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 SanctuaryOn 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)
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.
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.
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