How to get to the Laikipia Plateau: The Laikipia Plateau is the one place in Kenya that’s just right for those who want to touch the earth with their feet, wander in nature, and feel part of it. Running from the lower slopes of Mount Kenya to the Great Rift Valley’s edge, all 9,723 square kilometers of Laikipia Plateau are filled with pure and unmatched beauty all around. Endless stretches of savannah grasslands, striking valleys sculpted by the course of time, and untamed escarpments towering tall and proud. But there’s more to Laikipia than just its beauty. It’s a tranquil region that hosts some very inspiring success tales in conservation efforts within Kenya. This beautiful region is located in Laikipia County, Kenya. The area has one of the largest and most diverse mammal populations in Kenya—only the Maasai mara can boast more game. Visitors can encounter a diverse array of animals including gerenuk, Grevy’s zebra, Jackson’s hartebeest, and reticulated giraffe. The conservancy holds about 400 kinds of birds- from the mighty raptors, songbirds, Somali ostrich, black-winged lapwing, and buff-crested bustard among others
To reach the Laikipia Plateau, you have two main options: driving or flying.
By Road
If you decide to drive, expect a trip that could take anywhere from four to eight hours if you’re starting in Nairobi, or three to seven hours from Lake Nakuru. The exact time depends on which reserve you’re heading to. The journey itself is a beautiful experience, offering stunning views of the countryside.
By Flight
Many travelers opt to fly, typically using a private charter from Nairobi or from nearby parks. You can also charter a flight from Nanyuki, the closest town to the plateau. All the reserves in Laikipia have their own airstrips, making it convenient to land nearby. Nairobi serves as a major transport hub in Africa, with international flights arriving at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport, located about 15 kilometers (or 9 miles) southeast of the city.
This area is vast and served by three main airstrips including Lewa Downs, Nanyuki, and Loisaba. Flying in from Nairobi and then linking to the Mara is the most common circuit, with most lodges within an hour of one of the airstrips. You will choose the airstrip to close the lodge or conservancy you’re visiting on your itinerary.
What are the activities while on a safari to the Laikipia Plateau
Wildlife sightings
Wildlife sightings are one of the main highlights of a safari in the Laikipia Plateau. The region is home to a diverse array of wildlife, including a huge population of black rhinos and a significant number of elephants. During your game safari, you will also have the see other animal species as they roam around their natural habitats such as the reticulated giraffe, leopard, lion, rhino, elephant, hippos, wildebeest, hyenas, and wild dogs among others.
Bird Watching
Laikipia Plateau is home to nearly 350 bird species, making bird watching a popular activity here. During your bird-watching excursions, you will have the opportunity to sight bird species such as black-winged lapwing, buff-crested bustard, crowned hornbill, grey crowned crane, Hildebrandt’s starling, lesser kestrel, Hartlieb’s turaco, Hartlieb’s bustard, four-banded sandgrouse, crowned eagle, African finfoot, Abyssinian nightjar, sooty falcon, spotted palm-thrush and Verreaux’s eagle among others.
Visit the rhino sanctuary
The Ol Pejeta Conservancy is not only home to the big five, but it can also boast having the healthiest number of critically endangered black rhinos in East Africa thanks to its conservation efforts. There are over 100 black rhinos here, along with 20 southern white rhinos, and it is also a sanctuary for two of the three last remaining northern white rhinos in the world. You can visit the northern white rhino sanctuary for a fascinating close-up experience. There is also a chimpanzee sanctuary that you can visit.
Camelback Safari
Step into the shoes of the Samburu people and explore the African landscape on a camel. This exciting alternative to traditional game viewing allows you to get close to wildlife such as zebra, giraffe, and ostrich. Riding a camel while enjoying the gentle sounds of the wilderness is an unforgettable experience, tailored to your liking.
Where to stay at Laikipia Plateau
Laikipia Plateau has affordable accommodations that cater to a large group of individuals. The accommodation facilities range from Budget, mid-range to luxury levels. Some of these include Lawe Safari Camp, II Ngwesi Eco-Lodge, Kicheche Laikipia Camp, Loisaba Tented Camp, Ol Malo Lodge, Loisaba Star Beds, Sosian, Borana Lodge, Lewa Wilderness Lodge, Elewana Loisaba Tented Camp and Sabuk Lodge among others
