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Stay Longer, Stay Remoter: Laikipia Safari

October 21, 2020 Stay Longer, Stay Remoter

A safari to Laikipia is not about rushing from one wildlife sighting to the next, but rather, game viewing in a more immersive and active way. From walking safaris, to mountain biking, horse and camel rides, to meeting with rhino researchers and anti-poaching units, and even scenic flights aboard helicopters or bi-planes, a Laikipia safari will expand your perspective about what an African safari truly is.

A lion majestically posing in front of Mt. Kenya

For those looking to go on safari sooner rather than later, Laikipia is an exceptional destination. December to March is the dry season, which means clear skies, cooler temperatures and stellar game-viewing. Equally important, Kenya requires a negative PCR Covid-19 test result within 96 hours of arrival. Additionally, safariers come from the United States can fly directly into Nairobi from New York on Kenya Airways.

As a matter of fact, AAC clients recently returned from such a safari. See what our clients Darlene and Mark Knott had to see about their September Laikipia safari.

Laikipia: Overview

Laikipia is located in northern Kenya

Rather than being a single national park or reserve, Laikipia is a region composed of numerous privately-owned ranches and conservancies. In short, cattle share the land with many of Africa’s most iconic wildlife species, providing sustainable solutions for both wildlife and locals. As a result, the safari experience within private conservancies is more “exclusive” and the variety of available activities greater.

With that in mind, take a look at this photo gallery to see what the Laikipia safari experience means.

Laikipia is one the best places to see black and white rhino in all of Africa

An unique experience offered at Laikipia is camel rides, where you can see wildlife like the rare Reticulated giraffe

Solio Ranch & Lewa Conservancy are rhino sanctuaries, which allows safariers incredible interactive opportunities

Bush dinners, breakfasts and lunches can be arranged at most of conservancies

Experienced horse riders will greatly enjoy taking in the scenery and wildlife in Laikipia’s open plains

When on a walking safari, safariers can see why the Maasai call this region “the treeless plain”

Gerenuks (left) and Grevy’s zebra (right) are two of the several unique species that inhabit Laikipia

AAC’s Favorite Camps & Lodges in Laikipia

Solio Lodge

The exterior of one of Solio Lodge’s 5 contemporary luxurious cottages

  • Location: Solio Ranch and Wildlife Sanctuary
  • # of Rooms: 4 luxury cottages & 1 family cottage (with 2 en-suite bedrooms)
  • Available Activities: day & night game drives; guided walks; school & community visits; scenic helicopter ride; massages; mountain biking; horseback riding; visit a coffee plantation; birdwatching; fishing

Each cottage not only has a private lounge and fire place, but also a spacious bathroom and bath!

In Laikipia’s far south, lies the 19,000-acre Solio Ranch and Wildlife Sanctuary. Solio boasts an astonishing population of both black and white rhinos, and it arguably offers the best game viewing experience in the whole Laikipia region. In recent years, African Wild Dogs have been reintroduced. Nestled within the ranch’s boundaries is Solio Lodge, one of Kenya’s most luxurious lodges. This intimate lodge’s rooms are surrounded by glass panes and are very spacious, with en-suite bathrooms and a private lounge equipped with a fireplace. After a long day enjoying the many activities on hand, you can even enjoy an in-room massage!

Loisaba Tented Camp

Loisaba Tented Camp is situated atop an escarpment, offering stunning views of the Laikipia plains

  • Location: Loisaba Conservancy
  • # of Rooms: 12 luxury tents
  • Available Activities: day & night game drives; guided walks; meet the Loisaba Conservancy anti-poaching unit; mountain biking; horseback riding; fishing

The view from the interior of one of Loisaba Tented Camp’s spacious tents

Loisaba Tented Camp is located in the Loisaba Conservancy, a 65,000 acre ranch located in northern Laikipia. As can be seen, the camp is perched on the edge of the Rift Valley escarpment, with breathtaking views of the plains below. The camp’s 12 tents are all en-suite, have polished wood floors and expansive verandas to take in the spectacular views. For family groups, 6 of the tents can combine to form 3 two-bedroom family tents. Uniquely, a notable activity is spending time with Loisaba’s anti-poaching unit and their dogs. Lastly, the main area has a beautiful infinity pool, ideal for cooling off after an active day!

Ol Pejeta Bush Camp

One of the Meru-styled tents at Ol Pejeta Bush Camp

  • Location: Ol Pejeta Ranch
  • # of Rooms: 6 tented suites & 1 family tented suite
  • Available Activities: day & night game drives; guided walks; lion tracking

The camp exudes a rustic charm

Slightly north of Solio lies the Ol Pejeta Conservancy. By and large, if you consider yourself to be a price-conscious safarier, Ol Pejeta Bush Camp offers a rustic, yet comfortable way to experience Laikipia. The 7 tented suites are all en-suite, with flush toilets and hot-water bucket showers. Furthermore, guests are able to meet with conservation researchers and visit the nearby Sweetwaters Chimpanzee Sanctuary.

Sirikoi

An exterior view of one of Sirikoi’s 4 luxury tents

  • Location: Lewa Wildlife Conservancy
  • # of Rooms: 4 luxury tents, 1 two-bedroom Cottage & 1 three-bedroom House
  • Available Activities: day & night game drives; guided walks; school & community visits; scenic helicopter ride; massages; mountain biking; horseback riding; visit a coffee plantation; birdwatching; fishing

Before dinner, guests can choose to congregate around Sirikoi’s fireplace

Moving further north, you reach Sirikoi, a luxurious lodge located within the Lewa Wildlife Conservancy. While on safari, you will be able to enjoy fantastic views of the nearby Mt Kenya. The lodge overlooks a natural waterhole that attracts local wildlife. For families or small groups looking for an even more exclusive experience, there are two villas, each with an assigned private guide, vehicle and staff. Otherwise, the camp has merely 4 tented suites, and the spacious living and dining area includes a swimming pool and a great deck with a fireplace.

Lewa Wilderness Lodge

Flying in a bi-plane is an unique way to appreciate Laikipia’s stark beauty

  • Location: Lewa Wildlife Conservancy
  • # of Rooms: 9 thatched cottages
  • Available Activities: day & night game drives; guided walks; school & community visits; scenic helicopter ride; massages; mountain biking; horseback riding; visit a coffee plantation; birdwatching; fishing

Inside one of the thatched cottages at Lewa Wilderness

Our last featured Laikipia property offers an incredible array of activities. Along with horseback riding, camel rides and walks, guests at Lewa Wilderness can ride on a bi-plane as it twists and turns over Laikipia’s landscape! Equally important, the camp exudes a rustic, down-to-earth charm, from its uniquely decorated thatched cottages to the home-style meals made from garden ingredients.

Sample Itineraries Featuring the Laikipia Region

Given these points, AAC would like to share two itineraries with you that showcase how Laikipia can be incorporated into your next safari. If you’re interested in either of these itineraries, or wanted to customize your own itinerary featuring Laikipia, fill out our Safari Questionnaire below!

12-DAY CLASSIC KENYA FLYING SAFARI

11-DAY CONSERVATION SAFARI TO KENYA

  • Safari Planning Questionnaire

    Welcome! We appreciate you taking the time to fill out the information below - please expect a reply within 24 hours. This information is confidential and The Africa Adventure Co. will only use the information for its own use and will not sell the mailing list to any outside parties.

  • Contact Details

  • Stay Longer, Stay Remoter: Laikipia Specifics

  • Please see our: Best time to go chart

Contact an AAC Safari Consultant – Stay Longer, Stay Remoter: Laikipia

  • Safari Planning Questionnaire

    Welcome! We appreciate you taking the time to fill out the information below – please expect a reply within 24 hours. This information is confidential and The Africa Adventure Co. will only use the information for its own use and will not sell the mailing list to any outside parties.

  • Contact Details

  • Stay Longer, Stay Remoter: Laikipia Specifics

  • Please see our: Best time to go chart