"Extending northward from Mount Kenya and the Aberdares, northern Kenya’s vast Laikipia Plateau is a rare modern conservation success story. During the colonial era, most of the plateau was given over to livestock ranches, but it has since been transformed into a patchwork of private and community-owned sanctuaries that extend over a total of 9,500km2 - making it the country’s second-largest conservancy after Tsavo.”
- Philip Briggs
Laikipia Plateau
Incised by two perennial rivers, Laikipia boasts the highest large mammal biodiversity in Kenya, thanks to its transitional location between the central highlands and northern deserts. Wildlife viewing is exceptional. An estimated 6,000 elephant roam the plateau, along with dry-country specials such as reticulated giraffe, greater and lesser kudu, gerenuk and Beisa oryx, and substantial numbers of lion, leopard and cheetah.
Laikipia provides refuge to several endangered species. Around 70% of the global population of Grevy’s zebra lives on the plateau, together with more than half of Kenya’s black rhinos, and the last viable African wild dog population in the northern hemisphere. It is also home to Sweetwaters Chimpanzee Sanctuary, established in 1993 to protect orphaned chimps formerly housed at the Jane Goodall Institute in Burundi.
Ecologically, Laikipia is overseen by a foundation whose membership includes all the region’s private stakeholders and community groups representing its tribal people. From a tourist perspective, however, each ranch or community reserve operates as a private entity offering exclusive all-inclusive packages that incorporate expertly guided game drives as well as activities generally forbidden in government-run reserves, for instance, guided bush walks, horseback excursions and spotlit night drives.
When to go
Find out when is best to visit
- Excellent
- Good
- Poor
DRY SEASON
Migratory birds will also be present, offering great bird watching opportunities. A brief drier interlude before the more intense long rains arrive in late March.
After the ‘short rains’ wildlife tends to be less concentrated, and the vegetation will be thicker – making game viewing sightings trickier. On the other hand, the colours of the park are a lot more impressive after the rains, and the large volume of insets draw in migratory birds who will be in their full breeding colours.
Its location so close to the equator means that Laikipia has very consistent temperatures throughout the year, while the high altitude (1,748 to 2,033m or 5,735 to 6,670ft) moderate these to a surprisingly cool average midday high of 25°C/77°F throughout the year. The mornings can be quite chilly, so be sure to bring a fleece.
There are two wet seasons in Kenya. In Laikipia the first known as the long rains take place between April and May, the second wet season is known as the short rains which also tend to be a little less intense, these take place between October and November.
DRY SEASON
Migratory birds will also be present, offering great bird watching opportunities. A brief drier interlude before the more intense long rains arrive in late March.
After the ‘short rains’ wildlife tends to be less concentrated, and the vegetation will be thicker – making game viewing sightings trickier. On the other hand, the colours of the park are a lot more impressive after the rains, and the large volume of insets draw in migratory birds who will be in their full breeding colours.
Its location so close to the equator means that Laikipia has very consistent temperatures throughout the year, while the high altitude (1,748 to 2,033m or 5,735 to 6,670ft) moderate these to a surprisingly cool average midday high of 25°C/77°F throughout the year. The mornings can be quite chilly, so be sure to bring a fleece.
There are two wet seasons in Kenya. In Laikipia the first known as the long rains take place between April and May, the second wet season is known as the short rains which also tend to be a little less intense, these take place between October and November.
WET SEASON
The exact start and end of the rains are always a little uncertain, but generally, this period is the wettest time of the year. This wet season is also often characterised by overcast skies and consecutive days of rain. As a consequence of the rainfall roads can be hard to navigate and wildlife a little harder to spot. On the plus side rates are at their cheapest and visitor numbers to the park are incredibly low, offering a more private safari experience for those who don’t mind taking their chances. Many lodges do however close during this period; please contact for more details.
Its location so close to the equator means that Laikipia has very consistent temperatures throughout the year, while the high altitude (1,748 to 2,033m or 5,735 to 6,670ft) moderate these to a surprisingly cool average midday high of 25°C/77°F throughout the year. The mornings can be quite chilly, so be sure to bring a fleece.
There are two wet seasons in Kenya. In Laikipia the first known as the long rains take place between April and May, the second wet season is known as the short rains which also tend to be a little less intense, these take place between October and November.
WET SEASON
The exact start and end of the rains are always a little uncertain, but generally, this period is the wettest time of the year. This wet season is also often characterised by overcast skies and consecutive days of rain. As a consequence of the rainfall roads can be hard to navigate and wildlife a little harder to spot. On the plus side rates are at their cheapest and visitor numbers to the park are incredibly low, offering a more private safari experience for those who don’t mind taking their chances. Many lodges do however close during this period; please contact for more details.
Its location so close to the equator means that Laikipia has very consistent temperatures throughout the year, while the high altitude (1,748 to 2,033m or 5,735 to 6,670ft) moderate these to a surprisingly cool average midday high of 25°C/77°F throughout the year. The mornings can be quite chilly, so be sure to bring a fleece.
There are two wet seasons in Kenya. In Laikipia the first known as the long rains take place between April and May, the second wet season is known as the short rains which also tend to be a little less intense, these take place between October and November.
WET SEASON
The exact start and end of the rains are always a little uncertain, but generally, this period is the wettest time of the year. This wet season is also often characterised by overcast skies and consecutive days of rain. As a consequence of the rainfall roads can be hard to navigate and wildlife a little harder to spot. On the plus side rates are at their cheapest and visitor numbers to the park are incredibly low, offering a more private safari experience for those who don’t mind taking their chances. Many lodges do however close during this period; please contact for more details.
Its location so close to the equator means that Laikipia has very consistent temperatures throughout the year, while the high altitude (1,748 to 2,033m or 5,735 to 6,670ft) moderate these to a surprisingly cool average midday high of 25°C/77°F throughout the year. The mornings can be quite chilly, so be sure to bring a fleece.
There are two wet seasons in Kenya. In Laikipia the first known as the long rains take place between April and May, the second wet season is known as the short rains which also tend to be a little less intense, these take place between October and November.
DRY SEASON
A more stable and predictable time of the year, usually with clear skies. Also, one of the cooler periods, which makes midday temperatures a little more pleasant. The rains earlier in the year should also have cleared a lot of dust in the sky, making the long distant views outstanding.
As the land begins to dry up the wildlife will become more concentrated around remaining water sources, making it that bit easier to spot!
Its location so close to the equator means that Laikipia has very consistent temperatures throughout the year, while the high altitude (1,748 to 2,033m or 5,735 to 6,670ft) moderate these to a surprisingly cool average midday high of 25°C/77°F throughout the year. The mornings can be quite chilly, so be sure to bring a fleece.
There are two wet seasons in Kenya. In Laikipia the first known as the long rains take place between April and May, the second wet season is known as the short rains which also tend to be a little less intense, these take place between October and November.
DRY SEASON
A more stable and predictable time of the year, usually with clear skies. Also, one of the cooler periods, which makes midday temperatures a little more pleasant. The rains earlier in the year should also have cleared a lot of dust in the sky, making the long distant views outstanding.
As the land begins to dry up the wildlife will become more concentrated around remaining water sources, making it that bit easier to spot!
Its location so close to the equator means that Laikipia has very consistent temperatures throughout the year, while the high altitude (1,748 to 2,033m or 5,735 to 6,670ft) moderate these to a surprisingly cool average midday high of 25°C/77°F throughout the year. The mornings can be quite chilly, so be sure to bring a fleece.
There are two wet seasons in Kenya. In Laikipia the first known as the long rains take place between April and May, the second wet season is known as the short rains which also tend to be a little less intense, these take place between October and November.
DRY SEASON
A more stable and predictable time of the year, usually with clear skies. Temperatures will be on the rise until the ‘short rains’ arrive in October.
As the land continues to dry the wildlife will become more concentrated around remaining water sources, significantly improving the odds of good sightings. Vegetation will also be much thinner towards the end of the dry season, which will again improve the odds of having some great sightings!
Its location so close to the equator means that Laikipia has very consistent temperatures throughout the year, while the high altitude (1,748 to 2,033m or 5,735 to 6,670ft) moderate these to a surprisingly cool average midday high of 25°C/77°F throughout the year. The mornings can be quite chilly, so be sure to bring a fleece.
There are two wet seasons in Kenya. In Laikipia the first known as the long rains take place between April and May, the second wet season is known as the short rains which also tend to be a little less intense, these take place between October and November.
DRY SEASON
A more stable and predictable time of the year, usually with clear skies. Temperatures will be on the rise until the ‘short rains’ arrive in October.
As the land continues to dry the wildlife will become more concentrated around remaining water sources, significantly improving the odds of good sightings. Vegetation will also be much thinner towards the end of the dry season, which will again improve the odds of having some great sightings!
Its location so close to the equator means that Laikipia has very consistent temperatures throughout the year, while the high altitude (1,748 to 2,033m or 5,735 to 6,670ft) moderate these to a surprisingly cool average midday high of 25°C/77°F throughout the year. The mornings can be quite chilly, so be sure to bring a fleece.
There are two wet seasons in Kenya. In Laikipia the first known as the long rains take place between April and May, the second wet season is known as the short rains which also tend to be a little less intense, these take place between October and November.
DRY SEASON
A more stable and predictable time of the year, usually with clear skies. Temperatures will be on the rise until the ‘short rains’ arrive in October.
As the land continues to dry the wildlife will become more concentrated around remaining water sources, significantly improving the odds of good sightings. Vegetation will also be much thinner towards the end of the dry season, which will again improve the odds of having some great sightings!
Its location so close to the equator means that Laikipia has very consistent temperatures throughout the year, while the high altitude (1,748 to 2,033m or 5,735 to 6,670ft) moderate these to a surprisingly cool average midday high of 25°C/77°F throughout the year. The mornings can be quite chilly, so be sure to bring a fleece.
There are two wet seasons in Kenya. In Laikipia the first known as the long rains take place between April and May, the second wet season is known as the short rains which also tend to be a little less intense, these take place between October and November.
WET SEASON
A rather unpredictable time of the year with heavy showers or thunderstorms, but usually with sunshine in between. The vegetation will become thicker – making game viewing sightings trickier. Great visibility offering spectacular views of Mt Kenya, during those clearer periods.
Migratory birds will start arriving, offering potentially great bird watching opportunities.
Its location so close to the equator means that Laikipia has very consistent temperatures throughout the year, while the high altitude (1,748 to 2,033m or 5,735 to 6,670ft) moderate these to a surprisingly cool average midday high of 25°C/77°F throughout the year. The mornings can be quite chilly, so be sure to bring a fleece.
There are two wet seasons in Kenya. In Laikipia the first known as the long rains take place between April and May, the second wet season is known as the short rains which also tend to be a little less intense, these take place between October and November.
DRY SEASON
Migratory birds will also be present, offering great bird watching opportunities. A brief drier interlude before the more intense long rains arrive in late March.
After the ‘short rains’ wildlife tends to be less concentrated, and the vegetation will be thicker – making game viewing sightings trickier. On the other hand, the colours of the park are a lot more impressive after the rains, and the large volume of insets draw in migratory birds who will be in their full breeding colours.
After the ‘short rains’ wildlife tends to be less concentrated, and the vegetation will be thicker – making game viewing sightings trickier. On the other hand, the colours of the park are a lot more impressive after the rains, and the large volume of insets draw in migratory birds who will be in their full breeding colours.
Its location so close to the equator means that Laikipia has very consistent temperatures throughout the year, while the high altitude (1,748 to 2,033m or 5,735 to 6,670ft) moderate these to a surprisingly cool average midday high of 25°C/77°F throughout the year. The mornings can be quite chilly, so be sure to bring a fleece.
There are two wet seasons in Kenya. In Laikipia the first known as the long rains take place between April and May, the second wet season is known as the short rains which also tend to be a little less intense, these take place between October and November.
Experiences
Explore Laikipia Plateau Properties
-
Governors’ Mugie
Governors’ Mugie
Secluded within the vast wilderness of Laikipia's Mugie Conservancy lies Governors' Mugie House, is a luxurious boutique safari lodge offering an unforgettable escape. Perched atop a scenic escarpment, the lodge boasts ..
-
Kicheche Laikipia Camp
Kicheche Laikipia Camp
Kicheche Laikipia Camp is one of the most luxurious camps in the Ol Pejeta Conservancy. Kicheche Camp is a small, intimate property with excellent proximity and access to rich wildlife. A perfect spot for travellers interested in ..
-
Lewa House
Lewa House
Set on a hilltop with views of the savannah and Mount Kenya, Lewa House is a luxury and homely farm stay. Run by a couple, hailing from Kenya and Scotland, who live on the property with their two young children, the house exudes ..
-
Lewa Walking Wild
Lewa Walking Wild
Walking Wild is an opportunity to explore the wilds of Lewa and the neighbouring communities on foot. While camels carry your camp, you will walk through the famous Lewa Wildlife conservancy encountering incredible wildlife and ..
-
Lewa Wilderness
Lewa Wilderness
A family run lodge passed down through generations, Lewa Wilderness is a warm and rustic lodge with a friendly ambience and a wealth of activities. Showing a distinct passion for wildlife and conservation, this property run by the ..
-
Loisaba Tented Camp
Loisaba Tented Camp
A beautifully designed property making up part of the Elewana collection, Loisaba Tented Camp takes full advantage of its breath taking surroundings and is nestled within a 56,000 acre private concession. A secluded haven in the ..
-
Ol Malo
Ol Malo
Both luxurious and homely, Ol Malo is a family-operated ranch in an outstanding location with a wealth of charisma and bespoke activities. Built from natural, local materials, the property sits comfortably within its surroundings ..
-
Sosian Lodge
Sosian Lodge
Settled deep within the unspoiled savannah of northwest Laikipia, close to the magnificent Ewaso Narok River, you'll find the enchanting Sosian Lodge. This distinctive mix of a 1940s Argentine estancia-style ranch and wildlife ..
What People Say
-
The personalised service provided was far beyond my expectations. A three week trip visiting four countries in Africa, multiple game reserves, wineries and much, much more was flawless. While a close encounter with a leopard and her cubs…
-
We got in touch after hearing about Hide & Seek from a friend. Have to say hats off to Jamie, he was so patient throughout, even through our indecisiveness! Ultimately we ended up with the most incredible holiday of our lives. Thank you again, we will be back!!
-
Thank you for arranging our Safari holiday in Kenya and Tanzania for us. It was to celebrate our 40th. Wedding anniversary which was on July 1st. 2018, and through your arrangements, we have had a holiday that we will never forget...
-
Thanks so much for a truly unforgettable once in a life time holiday. Hopefully we will be in touch again soon!
-
Spot on in terms of itinerary . We not disappointed by any of the suggestions and had the best holiday ever! Thank you!
-
Jamie was very helpful throughout the booking process and recommended the perfect holiday. There was nothing we would change having now been out to Tanzania. I would highly recommend Hide & Seek to friends and relatives.
-
Jamie was excellent. Once I described what we wanted I knew he would come up with the business. ..and he did!!! 5 stars
-
We spoke to numerous travel agents over the period we looked at booking our honeymoon and only hide and seek gave me the confidence I was looking for. Really pleased with our decision.
-
Hide and seek dealt with our last minute travel plans extremely well. Obviously, our accommodations shifted as availability diminished but ultimately they came up with a vacation that we will never forget.
