This spectacular region is considered the gateway to Kenya’s wild Northern frontier country. Wild and sparsely populated, much of Laikipia is covered by large privately owned ranches.
On most ranches cattle share the land with free ranging wildlife. In recent years this wildlife has become a valuable asset, with many ranches now establishing guest houses, homestays and private camps within their boundaries.
This has proven a great success, and many ranches now rely on a thriving tourist trade. Importantly, community ranches have also formed.Conserving more than just wildlife, but also a way of life.
These are sanctuaries created by local communities, who have combined small scale farms and grazing land into large group ranches.
Once again, the tourist trade has proved infinitely more profitable than agriculture or herding, and this allows them to use their traditional lands in a way that is sustainable and productive.Significantly, they are conserving more than just wildlife, but also a way of life.
These ranches have bolstered a sense of local identity and strengthened community ties. These community ranches are the best place in Kenya to learn more about traditional cultures and their role in modern world.
The result is an area of beautiful wilderness, where protected game roams freely and safely.
Centered around the original Laikipia National Reserve, this area has become a sanctuary for Elephant, Lion, Leopard, Buffalo, and a wealth of plains game, including many endemic Northern species.
Laikipia has become a focus for many conservation efforts, and some ranches have become breeding sanctuaries for Rhinoceros.
Chimpanzee Sanctuary
On Ol Pejeta, a refuge for Chimpanzees rescued from the pet and bush meat trade has been established.
Visiting a private ranch in this region is an ideal way of exploring the Kenyan wilderness while getting off the well beaten paths of the National Parks. The real attraction of Laikipia is a wonderful sense of freedom.
Not just the freedom of wide open spaces, but freedom of choice.
Staying on a private ranch gives a wide range of options for both activities and relaxation. Game viewing tends to be more intimate and adventurous.
The emphasis here is on personal services, backed up by excellent local knowledge and guiding. As a personal guest, you will have the chance to set your own schedules, explore at your own pace, and discover the wild in your own way.
HOW TO GET TO THE CONSERVANCY
This area of wilderness is a sprawling, rather
loosely defined area, accessible by road from Nanyuki, Baringo, Eldoret
or Isiolo. It is important to remember that many of the ranches, and the
roads therein, are privately owned.
Some ranches allow day visitors
with their own transport, others do not. Visitors should always make
enquiries in advance.If you are visiting a ranch with your own private transport, ask for
directions and preferably a map, in advance.
Many ranches and
sanctuaries have their own airstrips, which can be used by charter
aircraft. Most ranches will arrange to transfer guests directly by air
or road from Nairobi or any other destination, as part of their service.
ACTIVITIES YOU CAN INDULGE IN
Laikipia is a game rich area, and offers plenty for the wildlife enthusiast.The space, seclusion and privacy of these game sanctuaries give you the
total unrestricted freedom to explore and enjoy the wilderness. Many of
these ranches incorporate a range of varied habitats and as a result, an
equally diverse range of species can be found.
Most of these contiguous properties allow migratory herds to move
unobstructed from one ranch to the next. This has resulted in large,
healthy populations of game.
This area is a focus for conservation and there are real efforts being
made to breed and protect endangered species, and often by staying at
these properties, guests are contributing directly to local conservation
efforts.
These ranches are ideal places to see protected populations of Rhino and Elephant.
For guests at these properties, there is a total freedom to discover the
wildlife how and when they want. Laikipia’s ranches specialize in
offering a diverse range of game viewing opportunities, including game
drives night game drives, guided walking, bird walks, camel and
horseback game viewing, and more.
As ever, the best time to see game is early morning and late afternoon,
as in the midday heat, most animals retreat to the cool of thick
undergrowth and become invisible. If you have a particular wildlife or
birding interest, look for a ranch or sanctuary that can offer you
specialized guiding and services to suit your needs.
Trekking (Walking Safari)
Freedom to walk is one of the great advantages of a private sanctuary or
ranch. Many properties offer guided game walks, with a local guide who
can organize a game walk to suit your own particular interests.
Sometimes longer more active hikes and treks can be arranged, with camp
equipment and staff provided.
A privately escorted foot safari is the best way to really experience
the African bush at its best. Walking through the wilds let you explore
the wild at its most pure and visceral.
As you track big game, you
become aware of every sight and sound, the smell of the earth and the
touch of the wind. An expert tracker will teach you the signs to look
for, tracks- the individual tracks and spoor, and show you how to use
the wind to disguise your scent, and to move silently through thick
cover and get up close and personal with the game.
When you are at close range your senses are heightened, and you become
increasingly aware of the animal you are watching, how it moves and
feeds, how it reacts to its environment. If the animal reacts to your
presence, it can be a real adrenaline rush.
There are few experiences as exhilarating as a close encounter with an
elephant, lion or buffalo. This is an experience that will make you feel
more alive. You will, of course, want to stay alive so make sure that
any foot safari is undertaken by a fully trained and responsible guide.
Horse Riding (Horseback Safari)
Some Laikipia ranches have stables with horses for use or hire by
guests. Guided rides through the ranch can be arranged. For an
experienced rider, this is an exhilarating way of observing game up
close.
Helicopter Safaris
For those with larger travel budgets who wish to cover plenty of ground
on their safari, charter helicopters are available. A helicopter is a
perfect way to access remote areas quickly and easily, without need for
landing strips or clearances. Some of the ranches in Laikipia can
arrange 'heli-camping' in which a helicopter is used to transport guests
to remote destinations where a luxury camp awaits. This is also an
unusual way to see the local landscapes and wildlife.
Cycling
Many sanctuaries offer mountain bikes for guest use or hire, and guided cycling trips can be arranged.
Camel Safaris
Camel Safaris are becoming an increasingly popular way to explore the
ranches of Laikipia. The camel is perfectly adapted to this landscape
and is widely used throughout Northern Kenya. They are usually used for
pack animals rather than riding, and are ideal as back up on a trek
through the bush. Camels with saddles are usually also supplied for
those who want to ride.
Many camel safaris either carry all camping equipment and supplies with
them, or use vehicle back up to set up camp ahead of your arrival at a
prearranged spot. Gifted local guides, for whom a camel train through
the wilderness is a way of life, will accompany you and introduce you to
the bush and the local wildlife.
This is a once in a lifetime experience, walking through the bush with
only the sounds of the wild and the soft tinkling of the camel bells,
you will find yourself travelling at a relaxed pace, moving through the
wild in tune with the rhythms of nature.
