There are safaris — and then there are safaris that matter.
Welcome to Laikipia, a lesser-known but fiercely majestic slice of Kenya where wildlife conservation isn’t just a brochure buzzword — it’s a way of life. This is where rhinos have names, conservationists become friends, and luxury travel comes with a conscience.
If you’re planning trips to Kenya, and you’re seeking something more meaningful than snapping selfies by a safari jeep, Laikipia may just become your wildest love affair yet.
A Different Kind of Wild
Nestled between Mount Kenya and the Great Rift Valley, the Laikipia plateau stretches across vast savannahs, dense acacia forests, and riverine valleys. Unlike the more famous Masai Mara, Laikipia is private, pristine, and pulsing with conservation energy.
Here, you’re not just a guest — you’re a participant. You don’t just see wildlife; you support its survival.
Rhinos, Rewilding, and Rewriting the Rules
Home to some of East Africa’s most successful conservation stories, Laikipia is one of the last strongholds for black rhinos in Kenya. Think of it as the backstage pass to nature’s most exclusive show. At sanctuaries like Ol Pejeta Conservancy, you’ll meet ranger teams, track rhinos on foot, and learn how tech, tenacity, and a whole lot of love are rewriting the fate of endangered species.
And yes, you might even meet Fatu and Najin — the last two northern white rhinos on Earth. They live here, under 24/7 armed guard, safe in the belief that humans can be protectors, not predators.
Community, Culture & Conservation
Laikipia’s secret weapon isn’t just its wildlife — it’s its people. Many conservancies here are community-owned and run, empowering local Maasai and Samburu tribes to lead the way in eco-tourism, wildlife protection, and cultural preservation.
Spend a day with a local women’s cooperative learning traditional beading or join a Samburu warrior for a bushwalk where every plant, footprint, and birdsong tells a story. These aren’t just interactions — they’re exchanges. Mutual, meaningful, and truly moving.
Stay Where It Matters
The lodges in Laikipia? Let’s just say they understand the art of ethical indulgence.
From Segera Retreat, where sustainability and art meet on golden plains, to Lewa Wilderness, where helicopter rides, horseback safaris, and heli-camping are all in a day’s wild work — each stay supports ongoing conservation and community efforts.
There are solar-powered hideaways, rainwater-fed plunge pools, and safari tents where even the wildlife stops to admire the view. And best of all? Your stay contributes directly to protecting the very landscapes and creatures you’ve come to experience.
Why Laikipia?
Because travel should give back.
Because conservation shouldn’t be confined to documentaries.
Because when you say yes to trips to Kenya that include Laikipia, you’re not just ticking off the Big Five. You’re helping to ensure that future generations can too.
This is a safari that stays with you — in memory, in heart, and in impact.