Laikipia

Laikipia is a vast expanse of wilderness in the central highlands of Kenya covering almost two million acres, an area comparative to the size of Wales which straddles the equator running from Mount Kenya in the east to the Rift Valley in the west. It is the gateway to Kenya’s wild Northern frontier country. Laikipia is at the forefront of ecotourism in Kenya with a high percentage of community owned properties and many of those not owned by the local communities still bring benefit to the inhabitants in significant ways.

The area is extremely scenic with the escarpment giving way to dramatic wooded gorges and riverine thickets. Laikipia has a permanent water supply – the Ewaso Ngiro or “brown river” which provides an oasis for the large numbers of elephant, hippo and crocodile that abound and is home to more endangered and rare species than anywhere else in East Africa. Protected game roams freely and safely and rising numbers and stable wildlife numbers continue to be recorded. Some examples are black rhino, Grevy zebra, the Somali ostrich with its distinctive blue eggs, the elusive Beisa oryx and a growing population of wild dogs. The region is also one of Kenya’s most reliable areas for spotting leopards, lion and cheetah making it a popular destination for big cat researchers.

Game viewing, horse riding, camel safaris, fishing and conservation based activities are some of the ways you can explore this unspoilt wilderness which has the distinct advantage of being off the main tourist circuit. Experienced travellers will appreciate the sense of exclusivity and space.