Laikipia is one of East Africa’s best success stories. What used to be ranch land, is now home to private game reserves. They have a wealth of wildlife that rivals the Masai Mara. As well as community based sanctuaries. The Laikipia Plateau is the gateway to northern Kenya. It is on the northeastern side of the Great Rift Valley, at the base of the usually snow capped Mount Kenya. The area is vast with many unique activities available and definitely worth a visit. Laikipia harbors some of the best experiences, wildlife, and landscapes in Kenya.
The wildlife in Laikipia is closely managed. Especially the rarer species. In order to track and protect, some of the endangered species are fitted with radio collars. While this may seem unnatural to some people, the results justify the few that are collared. For example, real time data from the collars allow conservancy management. And local livestock owners to move their animals accordingly to ensure they are kept away from known lion locations. Thereby enabling coexistence between people, livestock, and predators. These also provide opportunities for visitors to be directly involved in some of the wildlife conservation activities.
Places like the Masai Mara and Amboseli are more well known to most. The Laikipia Plateau and the Lewa Wildlife Conservancy are Kenya’s premier places to see white and black rhinos.
The Ol Pejeta Conservancy is a 90,000 acre conservancy set between the foothills of the Aberdares and Mount Kenya in central Kenya. Besides the usual Big Five game viewing, the conservancy also offers a Chimpanzee and Rhino Sanctuary. The chimp sanctuary was established as a refuge for chimps escaping civil war in Burundi. Now it provides long term refuge to 31 orphaned and abused chimpanzees from West and Central Africa. At the Rhino Sanctuary, you have the opportunity to get face to face with these prehistoric looking creatures. It is also home to the last two remaining northern white rhinos, mother (Najin) and daughter (Fatu). Sadly this means they are unable to reproduce. See this article for an interesting insight into the plight of the northern white rhino. And if anything can be done to save the species.
Borana Conservancy
Borana is located at the foot of Mt Kenya just North of the equator, resting on the Laikipia Plateau. The Conservancy is nestled between an arid landscape to the north and ancient indigenous forests to the south. This 32,000 acre conservation area is home to both Black and White Rhino and a wide variety of other endangered species.
Lewa Wildlife Conservancy
The Lewa Wildlife Conservancy covers 65,000 acres of pristine African wilderness with dramatic views of the snow capped Mt Kenya to the south. Visitors to Lewa are privy to some of the most spectacular wildlife viewing that Kenya has to offer.
Lewa was registered as a rhino conservancy in 1983 and is now home to at least 10% of Kenya’s rhinos. The Conservancy is also home to 20% of the world’s population of Grevy zebra. Both projects are very successful in assisting and growing these two endangered species. It also does extensive outreach work into the surrounding communities with its Community Development Program. These include healthcare, education, microfinance, and water projects. This enables it to share with the community the benefits of wildlife.
It showcases a range of wild habitats from highland forests, wide open grasslands, melted water mountain springs, and acacia woodland. This diverse habitat supports over 440 bird species. The Conservancy is also home to herds of elephants and buffalo, giraffes, lions, and cheetahs. And if lucky, a pack of wild dogs! In addition, lions, leopards, and jackals thrive on the rich diversity of prey that inhabits the area.
Difference between Grevy’s and Plains Zebra – image courtesy of Andrew Peacock
By visiting the Lewa/Borana landscape, you will not only be signing up for a great African adventure. But you will also directly contribute towards wildlife conservation and community development.
Ol Lentille Conservancy
This private conservation area is 24,000 acres of grassy hills and deep valleys. It is heavily wooded with many Acacia species and African olives, fig, and fever trees. The Conservancy is home to elephants, leopards, greater kudus, impalas, dik diks, klipspringers, and spotted as well as striped hyenas. Endangered species such as the African wild dog, Grevy’s zebra, reticulated giraffe, and oryx are also often spotted here. As well as a large variety of smaller mammals. Birds are plentiful and include some unusual species. Flora is of great interest and varies dramatically with seasonal rains.
Activities include game drives, camel safaris, walking, helicopter trips, and quad and mountain biking. In addition to the safari activities, you can also visit the community projects supported by Ol Lentille. From schools to clinics.
Reticulated Giraffe
The Best Time To Visit Lewa Wildlife Conservancy (and Laikipia in general)
The dry season typically spans from January to the beginning of March and then from May through October. During this time, Lewa’s weather is generally sunny with warm temperatures and minimal rainfall. The landscape takes on a golden hue, as the savannah grasses dry out. Creating a distinct backdrop for wildlife viewing. The dry grass and dust make for epic sunset and sunrise photos. Animals tend to congregate around water sources, offering excellent opportunities on game drives for sightings of the renowned Lewa wildlife including rhinos, big cats, elephants, and even the Northern Five.
The first green season stretches from the end of March to the start of May. The second starts in November to the onset of December. This is when the region experiences occasional rainfall (typically in the form of an afternoon or overnight shower). Rejuvenating the landscape and transforming it into a haven of greenery. The grasslands flourish and flowers are in bloom. Creating a picturesque setting for photography enthusiasts.
Contrary to the general belief that wildlife is dispersed during this time, Lewa’s herds grow! Tempted by lush green grass and leafy trees, the animals gather to feast. It’s not uncommon to see herds of 100+ eland and buffalo. Elephants can be found in numbers of 300 or more. It’s a great time to see baby animals. Along with the migratory birds that arrive between November and April. As the dams fill you can witness elephants swimming, and the clearest views of Mount Kenya and the Mathews Range are on display.
Repeat guests know this is the best time to come as they enjoy the vibrant landscape and amazing sightings with few other vehicles, giving the feeling of a private safari Eden.
Getting to Laikipia
Laikipia is between a 4 – 6 hour drive from Nairobi depending on traffic. Therefore most people choose to fly to the nearest airstrip for where they are staying. Usually from there, the lodges are within an hour of the airstrip. There are three main airstrips: Lewa Downs, Nanyuki, and Loisaba. Most people start their safari at Laikipia and then head further north to Samburu. Or other northern frontier territories, to the Masai Mara or the coast.
This region is growing and accommodation options are increasing. Laikipia, Ol Pejeta, and Lewa accommodations are luxury safari lodges/camps with few other people around so ideal for getting away from the crowds.
Laikipia (incl Ol Pejeta and Lewa) Accommodation ↓
