"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

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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

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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

A true conservation success story, 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.

Visit the Samburu to learn about their cultures and traditions

Embark on a camel safari

The traditional mode of transport in the dry land of Northern Kenya and another great way to experience the landscape.

A fantastic place to spot leopard

As ambush predators, their favourite landscapes are rocky outcrops, treetop vantage points and dense bushes where they can hide unseen and observe their prey. The combination of these landscape features together with a ready supply of prey make this part of Africa perfect leopard country.

Explore Laikipia Plateau Properties

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…

    Chris Hutchens

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  • 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!!

    Amy Williams

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  • 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...

    Margaret and Stephen

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  • Thanks so much for a truly unforgettable once in a life time holiday. Hopefully we will be in touch again soon!

    Nick and Sarah

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  • Spot on in terms of itinerary . We not disappointed by any of the suggestions and had the best holiday ever! Thank you!

    David Glen

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  • 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.

    Amit Roy

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  • Jamie was excellent. Once I described what we wanted I knew he would come up with the business. ..and he did!!! 5 stars

    Jessica Harvard

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  • 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.

    Glen and Amanda Crawford

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  • 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.

    Bob & Jen

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