If you think Kenya is all about the Maasai Mara and Diani Beach, think again. Laikipia, one of Kenya’s most underrated travel destinations, is where the true magic happens. It’s a place where vast wilderness meets conservation success, where luxury lodges blend seamlessly with raw nature, and where adventure feels authentic, untouched, and exclusive. If you’re craving an off-the-beaten-path experience in Kenya, here’s why Laikipia should be at the top of your 2025 travel list.
Where is Laikipia?
Located in central Kenya, just north of the Aberdare Ranges and Mount Kenya,it stretches over 9,500 square kilometers of rolling savannah, acacia forests, and rugged escarpments. It’s not a national park, but a network of private conservancies that have redefined modern safari experiences. The region is a haven for wildlife and a model for community-driven conservation.
What Makes Laikipia Unique?
1. The Last True Wilderness in Kenya
Unlike the Maasai Mara, where vehicle jams around big cats are common,it offers low-tourism, high-quality safaris. You can drive for hours without seeing another safari vehicle, making your experience intimate and immersive. The exclusivity of Laikipia means every game drive feels like a private adventure.
2. Home to Rare and Endangered Wildlife
While the Big Five roam freely, Laikipia is also one of the few places where you can see the world’s last remaining northern white rhinos at Ol Pejeta Conservancy. It’s also the best place to spot wild dogs, Grevy’s zebras, reticulated giraffes, and Jackson’s hartebeests. These species are incredibly rare elsewhere in Africa, making it a dream destination for wildlife enthusiasts.
3. A Pioneer in Conservation Tourism
Laikipia is proof that tourism and conservation can coexist. Most lodges and conservancies work directly with local communities, reinvesting tourism dollars into conservation and local livelihoods. Lewa Wildlife Conservancy, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is a global leader in rhino conservation, while Borana Conservancy became the first entirely rhino-funded conservancy in the world.
Best Things to Do in Laikipia
1. Go on a Walking Safari
Unlike traditional vehicle safaris, Laikipia allows you to explore the bush on foot. Walking safaris, especially in conservancies like Loisaba and Borana, give you an intimate and adrenaline-filled perspective of the wild. Imagine tracking rhinos on foot or standing a few meters away from a herd of elephants!
2. Horseback and Camel Safaris
Riding through the savannah on horseback or a camel? That’s peak adventure! At places like Lewa and Ol Malo, you can trade 4x4s for horses and ride among zebras, giraffes, and antelopes in a way that feels like something straight out of a movie.
3. Night Game Drives
Most national parks in Kenya don’t allow night safaris, but in Laikipia, you can explore the wild under the stars. Armed with spotlights, guides will take you on a search for nocturnal creatures like leopards, aardvarks, and bush babies—an experience you won’t find in the Mara.
4. Fly Camping Under the Stars
Want to sleep in the wild with nothing but a mosquito net between you and the stars? Many Laikipia camps offer “fly camping,” where you camp in the open, deep in the wilderness. It’s raw, unfiltered, and incredibly magical.
5. Cultural Experiences with the Samburu & Maasai
Laikipia is home to the Samburu and Maasai communities, and visiting a Manyatta (traditional homestead) offers a deep dive into their customs, traditions, and way of life. Unlike the commercialized village visits in the Maasai Mara, Laikipia’s experiences feel more authentic and personal.
Where to Stay in Laikipia (Luxury & Budget Options)
- Ol Pejeta Bush Camp – Perfect for budget-conscious travelers looking for authentic safari experiences.
- Lewa Wilderness – A family-owned luxury lodge with epic game viewing.
- Loisaba Tented Camp – Offers breathtaking views and sky beds (sleep under the stars!).
- Ol Malo Lodge – For horseback safaris and cultural immersion.
- Borana Lodge – A stunning lodge within the famous Borana Conservancy.
Best Time to Visit Laikipia
- June to October (Dry Season) – Best for wildlife viewing as animals gather around water sources.
- November to May (Green Season) – Lush landscapes, fewer tourists, and the best time for birdwatching.
How to Get to Laikipia
- By Air: Flights from Nairobi’s Wilson Airport land at various airstrips like Lewa, Loisaba, and Nanyuki.
- By Road: A 4 to 6-hour scenic drive from Nairobi, passing through Mount Kenya’s foothills.
If you’re looking for a unique, crowd-free safari destination, Laikipia offers something no other place in Kenya does: luxury, exclusivity, and adventure in its rawest form. Whether you’re tracking rhinos on foot, galloping alongside zebras, or sleeping under the African sky, Laikipia promises a safari experience like no other.