LAIKIPIA PLATEAU

The Laikipia Plateau lies on the eastern escarpment of the Great Rift Valley in Kenya. The snow-capped peak of Mount Kenya is an impressive backdrop to this scenic escarpment.

Open savanna plains give way to shaded riverine woodlands and dramatic gorges. Rolling hilltops provide a perfect place to take it all in. Safari destinations are tucked away in vast reserves, home to diverse and abundant populations of wildlife

Laikipia is home to exceptional properties that share a commitment to sustainability and wildlife conservation. These conservancies are trailblazers for promoting wildlife conservation through community development projects. Funds created by ecotourism are funneled into local communities, alleviating poverty and creating enthusiasm for wildlife conservation—a win-win for wildlife, conservationists, local communities, and tourists!

Seasons

Laikipia’s high elevation and proximity to the equator account for its warm days and cool nighttime temperatures. The difference between seasonal temperatures is minimal, averaging in the high 40s to low 50s at night, and low to high 70s during the day. Although there is some variability in the rains, Kenya typically experiences two rainy seasons throughout the year. The long rains typically last from April to May and fall as heavy rain showers. The short rains typically occur in October and November as intermittent, scattered showers.

Wildlife

Each conservancy supports a different population of wildlife depending upon its size and vegetation. Laikipia is known for strong lion prides, leopards, cheetahs, plains animals, and herds of buffalo. Endangered species call Laikipia home, such as African wild dogs, Grévy’s zebras, and black and white rhinoceroses. Laikipia’s conservancies are some of the last refuges for Kenya’s endangered black rhinos. Strong white and black rhino populations and high wildlife densities make this region an amazing wilderness to experience.

The Mount Kenya elephant corridor stretches between Lewa Conservancy and the Ngare Ndare Forest, to the forests of Mount Kenya. This corridor was established underneath a busy highway that obstructed the elephants’ movement along ancient migration paths to Mount Kenya. This successful project connects families of elephants with previously isolated herds on Mount Kenya, improving genetic diversity and curbing habitat destruction.

Activities

In a 4x4 vehicle, set out on a drive to discover the region’s wildlife and beautiful landscapes. Stop atop a rolling hill for a coffee break, and enjoy vast open views before you.

Led by your experienced guide, take a walk or mountain bike ride through the bush!
Hop into a saddle and travel through this beautiful area on horseback with views of Mount Kenya. Led by your expert guide, take in the bush at an animal’s pace.
Learn about important rhino conservation efforts in this region and see firsthand how ecotourism and local individuals, families, and communities have played a crucial role in protecting these vulnerable creatures.