Why visit Laikipia?
Why visit Laikipia? Laikipia is a region that crosses the equator, sandwiched between the dry plains of Samburu, the glittering Lake Baringo, and the snow-capped summits of Mount Kenya. The striking contrasts in the people, wildlife, environment, and climate of the area are what make it so appealing. The Ewaso Nyiro and Ewaso Narok Rivers cross it. The region is home to the Laikipia Maasai, Kikuyu, Meru, Turkana, Samburu, Borana, and Pokot. There are regular scheduled flights from Nairobi to Nanyuki airport. Airstrips appropriate for charter flights are found on a large number of national parks, sanctuaries, and conservancies. Roads from Nanyuki, Baringo, Nyahururu, Isiolo, and Maralal lead to the region. Laikipia does not have any national parks. Private game parks, sanctuaries, and conservancies make up the area; the majority of these are part of the Laikipia Wildlife Forum.
The forum is a broad-based conservation society that was founded in 1992 with the goal of protecting and managing Laikipia’s unique environments and wildlife populations. Additionally, it seeks to improve local residents’ quality of life by fostering and creating jobs and increasing access to vital natural resources. The Mpala Research Centre works to guarantee that the people and animals of Laikipia coexist peacefully by researching and monitoring the region’s ecology and fauna.
In Kenya, the greatest concentrations of endangered species are found in the Ewaso environment. Over half of Kenya’s black rhino herd is housed in the eight protected rhino sanctuaries. The reticulated giraffe, Lelwel hartebeest, and endangered Grevy’s zebra all find refuge in this area. It has the second greatest population of elephants in Kenya and a sizable number of predators, including wild dogs and the Big 5. The stunning views at Salama Ngororo Caves have earned the area’s residents the nickname “God’s Bridge,” or Daraja ya Mungu. The caves were historically utilised for religious rituals, and rumours have it that the Mau Mau used them as hideouts in the 1950s while they fought the British Colonial Government for their freedom. The nearby gorge and Ngano-ini Ngororo Caves are situated next to a seasonal river.
A frothy waterfall cascades over the caves and gorge during the rainy season. Camping, hiking, rock climbing, and picnicking are all Kenya safari tours attractions the caves. There are lots of unique Kenya safari things to do in the area. Camel safaris are a unique way to spend time in the bush; they can be one-day excursions or multi-day camping safaris. Numerous Kenya safari tours offer vacations for horseback riding and mountain biking. There is fishing in the nearby dams and rivers. On certain ranches, shooting game birds and clay pigeons is available. Laikipia’s immense immensity is fully embraced by guests on guided game hikes.
Every year in June, Safaricom Lewa Marathon is held. Lewa Wildlife Conservancy offers a vibrant and exciting weekend to runners and their supporters on this special occasion, opening its gates and campsites. The money made helps fund programmes in Kenya that promote health, education, community development, and wildlife conservation.
Governors Mugie House
Adding to their already extensive portfolio of wildlife spots and lodging choices, this new addition was established in 2020 by the Governors. Governors’ Mugie House offers expansive landscapes and an abundance of animals on the 50,000-acre Mugie Conservancy. There are five cottages, two suites, and one family cottage among the nine stone cottages. Each has opulent furnishings, opulent bathrooms, and expansive vistas of Laikipia. The family cottage features a wide veranda, a plunge pool, a large salon, and twin and double rooms. The two suites have their own private plunge pools. Lovely vistas and open log fireplaces may be found in the main home. Lunches are provided in the main house, in the forest, and by the pool. The camp’s vegetable garden provides ingredients for the cook. There are shaded spaces all around the infinity pool.
Day and night game drives are among the Kenya safaris tour activities. A vital wildlife passage connecting Samburu, the Mathews Ranges, and the Laikipia plateau is the Mugie Conservancy. Reticulated giraffes and rare northern species of Grevy’s zebras are among the Kenyan wildlife. The conservancy’s mission is to protect this habitat and the animals that calls it home by running a low-impact cattle ranch.
Suyian Soul
An eco-friendly, upscale bush camp called Suyian is located in a secluded and untamed area of Laikipia. Suyian, named for the African wild dog, provides views of Mount Kenya and is close to a salt lick and natural spring. The founder and designer of Suyian, ethnobotanist Anne Powys, was reared on Suyian Ranch and is the author of Wild Flowers of Kenya. Using local resources, the seven thatched bandas were constructed with minimal impact on the soil. The roofs are covered with sedge grass from the Uaso Narok river, while the clay is composed of soil from termite mounds and sand. There are safari in Kenya showers in the outdoor restrooms. The environmentally conscious camp emphasises beauty, isolation, exploration, and adventure. Camel safaris, game drives, bush walks, and forest walks are among the Kenya safari activities. The Maasai team provides information on Maasai customs and culture, as well as excursions to nearby homesteads and traditional dances. Every year, the camp periodically offers holistic yoga and wellness retreats. A family-run cattle ranch in operation is Suyian Ranch. The camp offers close encounters with nature and disappearing cultures while seamlessly blending into its environment. Learning, conservation, and leading a healthy lifestyle are prioritised. The group is dedicated to protecting the native forests and flora of Laikipia.
Sieku Glamping
“Glamourous camping” is offered by Sieku Glamping, which is perched on a hilltop overlooking Borana Conservancy. The camp is ideally situated for kenya safari tours to Mount Kenya, the Ngare Ndare Forest, Lewa Conservancy, and Borana Conservancy. All five of the stylish en-suite bell tents, which include substantial beds, quilted duvets, sheepskin rugs, wicker baskets, and verandas with views of the surroundings, can accommodate up to 20 people. Raised on a wooden deck, the mess tent is furnished with upholstered couches, artisanal pieces, sturdy white bookcases, and vibrant pillows. Every piece of kitchenware, including the oven, is completely supplied. The eating area features a campfire, gas lamps and handcrafted wooden tables and chairs. The 35-acre estate is filled with relaxing spots including deck chairs, hammocks, and sunbeds. The location also has a petanque pitch and BBQ.The suggestion You may choose to self-cater or go full board with the help of the chef while staying in the tents. On the menu are oven-baked pizzas, halloumi and chickpea salad, chicken curry, sticky chicken wings, feta and coriander samosas, and full English breakfasts. A cheese platter, picnic blankets, glasses, silverware, tableware and a cool box filled with beverages can all be found in opulent hampers. Mount Kenya climbing, hiking, mountain biking, cliff diving, rock swimming, canopy walks, and game drives are among the Kenya safari tours activities.
The Centre Bandas
On the western border of the Laikipia plateau lies a 100,000-acre private wildlife sanctuary called Ol ari Nyiro, which translates to “place of springs.” Kuki Gallmann, the author of African Nights and I dreamed of Africa, started the sanctuary. The Gallmann Memorial Foundation is committed to sustainable, creative conservation—the advancement of both humans and animals via scientific study, artistic creation, and educational programmes. There are ten bandas, each with a private veranda and twin beds; the restrooms feature bucket showers and long-drop toilets. The bandas feature a shared space with a campfire and offer full board or self-catering options. For thirty individuals, more basic lodging is available in nearby dorms. For large groups, team-building exercises, volunteers, and researchers, the bandas and dorms are ideal. The refuge is divided by the Mukutan Gorge, which drops from 2,100 metres to 900 metres. In addition to thermal hot springs and waterfalls, the sanctuary is home to a wide variety of animals, including over 400 different species of birds and some recently undiscovered indigenous plants. Bird viewing, planting trees, and ethnobotanical hikes are among the activities. It is possible to plan sundowners and picnics, as well as cultural excursions to nearby Pokot villages. There’s massage and yoga offered. Visitors are encouraged to check out the conservation initiatives as well. One of the ongoing projects is the provision of community health centres.
