Laikipia
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. The area is thinly populated with huge vistas and stretches of complete wilderness; some of Kenya’s finest views are found here. Huge cattle ranches and private estates cover the region, many of which are now private wildlife sanctuaries that contain the Big Five. Laikipia is well respected today as the country's most successful tourism initiative.
The plateau stretches north from the Abadare Mountain Range to the start of the Samburu tribal lands and lies in the shadow of the Matthews range. For years the area consisted of cattle ranches and remote tribal lands. These ranches were being used as stop offs for safaris and overnight stays for people moving across the region. Subsequently, small guesthouses and homestays sprung up, which today have been converted into top end accommodations on private estates.
While tourism has flourished, the wildlife preservation has been an unbelievable success. Laikipia is now seen as a wildlife destination in its own right with the Big Five on show and good numbers of endemic species such as the Grevy’s Zebra and reticulated giraffe as well as African wild dog and sitatunga antelope. Over 50% of Kenya’s rhino population are found in Laikipia with a number of the ranches operating as breeding sanctuaries for both white and black rhino.
Along with the area’s wildlife is the success of Laikipia’s tribes, with many of the concessions being run in conjunction with, or even by, the local community themselves. In summary, Laikipia has grown into a huge success story which Kenya should be very proud of!
Laikipia: Accommodation choices
Set in the hills that surround the Lewa conservancy, Borana looks down over a waterhole and offers some of the best accommodation in the area. The remainder of the lodges are set on the Lewa plain with Lewa House, Lewa wilderness and Sarara offering superb accommodation and a real emphasis on working with the local community. Lewa, actually located in the conservancy itself, is probably our pick of the lodges if you are looking for a game rich experience. Loisaba and the famous Loisaba starbeds are perched on top of the escarpment, with most impressive views and an emphasis on relaxation rather than intense game driving and activities.
Recommended lodges in this area:
Laikipia
Located on a sheer escarpment that overlooks the Laikipia, it is impossible not to have your breath taken away by the views! This truly is to experience the African sky at its largest.
Lewa Downs
Set in the hills that surround the Lewa Wildlife conservancy, Borana offers a slightly different experience to the lodges on the plain. Set on the sides of a small valley, looking down to a water hole, all of the rooms and the main lodge areas provide stunning views out across the rolling hills.
Lewa Downs
Lewa Wilderness is probably our pick of the lodges in the Lewa Conservancy as it combines a whole spread of both activities and privacy. Each of the cottages is very spacious and gives you the feeling of total privacy while not feeling cut off from the lodge itself. As an actual home, the communal areas feel welcoming and comfortable with the swimming pool area and bar being particular favourites!
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