Experience Laikipia Plateau
The Laikipia Plateau is one of
Africa's most extraordinary conservation success stories — a sprawling highland
region of approximately 9,500 square kilometres in central Kenya that has been
transformed over the past three decades from an area of declining wildlife into
one of the continent's most biodiverse and important wildlife habitats.
Stretching north and west of Mount Kenya between 1,600 and 2,500 metres
elevation, Laikipia is a mosaic of private ranches, community conservancies,
and wildlife sanctuaries that together protect Africa's second-largest black
rhino population and some of the highest concentrations of endangered wildlife
on the continent outside of national parks. Unlike formal protected areas,
Laikipia's private and community conservancies permit a remarkable range of
activities — off-road driving, night game drives, walking safaris, camel
trekking, horse riding, and fly camping — creating some of the most immersive
and personalised safari experiences available anywhere in Africa. World-renowned
properties including Lewa, Ol Pejeta, Borana, Loisaba, and Ol Jogi define the
gold standard of community-focused, wildlife-positive conservation. The
plateau's varied landscapes — from rolling savannah and acacia bush to rocky
escarpments and highland forest — harbour exceptional biodiversity across both
resident and migratory species.
Explore on Map
Things to Do

Where to Stay

Iconic Highlights
• Africa's second-largest black rhino population
• World-renowned conservancies — Lewa, Ol Pejeta, Borana, Loisaba
• Off-road drives, night drives, walking safaris, horse riding, and camel treks
• High concentrations of wild dog, cheetah, and lion
• Grevy's zebra — world's most endangered zebra
• Community conservation model benefiting local Maasai and Samburu communities
Wildlife & Nature
Buffalo
Zebra
Giraffe
Lion
Elephant
Leopard
Cheetah
Wildebeest
Wild Dogs
Photo Gallery




Climate & When to Visit
Best Time to Visit
Monthly Averages
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Travel Requirements
Access to Laikipia is through
individual conservancies and private ranches, each with its own booking and
entry processes. There are no standard KWS park gate fees as most land is
privately or community managed. Conservancy fees are typically included in
lodge rates. A valid passport and Kenya eTA are required for all international
visitors. Yellow fever vaccination is recommended. Malaria risk varies by
altitude and property — prophylaxis is advised. Most properties are reached by
light aircraft to private airstrips (45–90 minutes from Nairobi) or by road
from Nanyuki (2–4 hours from Nairobi). Nanyuki has daily scheduled flights from
Nairobi's Wilson Airport.
Frequently Asked Questions
Ready to Explore?
Dest Type
Conservation Areas
Status
Entry Permits Required

