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.
"Sara was recommended from friends that she helped plan a safari for in 2024. She extremely helpful and set up alternate itineraries for us with detailed day by day and cost estimates. She patiently talked us several pro/…"
"Candis and Dolan were exceptional from the moment we made contact. They’ve answered all of our questions, provided great suggestions, were responsive and efficient in all bookings for this trip (safari, day trips, transf…"
"Keith has been amazing with helping us book our trip! We booked it very last minute as we haven’t had time and as this is our honeymoon we wanted it to be very special. Keith has checked in continuously to make sure we’r…"
"Zene was exceptional - very patient with us as we went through many questions and alternatives as first time travelers to Africa."
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