Wildlife in Laikipia
Laikipia is a crucial sanctuary for some of East Africa’s most endangered species. It is home to Kenya’s second-largest elephant population. The plateau holds over half of the country’s black rhino population, making it one of the most important rhino conservation areas in Africa. It also supports significant numbers of the endangered Grevy’s zebra and African wild dog. You can find the “Big Five” here, along with the “Samburu Special Five,” such as the reticulated giraffe and gerenuk, as Laikipia borders Samburu country.
A Model for Conservation
Laikipia’s success comes from its collaborative approach to conservation. The entire plateau is a mosaic of different properties all dedicated to protecting wildlife. This means tourism revenue directly supports the conservation efforts and the local communities who live alongside the wildlife. This approach reduces human-wildlife conflict and has created a thriving ecosystem where animal populations are stable or increasing.
Things to Do in Laikipia
Laikipia’s private conservancy model allows for a wider range of activities than in most national parks.
- Game Drives: Explore the diverse landscapes on both day and night game drives.
- Walking Safaris: Experience the bush on foot with an expert guide for a more personal wildlife encounter.
- Horse and Camel Safaris: Discover the terrain from a different perspective on horseback or camelback.
- Cultural Visits: Engage with the local Samburu and Maasai communities to learn about their cultures.
- Rhino Tracking: Join experienced rangers on a mission to track rhinos on foot in their natural habitat.
Best Time to Visit Laikipia
| Month | Climate | Wildlife Viewing |
| January – March | The dry season continues, with warm days and cool evenings. | Excellent. Animals are concentrated around water sources and are easy to spot. |
| April – June | The “long rains” season makes the landscape green and lush. | Bird watching is at its peak. Some roads may become muddy. |
| July – October | This is the main dry season with sunny days and pleasant temperatures. | This is a prime time for wildlife viewing as vegetation is thin and animals gather near rivers. |
| November – December | The “short rains” arrive, typically in the form of afternoon showers. | A beautiful and quiet season. Wildlife viewing remains very good across the plateau. |
Guide Tip
Take full advantage of the unique activities offered in Laikipia’s conservancies. A guided bush walk or a horse-riding safari offers a much more intimate safari experience than a standard vehicle-based game drive. It allows you to connect with the environment on a different level.
