Laikipia is Kenya's conservation success story — a mosaic of private ranches and community conservancies offering incredible wildlife, fewer crowds, and unique safari activities.
Kenya's Conservation Heartland
While the Masai Mara captures the headlines, Laikipia quietly delivers some of Kenya's most extraordinary safari experiences. This vast plateau north of Mount Kenya is a patchwork of private ranches, community conservancies, and group ranches that together form an ecosystem supporting more endangered species than anywhere else in East Africa.
Laikipia is home to approximately 50% of Kenya's black rhinos, the world's largest population of Grevy's zebra, significant wild dog packs, reticulated giraffe, and the famous 'last two northern white rhinos' at Ol Pejeta Conservancy. The wildlife diversity is exceptional, and the lack of mass tourism means encounters feel genuinely exclusive.
Key Properties and Conservancies
Ol Pejeta Conservancy: Kenya's largest black rhino sanctuary and home to the last two northern white rhinos. The conservancy offers excellent Big Five viewing, a chimpanzee sanctuary, and behind-the-scenes conservation experiences. Sweetwaters Serena Camp and Ol Pejeta Bush Camp provide comfortable bases.
Lewa Wildlife Conservancy: A UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of Africa's most successful conservation models. Lewa has recovered from near-zero rhino numbers to hosting one of Kenya's healthiest populations. Lewa Safari Camp and Sirikoi Lodge offer luxury in a conservation-focused setting.
Borana Conservancy: Adjacent to Lewa, Borana offers intimate lodge experiences with excellent game viewing. The Borana Lodge is one of Kenya's most beautiful properties, set on a hillside with views to Mount Kenya.
Unique Laikipia Experiences
Laikipia offers safari activities you won't find in the Mara: horseback safaris (riding among zebra and giraffe), camel trekking, night drives (permitted on private land), cultural visits to Samburu and Il Ngwesi communities, rhino tracking on foot, and conservation behind-the-scenes experiences. The diversity of activities makes Laikipia ideal for second-time Kenya visitors who've already done the Mara.
A perfect 10-day Kenya itinerary: 4 nights Masai Mara (migration, big cats) + 3 nights Laikipia (rhinos, community, horseback safari) + 2 nights Amboseli (elephants, Kilimanjaro). Add Laikipia to your Kenya safari.
