Laikipia Plateau Kenya’s Untamed Crown Jewel

Where rare wildlife roams free, and the highlands whisper a new kind of luxury

The Great Migration

Watch magnificent wildebeest thunder across the Maasai Mara plains.

The Big Five

Spot lions, leopards, rhinos, elephants, and buffalo in a single game drive.

Maasai People

Meet the original guardians of the land and learn their living culture.

Mara River

Witness dramatic river crossings during the migration season.

The Great Migration in Kenya

Overview

Set against the dramatic backdrop of Mount Kenya’s snow-dusted peak, the Laikipia Plateau stretches from the northwestern slopes of Mt. Kenya to the edge of the Great Rift Valley. This rugged, remote, and utterly captivating region has transformed from colonial ranchland into one of Africa’s most successful conservation landscapes—where wildlife, community, and tourism exist in harmony./

Spanning over 9,500 square kilometers, Laikipia is Kenya’s second-largest wildlife area after the Masai Mara. But unlike the Mara, it offers an experience that is more private, more flexible, and deeply personal.

A Landscape That Redefines Wild

Laikipia is home to some of Kenya’s largest elephant herds, thriving populations of black and white rhinos, and big cats including lion, leopard, and cheetah. This is one of the few places in Africa where you may also encounter:

  • The rare Grevy’s zebra

  • African wild dogs, one of East Africa’s best places to see them

  • Reticulated giraffes, Jackson’s hartebeest, and gerenuk

A full Big Five safari experience without the crowds
The variety of habitats—from open plains and acacia bushland to cedar forests and riverine valleys—supports a stunning array of wildlife, birdlife, and photography moments.

Great Migration Safari Highlights:

  • Witness millions of wildebeest and zebra charge through the Maasai Mara between July and October
  • Tick off all of the Big Five: lion, leopard, rhino, elephant, and buffalo
  • Experience the iconic Mara River crossings — nature’s most dramatic wildlife encounter
  • Learn about the rich heritage and cultural traditions of the Maasai people
  • Visit year-round and still encounter exceptional wildlife and breathtaking landscapes
  • Book a luxury Great Migration safari with private 4×4 game drives and expert guides

Safari on Your Terms

Laikipia’s beauty lies in its freedom from park regulations. Because it’s composed of private conservancies and community-owned ranches, guests can design their own safari flow:

    • Walking safaris with expert guides

    • Horseback safaris and camel treks

    • Fly camping under the stars

    • Night game drives and bush meals

    • Sunken hides, storytelling around the fire, and tracking with Samburu warriors

    Here, safari isn’t about ticking off sightings. It’s about immersion.

Conservation Meets Community

Laikipia is a shining example of tourism that uplifts. Many of the lodges are community-owned or co-managed, creating direct benefits for the Samburu, Il Laikipiak Maasai, and Mokogodo peoples.

Every stay contributes to:

  • Wildlife protection & anti-poaching programs

  • Education, healthcare, and employment

  • Cultural preservation and local storytelling

It’s a place where every game drive gives back—not just to nature, but to the people who guard it.

Where to Stay: Laikipia’s Finest Safari Retreats

Laikipia is home to some of Kenya’s most exclusive and conservation-driven lodges. These properties are set on vast private conservancies, offering personalized experiences, minimal guest numbers, and unforgettable views.

Segera Retreat

An extraordinary safari hideaway founded by conservationist Jochen Zeitz, Segera blends modern art, organic gardens, solar power, and unique design into one of Laikipia’s most luxurious and visionary retreats. Ideal for privacy seekers and art-loving travelers.

The Sanctuary at Ol Lentille

This community-owned, ultra-private property offers just four architect-designed villas on 40,000 acres. Guests enjoy butler service, private guides, and sweeping views. Every stay directly supports local Maasai and Samburu communities.

Ol Pejeta Bush Camp

A classic tented camp with front-row access to the renowned Ol Pejeta Conservancy, home to the largest population of black rhinos in East Africa—and the last two northern white rhinos on Earth. Great for conservation lovers and families.

Loisaba Tented Camp

Perched on the edge of an escarpment, this stylish camp offers breathtaking views, cutting-edge design, and access to Loisaba Conservancy—famous for elephant corridors and wild dog research. Perfect for adventure-loving luxury travelers.

Loisaba Kiboko Starbeds

Sleep under the stars in handcrafted four-poster beds rolled onto private wooden decks. Kiboko Starbeds offers a raw, magical connection to nature that’s unlike any other safari accommodation in Africa.

Ol Jogi

One of Africa’s most exclusive private homes, Ol Jogi is a 60,000-acre wildlife sanctuary available for full buyout only. With luxury suites, a private spa, and helicopter safaris, it’s where royalty, celebrities, and conservation icons retreat.

Where to Stay: Our Top Lodge Picks

We partner with lodges that offer exceptional service, prime wildlife locations, and front-row views of Kilimanjaro.

Getting There

  • By Road:
    Drive from Nairobi to Nanyuki (approx. 3–4 hours). From here, Ol Pejeta is closest, and Lewa is 1 hour further.
    Most remote conservancies arrange private transfers from Nanyuki.
  • By Air:  Scheduled flights from Nairobi Wilson Airport to Nanyuki, Lewa Downs, and Loisaba airstrips via Safarilink or AirKenya.

     Private charters available for direct lodge access.

When to Visit Laikipia

Laikipia is a year-round safari destination, but the dry seasons offer the clearest skies and most concentrated game viewing.

  • Best Months:  January–February & June–September
  • Green Season:  March–May and November–December — lush, scenic, and ideal for birders and photographers

Mount Kenya is most visible in the dry season—perfect for photos at sunrise and sunset.

Laikipia Highlights

  • Home to the Big Five and rare species like wild dogs and Grevy’s zebra
  • Flexible safari options in private, off-the-grid conservancies
  • Cool highland weather ideal for walking, riding, and photography
  • Family-friendly lodges with educational programs
  • Meaningful connection with local Maasai and Samburu communities

Base for helicopter safaris, star beds, camel rides, and conservation activities

Why Choose Laikipia with Queen of East Africa Luxury Tours

  • Expert-curated safaris with exclusive access to top conservancies

  • 🛖 Community-conscious travel that supports local families

  • 🧭 Seamless itineraries that combine Laikipia with Masai Mara or Samburu

  • 🐾 Unique wildlife viewing in uncrowded, story-rich landscapes

  • ✈️ Private charter coordination and luxury lodge matching

Signature Experiences

  • Daily 4×4 game drives with expert guides
  • Close encounters with Amboseli’s iconic elephants
  • Sunrise and sunset photography with Mount Kilimanjaro
  • Walking safaris and swamp-viewing from Observation Hill
  • Cultural immersion and village visits
  • Birdwatching with over 420 species

     

Laikipia is not a stop along the way—it’s the summit of safari soul.
Come see where Kenya keeps her secrets.

Why Choose Amboseli with
Queen of East Africa

Amboseli is where giants walk, traditions are honored, and Kilimanjaro reminds you that some places are too powerful to forget.