Laikipia

Stretching across Kenya’s central highlands, Laikipia is a vast, untamed plateau where wild landscapes meet pioneering conservation. Less well known than the Maasai Mara or Amboseli, it offers a more exclusive safari experience — a patchwork of private ranches and community conservancies where wildlife and people live side by side.

Here, the Big Five roam free, alongside rarer species that are difficult to see elsewhere: Grevy’s zebra, wild dog, Jackson’s hartebeest, and the endangered reticulated giraffe. The diversity is remarkable, shaped by Laikipia’s mosaic of habitats — rolling savannah, riverine forest, rocky escarpments, and fertile valleys. With fewer vehicles and no national park boundaries, safaris feel truly private, with space to explore off the beaten track.

Laikipia is also at the forefront of Kenya’s conservation story. Many lodges are family-run or community-owned, supporting local livelihoods and safeguarding critical wildlife corridors. Encounters with Samburu and other pastoralist communities bring cultural richness to the wilderness.

For travellers seeking both exclusivity and authenticity, Laikipia is a revelation. Days here might include walking with camels, tracking rhino on foot, horse-riding across open plains, or sleeping out under the stars. It is a place where adventure, wildlife, and conservation align to create a safari with real soul.