where.

Laikipia offers a unique blend of wildlife encounters, breathtaking landscapes, cultural interactions, and conservation education. It's a must-visit for those looking to experience the untouched beauty of Kenya away from the typical tourist trails.

Why

Laikipia is home to a wide array of wildlife, including the Big Five, rare species like the Grevy's zebra, reticulated giraffe, and African wild dog.

The region boasts a beautiful mosaic of grasslands, wooded acacia communities, and evergreen forests, set against the backdrop of Mount Kenya

Interact with local communities like the Maasai and Samburu, gaining insights into their traditions, lifestyles, and deep connection to the land.

Highlights:

  • Unique Safari Experience: Walking safaris, night drives and horse back riding.
  • Luxury Lodges and Camps: Upscale and eco-friendly accommodation.
  • Cultural Experiences: Interact with local communities like the Maasai and Samburu.

When

The best time to visit Laikipia for wildlife viewing is during the dry season (June to October). However, if you're looking for lush landscapes, fewer crowds, and discounted rates, the wet season might be worth considering.

Dry Season (June to October):

  • Best season for wildlife viewing, especially between July and October, as animals congregate around waterholes.
  • Less dense vegetation, making it easier to spot animals.
  • Roads and tracks are more accessible.

Short Rainy Season (November to December):

  • Fewer tourists, making for a more private experience.
  • Lush green landscapes


Wet Season (March to May):

  • Fewer tourists, leading to discounted accommodation rates.
  • Birdwatching is especially good as migratory birds are present.

Where

Laikipia is situated in central Kenya, in the eastern part of the Great Rift Valley. It lies northwest of Mount Kenya and is bordered by several counties: Samburu to the north, Isiolo to the northeast, Meru to the east, Nyeri to the southeast, Nyandarua to the south, and Baringo to the west.

Fly into Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) in Nairobi, from there, you ca connect with daily scheduled domestic flights from Nairobi's Wilson Airport. The flight from Nairobi to Laikipia is generally about an hour.

Imagery

Laikipia, in pictures.

Recent travellers

Word from people who have just been to Laikipia.

Quotes pulled directly from Trustpilot. Where we have specific reviews mentioning Laikipia, those come up first. Otherwise these are recent five-star notes from across the trips we have planned.

"For different questions we got always very quick answers and proactive good recommendations with from our point of view a fair pricing"
June 2026 · Germany · Verified on Trustpilot ↗
"The endless patience of the rep . It was such an important decision and so worried about making the best choice for us to celebrate our 40th wedding anniversary, that I asked a million questions and lots of different places were in the mix, but Cearla was very patient and courteous throughout."
June 2026 · United Kingdom · with Cearl Marney · Verified on Trustpilot ↗
"Cearl has been so helpful in offering options and advice. Really appreciated her diligence and attentiveness throughout the booking process."
June 2026 · United Arab Emirates · with Cearl Marney · Verified on Trustpilot ↗
"Absolutely seamless from start to finish. I had to change my travel options several times, and the team was incredibly patient, understanding, and accommodating throughout the process. We're so happy we found them. They took the time to tailor our trip perfectly to our family's needs, making everything stress-free and enjoyable. I highly recommend their ser…"
June 2026 · United Kingdom · with Cearl Marney · Verified on Trustpilot ↗

Speak to a safari specialist

Plan your trip to Laikipia.

Tell us when, who's coming, and what you're hoping for. One specialist looks after the rest.

Plan a safari

Begin your adventure with us.

Five short steps. A safari specialist will be in touch within as little as 15 minutes during working hours.

Step 1 of 5 When
Start planning