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Central Plateau

Kenya’s famous Central Plateau or Central highlands stretches from the Matthews Range in the North as far South as Nairobi and borders the Rift Valleys to the West. The area has a number of towns and villages but none have enough attractions to make staying in them worthwhile. The regions National parks and reserves however are a completely different story with the central plateau home to game viewing parks that have game concentrations second only to the Mara, and wilderness areas as remote as anywhere in Africa.
Top 5 Lodges Why come to the central plateau? Areas to combine?
  • A superb family destination due to the range of activities
  • Best game viewing area outside the Masai Mara.
  • Fantastic honeymoon options
  • Balloon safari, camel and horse riding, walking, night drives.
  • High quality of accommodation.
  • Big five destination


The plateau stretches north from the Abadare Mountain Range to the start of the Samburu tribal lands and lies in the shadow of the Mathews range. The Southern and central parts of the central plateau are well watered and fertile attracting so many white settlers throughout the beginning of the 20thcentury that the region became known locally as ‘the While Highlands’. The Laikipia plateau as it is nowadays known contains some of the countries best game viewing areas in converted white settler ranches and farms. The famous Lewa conservancy here is home to a game density second only to the Masai Mara and Samburu National Park, to the Eastern boundary of Laikipia, also has impressive game densities.

Just to the East of Mount Kenya in the south of the central plateau lies Meru National Park, a lovely little park that attracts few package tours and therefore remains fairly untouched.  Unlike the Aberdares National Park, home to the famous Treetops lodge but less good a game viewing experience than Laikipia – we rarely send clients here.

In the far North of the central plateau lies a mountain range called the Mathews range. Forming the boundary to Kenya’s northern wastelands, the Mathews range is a stunning area as remote as you will find in the country. There are only a couple of lodges here but the walking and isolated character of the area attracts those trying to get away from the crowds.

For more information on the parks of the Central Plateau click on the below links :

The most famous region of Laikipia is undoubtedly the Lewa Conservancy, or ‘Lewa’ as it is known. Like much of Laikipia, Lewa was originally a cattle ranch. Today, Lewa is Kenya’s greatest conservation success story.

Located to the North of Nairobi and Mount Kenya, the Laikipia Plateau is regarded as the gateway to Kenya’s remote and wild northern frontier country. Huge cattle ranches and private estates cover the region, many of which are now private wildlife sanctuaries.

Mount Meru National Park is an endearing little park lying at the foothill of the Nyambene Mountain range. Well off the standard tourist circuit, Meru is a breath of fresh air if you are trying to avoid the crowds that fill up many of Kenya’s mainstream areas.
Snaking through the arid north of Kenya, the parks of Samburu, Shaba and Buffalo Springs focus around the Ewaso Nyiro river and provide a sanctuary for the region’s game.