Kenya · Safari destination

Laikipia

Safaris built around Laikipia.

A vast Kenyan plateau offering off-the-beaten-track wildlife encounters, including Grevy's zebra, reticulated giraffe and African wild dog.

Laikipia

Laikipia

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.

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Where to stay

Lodges in Laikipia.

Budget

3 lodges

  1. JW Marriott Mount Kenya Rhino Reserve Safari Camp
    Premium

    JW Marriott Mount Kenya Rhino Reserve Safari Camp

    JW Marriott's first safari camp in Africa sits inside a private rhino reserve on the Laikipia plateau, with Mount Kenya on the horizon. Tented suites come with private plunge pools, outdoor decks and botanical amenities, and days run on twice-daily game drives, guided bush walks and bicycle safaris led by KPSGA-rated guides.

    From $1,495 per person · night

  2. LABA Mama Simba
    Affordable Live availability

    LABA Mama Simba

    LABA Mama Simba is a small owner-run retreat on the edge of Laikipia in Kenya, set among gardens with views out to Mount Kenya. Five private cottages, home-style cooking and a Masai guide on staff make it feel closer to staying with friends than checking into a lodge, with horse riding and walking safaris on the doorstep.

    From $730 per person · night

  3. andBeyond Suyian Lodge
    Lux

    andBeyond Suyian Lodge

    A 14-suite lodge set within 44,000 acres of unfenced wilderness in Kenya's Laikipia plateau, with Mt Kenya on the horizon and the Ewaso Narok River threading below. Samburu guides lead walks through ancient kopjes and along camel trails, and the Rock Sanctuary anchors a deeply held conservation story.

    From $1,500 per person · night

Rates per person sharing, per night.

Laikipia

Your guide to Laikipia.

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.

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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.

"All members of the concierge team were very accomodating and quick to reply to my emails with very helpful information. I would recommend Safari.com to anyone wishing to travel to Africa for a great safari experience!"
November 2026 · USA · Verified on Trustpilot ↗
"Shann was very quick and thorough in providing answers to all my questions, of which I had many. I appreciate the immediacy of WhatsApp and it alleviated some of the anxiety of planning."
November 2026 · Verified on Trustpilot ↗
"KEITH WAS VERY PROFESSIONAL PLANNING OUR TRIP. COMMUNICATION WAS GREAT AND CUSTOMER FOCUS!"
November 2026 · USA · with Keith Kudzai Chideme · Verified on Trustpilot ↗
"Oh my goodness, MEL is the BEST! She has been invaluable during this process. She is quick with responses and very knowledgeable. She listened to our needs and did her best to meet those needs. We even spoke on the phone. She is lovely! We booked our trip and are so excited! I did my research and I’m so glad I reached out to Safari.com and got Mel."
November 2026 · United Kingdom · with Mel Du Toit · Verified on Trustpilot ↗

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Included

Complimentary travel insurance. Cancellation cover of up to $5,000 per person, on bookings paid by 25th November 2026.

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