Romantic landscapes, rare wildlife and luxury homesteads

The high plains of Laikipia sit to the north east of the Great Rift Valley, the snowcapped peak of Mount Kenya towering in its southern corner. It is regarded as one of Kenya‘s premier wildlife destinations with big cats, huge herds of elephants and endangered black rhinos roaming the plains.

The area used to be home to huge ranches, but today the focus has shifted to conservation and to help generate an income for the local Samburu and Llailipiak and Mokogodo Maasai communities.

All of the accommodation is on private land and concessions and are among some of the best properties in Kenya. As these are private reserves and conservancies, there’s a great deal of flexibility and activities on offer with walking safaris, camel treks and other outdoor pursuits encouraged.

From our experts

Experiences picked by our destination specialists

  • Spot Grevy's zebras and black rhinos preview image
  • Track game on foot preview image
  • Stay somewhere unforgettable preview image
  • Learn about conservation work preview image
  • Trek by horse or camel through the valley preview image

Spot Grevy's zebras and black rhinos

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Spot endangered species such as Grevy’s zebras and black rhinos, who are supported by the various conservancies across the Laikipia Plateau

Track game on foot

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Observe wildlife and track game on foot on a guided walking safari, allowing you to spot smaller species on the ground

Stay somewhere unforgettable

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Stay at luxury safari lodges on private concessions, such as Segera and Ol Pejeta Bush Camp

Learn about conservation work

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Learn from your guide about the wildlife conservation efforts undertaken by the conservancies, ranches and communities here

Trek by horse or camel through the valley

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Explore the diverse terrain, including river valleys, open plains and woodlands, on a horse or camel trek

Luxury accommodation in Laikipia Plateau

There are many incredible places to stay in Laikipia Plateau. Here are some of our favourites, handpicked by our travel designers:

Laikipia Plateau

The Sanctuary at Ol Lentille
A very different kind of lodge, the Sanctuary at Ol Lentille actually consists of four independent and uniquely designed houses that provide you with your own home away from home but in the most awe-inspiring setting. Your stay here will directly benefit the local community, with funds going to local schools, hospitals and various other projects. The lodge itself sits up high on hills with views of a beautiful valley below with spectacular 360-degree views over the private conservancy, which stretches across more than 40,000 acres. All of the architecturally magnificent houses have access to a mixture of courtyards, gardens and decking. The stylishly contemporary African style Chief’s house is the largest with three en-suite bedrooms which sleeps six very comfortably. The Colonel’s House has two en-suite bedrooms. The Sultan’s House and the retro African style Eyrie are rather romantic houses with just one bedroom. Each of the four houses share the main lodge area, which has a library and an infinity swimming pool to laze about in while gazing down the valleys below. The library’s telescope brings details to the stars above and if you need some pampering after a real bush experience, make use of the spa. A stay here goes far beyond the usual safari format of early mornings and twice-daily game drives if you want with an incredible array of activities on offer and plenty of flexibility. Venture out into the wilderness for bush skills course, walk with Samburu and Maasai warriors, explore the reserve on a mountain bike in addition to excellent 4×4 game drives. There are also some authentic cultural experiences.
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Laikipia Plateau

Ol Pejeta Bush Camp
Owned and managed by legendary guide Alex Hunter, Ol Pejeta Bush Camp is an excellent base from which to discover the renowned Ol Pejeta Conservancy, from the pioneering conservation projects to the spectacular sightings of white and black rhino and rare Northern wildlife. Sitting on the banks of the Ewaso Nyiro River, commanding magnificent views to Mount Kenya, six traditional East African safari tents offer a true bush experience – low key and low impact but thoroughly comfortable. All tents come complete with warm blankets for the winter mornings, rechargeable solar lights and en-suite bathrooms with hot-water safari bucket showers. Individual verandas provide the perfect spot to while away an afternoon in privacy, watching the animals come and go along the river bank. The two communal tents looking out over the sprawling plains are the hub of the camp. Meals are enjoyed under canvas in the dining tent, while the breezy mess tent with its inviting sofas and armchairs encapsulates the friendly, relaxed atmosphere in camp. When darkness falls, evenings are spent around the fire, waiting to catch a glimpse of a rhino ambling down to drink at the river. Alongside the traditional game drives and bush walks with Alex Hunter, activities from Ol Pejeta Bush Camp focus on the unique conservation projects in the conservancy. Visits to the Sweetwaters Chimpanzee Sanctuary – the only place in Kenya where this highly endangered species can be seen – and the Northern white rhino enclosure are both on offer, as well as mornings or afternoons spent with the local communities to gain an insight into the daily workings of the conservancy.
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Laikipia Plateau

Loisaba Tented Camp
Perched on the edge of an escarpment on the beautiful Loisaba Conservancy, Loisaba Tented Camp drinks in unhindered views across Laikipia’s mottled landscape all the way to Mount Kenya. In addition to offering guests a memorable experience out in the African bush, Loisaba has a strong focus on making a positive impact both environmentally and within the local communities. There are five large double tents, all spacious and adorned in chic Africana furniture with a modern European twist. Each has a luxurious bathroom and a wide verandah and private grassed area in front. There are also three family tents, which have two large tents joined together by a walkway. The inviting communal areas include a large open dining area, separate lounge and bar, a large wooden decking area for outside dining, relaxing and enjoying the view, and one of Africa’s most picturesque infinity pools. Loisaba is a wonderful example of successful collaboration between conservation, communities and tourism, and the ranch is home to elephant, a healthy population of lion, the rare wild dog and an abundance of other species. A myriad of activities to experience the wildlife and landscape are on offer, such as day and night game drives aboard a fleet of custom Land Rovers, horse riding, camel trekking, guided bush walks, fishing, mountain biking, cultural visits to Samburu villages and visits to the anti-poaching sniffer dogs. A stay here works well with a night spent at Loisaba Kiboko Starbeds.
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Why book with Jacada?

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Safari expertise

Our experts bring decades of first-hand expertise. They’ve lived and travelled across Africa and are regularly on the ground reviewing the most exclusive camps and experiences. You’ll also have the support of a personal concierge, based in region.

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Unforgettable guides

We handpick the most knowledgeable guides, who bring each destination to life with care and passion. They’re chosen for their ability to provide unrivalled insight into the region’s wildlife and landscapes as well as a genuine, memorable experience.

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Positive impact

By travelling with us, you directly support a range of initiatives spanning wildlife conservation to community engagement. Our luxury trips are designed to prioritise experiences that are positive for you and the places you visit.

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Ready to plan your adventure?

Whatever you want from your Laikipia Plateau adventure, our team of expert travel designers are ready to help.

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When to visit the Laikipia Plateau

For game viewing and wildlife, the best time to visit the Laikipia Plateau is during one of Kenya’s two dry seasons. The long dry season runs from June to October, while the short dry season is from January to February. During this time, the vegetation thins out, allowing for better visibility of the animals as they congregate around the remaining water sources. Expect daytime temperatures around 23°C–26°C (73°F–79°F).

Dry season

June–October, January–February

Wet season

November–December, March–May

When Is the Best Time to Visit Kenya?

When Is the Best Time to Visit Kenya?

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Plan your trip to Laikipia Plateau

Whatever you want from your adventure in Laikipia Plateau, our team of expert travel designers are ready to help.

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Your trip, your story

We craft trips deeply personal, delightfully surprising and entirely one of a kind. Every Jacada journey begins in conversation with a travel designer, a specialist in their destination of expertise. Behind each journey is a wealth of insight, gathered over years of on-the-ground exploration.

Once you’re booked, you’ll meet your concierge. Based in the region you’re visiting, they’ll take care of all the details so your mind is at rest. They make the trip truly special – and truly yours.