Kenya’s Laikipia Plateau’s landscape will leave any visitor in awe. This gorgeous remote region situated at the foot of Mount Kenya is a nature enthusiast’s dream, with its grassy plains, high plateaus, bush lands and luscious valleys waiting to be explored.
The plateau is one of the notable safari locations in Kenya, and is an important gateway to the country’s northern territory. Aside from the usual Safari animals, gazelles, lions, cheetahs, leopards and wild dogs; it is also home to the most number of endangered species in East Africa. Examples of these animals are the black rhino, Somali ostrich, Grevy zebras, reticulated giraffes, gerenuk, Beisa oryx, and Jackson’s hartebeest.
Laikipia Lodges are known to be top class and are some of the most luxurious in Africa. You can choose from a very wide selection and experience the most exclusive and remote Safari vacation. Despite welcoming a rising number of tourists every year, the region is one those safari destinations that remains undiluted by mass tourism.
Some of the areas in this region are privately owned and are populated with ranches and farms. Others are mainly possessions of pastoral communities like the Masai and Samburu. These communities have been successful in retaining their cultural identity despite welcoming the benefits that tourism brings. Aside from wildlife viewing opportunities in Laikipia, one of the best activities to do while in the region is to socialize with the local people and consequently, learn more about their culture and lifestyle.
One of the must-see attractions in Kenya’s Laikipia Plateau is the Lewa Wildlife Conservancy; a wildlife sanctuary to the north of the plateau region. The sanctuary’s territory encompasses the Ngare Ndare Forest and covers a land area of more than 62,000 acres. This former cattle ranch is presently the headquarters for world- renowned Wildlife Conservancy, a non-profit organization that has been active in conservation projects all across Africa.
The Laikipia National Reserve is another attraction in the plateau area that will definitely capture your interest. The reserve is considered to have one of the largest mammal populations in the country. Located farther north of the Laikipia Plateau is another remote reserve called Sambaru National Reserve. Although it is lesser known, seasoned travelers to Africa have high regard for this area.
The journey to Sambaru is a treat in itself, especially if you’re coming from the foothills of Mount Kenya. The road to the national reserve exposes you to a spectacular semi-desert terrain on one side, and a forested river on the other. Your wildlife viewing curiosities will be satisfied just by making this road trip. Other major wildlife conservancies worth visiting include Il N’gwesi Group Ranch, Lekurruki Group Ranch, Borana Ranch, Loisaba Wilderness, and Sabuk Wilderness.
Should you wish to explore the northern areas of the Laikipia Plateau, it is highly recommended to go on organized tours to maximize time and resources. Almost all private lodges in the vicinity are capable of making transport arrangements for you. The best time to visit Laikipia Plateau is during July through October, when the weather is generally dry and warm. The rainy season in this region is experienced between April and June, as well November and December. The remaining months are usually very hot and dry.
