East African Safaris Guide preview

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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.

"Very responsive and happy to address queries and amend suggestions and quotations following further requests."
June 2026 · United Kingdom · Verified on Trustpilot ↗
"Leigh Ann was service oriented, knowledgeable and friendly. She really came through for us with a experience that perfectly meets our needs"
June 2026 · Verified on Trustpilot ↗
"Pascal John was very efficient as always and helped get us the best itinerary and made the booking process really simple"
June 2026 · Australia · with Pascal John · Verified on Trustpilot ↗
"Darren was an absolute pleasure to work with throughout our trip planning process. He was incredibly responsive, knowledgeable, and professional, consistently going above and beyond to answer our questions and provide thoughtful recommendations. What impressed us most was his efficiency — he was able to put together a highly competitive and detailed proposa…"
June 2026 · Singapore · with Darren Robertson · Verified on Trustpilot ↗

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