Comprising a collection of private conservancies, game reserves and ranches at the foothills of Mount Kenya, the vast Laikipia Plateau stands as a conservation success story. The region is home to some of the densest wildlife populations in Kenya, including endangered species, and also serves as a center for pioneering conservation efforts.
The Laikipia Plateau in central Kenya is a diverse region of rolling savannahs, grasslands, and open woodlands, bordered by Mount Kenya and the Aberdare Range. The landscape features rocky outcrops, river valleys, and seasonal rivers, transitioning to arid bushlands in the north. This varied geography supports rich biodiversity, making Laikipia a crucial area for conservation efforts and offering stunning views of vast plains and distant mountains.
Beyond traditional safaris, Laikipia is known for its pioneering community-based conservation model being successfully implemented in places such as the Ol Pejeta Conservancy or Lewa Wilderness Conservancy, among other places. Staying on a private conservancy usually means you’ll be offered walking safaris with Samburu guides, private bush breakfasts and even horseback safaris or camel treks.
In Laikipia, visitors can join hands-on conservation activities such as patrolling with the tracker dog unit at Lewa Conservancy or assisting with wildlife monitoring at Ol Pejeta Conservancy. You can also visit community conservation projects focusing on sustainable agriculture, education, and healthcare. For more information on these 'behind the scenes' conservation experiences and to sign up, speak with Charley, Jim, or your lodge manager.
Game drives
Walking safaris
Horseback riding
Conservation experiences
Fly camping
Mountain biking
Scenic flights
Hiking Mount Kenya
Laikipia is renowned for its wildlife conservation efforts, supported by protected areas, private ranches, and conservancies. The region is home to diverse species such as elephants, lions, cheetahs, leopards, rhinos, and various engangered species such as the African wild dog, Grevy’s zebra, and the elusive black leopard. Its success as a conservation model comes from strong community involvement, sustainable tourism and innovative practices like sustainable land management and wildlife monitoring. We encourage our guests to learn about and participate in various conservation experiences to support and enhance these efforts.
Laikipia offers a range of activities from camping out in the wild (in relative comfort of course!) to walking safaris, mountain biking, horseback safaris, and night drives. This allows you to explore wildlife and landscapes from unique perspectives, making it an ideal destination to "get out of the safari vehicle" and connect more intimately with nature.
"Laikipia not only offers a world-class safari experience but demonstrates how effective conservation and sustainable tourism can benefit both natural ecosystems and local communities". Jim Chapman, Ololo Safaris Founder