Experiences in Laikipia | Timbuktu Travel

Track Laikipia's wildlife on a game drive

When it comes to conservation and unbelievably diverse wildlife, Laikipia has them both in spades. Take your seat on an open 4x4 in the early mornings and late afternoons, setting out to ogle more animals than you could imagine. Laikipia has some of the best wildlife in Kenya including the likes of giraffe, Grevy's zebra, cheetah and growing packs of painted dogs. Keep your binoculars poised to see the Big Five, including almost half of Kenya's black rhino population who graze in the shadow of Mount Kenya!

Explore the bush on a mountain bike in Laikipia

Embark on a safari experience as you peddle over rugged, mountain trails and grassy plains in Laikipia. You'll leave any crowds in your dust while exploring the animal-filled landscapes below Mount Kenya, covering way more ground than a walking safari and getting a truly up-close-and-personal look at the wildlife. Depending on your lodge of choice, your route will take you through a number of lovely conservancies (with a pitstop to see the area's famous conservation triumphs) or further afield for the more adventurous. And you may even be lead by a Maasai warrior! A bike ride through Laikipia could reveal the Big Five in all its glory (including almost half of Kenya's black rhino population), protected big cats, painted dogs and a medley of plains game. It's best to avoid the wet season from March to May for this activity though!

Ride amongst Laikipia's wildlife on horseback

Round these parts, horseriding is almost a given! The even savannah leads perfectly into the lush foothills of Mount Kenya, and there are plenty of lodges on pretty conservancies that offer guided rides to find the wildlife. If you can't imagine a better way to explore the plains of Kenya, we're happy to arrange a multi-day excursion. Enjoy a safari from the back of your wild guide, where you can spot protected wildlife like black rhino (Laikipia is home to around half of Kenya's population) and the rest of the Big Five, as well as gangly giraffe, herds of Grevy's zebra and buffalo, and if you're lucky, the beautiful African painted dog.

Visit the Ol Pejeta conservancy in Laikipia

The Laikipia private conservancies and game ranches have banded together to make this area a wonderful sanctuary for rare and endangered species. Here, you will find more elusive Northern species like Grevy’s zebra, reticulated giraffe, kongoni, bongo, giant forest hogs and oryx as well as wild dogs, black and white rhino and, most importantly, the last remaining Northern white rhinos in the world in the Ol Pejeta Conservancy. These sanctuaries work closely with local communities to eliminate human/wildlife conflict and to encourage harmonious cohabitation and conservation.

Go on a guided walking safari in Laikipia

Get to know the wilds of Kenya on a walking safari over golden grasslands, forested hillsides and wildlife-filled conservancies of Laikipia. Depart just after dawn-break to make the most of the daylight as you track African painted dogs (hopefully seeing them trot across a quiet path) and learning to sniff out where a lion may be snoozing while herds graze bravely on the plains. With the sprawling Laikipia plateau before you, lean in for a closer look as you spy a dung beetle rolling by and examine tree bark for signs of life. If you're staying on private land, there are no strict paths and you can really blaze a new trail. There's also the option to extend your walking safari into a multi-day activity, stopping to camp beneath the stars.

Spend the night fly-camping in Laikipia

As the sky becomes spangled with stars above Laikipia's wild plains, you'll be driven from the lodge to find a soft spot for the night. There'll be plenty of time for stargazing and you could even spot the Big Five of the African Sky! You couldn't get closer to nature if you tried and your guide will be there to share the secrets of Kenya's wilderness. After dinner to the sounds of a crackling fire and the symphony of the bush, curl up in your sleeping bag for the ultimate camp-out. The sunrise and birdsong act as your alarm clock before you embark on another full day in Laikipia.

Spot wildlife on a Laikipia bush walk

Lace up your safari boots and escape into the plains for a bush walk. Not a common occurrence in most of Kenya's parks, this is the truest way to experience the essence of Laikipia. Led by your experienced guide, venture into the lush hills and tawny valleys to follow the tracks of the African painted dog, see the flutter of birdlife over a flowing river and feel the rumble of elephant on the move. And get to know the local flora and its uses! This is your chance to lean in close and see the details often over-looked! Set out at sunrise or after your morning game drive for a few hours of safari-ing like an explorer.

Go on a camel safari in Laikipia

When in Laikipia, do as the Samburu do! In the land of wildlife-filled conservancies and epic game-spotting, why not swap the rumble of the engine for the sway of a camel? Go where no car can as you travel over rugged hilltops and forest-covered escarpments, before venturing down into dry river beds to find a trail to track. On a safari by camel, you'll have the chance to get especially close to zebra, giraffe and ostrich, while keeping an eye on the horizon for lion, black rhino and the elusive African painted dog.

Visit the Mount Kenya Animal Orphanage, Laikipia

Come on a wild adventure by visiting the Animal Orphanage at Mount Kenya Wildlife Conservancy. Bring your family and friends for a day of lasting memories. Explore, discover, and connect with the wonders of nature. All entry fees and donations directly contribute to the care of the animals and our overall conservation mission. This unique Animal Orphanage provides care to orphaned, injured and distressed wildlife, giving them a second chance. The Orphanage provides shelter and professional veterinary care with the aim of releasing these animals back into the wild where they belong once they are back to full health.