Laikipia is the high plateau of northern Kenya, a landscape of open grassland, rocky hills and riverine forest with the snow-capped peaks of Mount Kenya on the southern horizon. It is made up of private ranches and community conservancies, and it holds more wildlife than any other part of Kenya outside the national parks.
The plateau shelters about half of Kenya's black rhino and a large population of the endangered African wild dog, and it is one of the few places in the country where you can go on a horse, camel or foot safari. The lodges are small, private and often family-run, with night drives, bush meals and fly-camping.
Laikipia suits travellers who want space and freedom, with wildlife viewing that is flexible and quiet.
Laikipia has the Big Five and many species of the dry north, including Grevy’s zebra, reticulated giraffe, Jackson’s hartebeest, beisa oryx, gerenuk and Somali ostrich. The plateau is a stronghold for wild dog, which are sometimes seen at dens in the dry season, and for black rhino. Elephant move in and out of the ranches along ancient routes, and lion, leopard and cheetah are present.
Chance of seeing
Our estimate for a stay of two or three nights with a good guide. Wildlife is wild, so nothing is promised.
Laikipia rolls out in wide grassland, rocky outcrops and wooded streams. To the south, the twin summits of Mount Kenya rise above the plateau. The evenings are cool and clear, with a great deal of stars.
Activities here
Laikipia has a pleasant highland climate, with warm, sunny days around 20°C to 26°C and cold nights, sometimes as low as 8°C. The rain falls from March to May and in November.
| Month | Day °C | Night °C | Rain mm |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 25 | 8 | 35 |
| Feb | 26 | 9 | 35 |
| Mar | 26 | 10 | 75 |
| Apr | 24 | 12 | 170 |
| May | 22 | 11 | 130 |
| Jun | 21 | 9 | 60 |
| Jul | 20 | 8 | 55 |
| Aug | 21 | 8 | 70 |
| Sep | 24 | 8 | 50 |
| Oct | 25 | 10 | 70 |
| Nov | 23 | 11 | 120 |
| Dec | 24 | 9 | 60 |
Approximate long-term averages. Higher ground is cooler, and forests can rain in any month.
June to October and January to February are dry and sunny, with the best game viewing around the rivers and waterholes. Nights are cold, so bring a jacket.
The rains bring fresh green grass and birds to the plains. Showers are usually short, and the season is quiet, with lower rates and dramatic light.
June to October and January to February are the best months, but Laikipia is rewarding all year. Wild dog are often easiest to find at their dens from June to August.
Best time to visit Jan to Feb, Jun to Oct
The plateau lies about three to four hours by road north of Nairobi via Nanyuki, and the scheduled and charter flights from Wilson Airport take about 45 minutes to an hour. Most lodges arrange transfers from Nanyuki airport.
Conservancy and ranch fees are included in our safaris. Most visitors need a Kenya eTA arranged online before travel, and a passport valid for at least six months.
The plateau is high and cool, so pack warm clothing. The sun is strong at altitude, and the lodges are remote, so we plan carefully with flights and insurance. Please take advice on malaria before you travel.
Wildlife Reserve & SanctuaryMasai Mara National ReserveBig cats and the Great Migration
National ParkAmboseli National ParkElephants beneath Kilimanjaro
National ParkLake Nakuru National ParkRhino, flamingo and tree-climbing lionsNational ParkHell’s Gate National ParkCycling among giraffe and gorges
Lake & IslandsLake NaivashaBoat safaris and Crescent Island walks
National ParkTsavo West National ParkLava flows, springs and red elephantsOur take
“Our take”
Laikipia is the place to pair with the Mara, for the walks, the night drives and the quiet.
Safaris from
US$3,017 per person
Plan your time in Laikipia Plateau
Every safari we run is private and built around you. Tell us your dates and what you hope to see, and we will shape the route, the lodges and the permits.
Made to measure
Tell us how you like to travel and we will build a private journey around it: the right lodges, the right pace and the permits already in hand.
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