Best hotels in Laikipia

Tucked beneath tall, yellow-barked acacia trees in the heart of Ol Pejeta’s wilderness area are the Safari Cottages, established in 2012 by a family whose combined experience in the wildlife industry exceeds 65 years. So you're in capable hands. Enjoy the silence, the space, the uninterrupted views, your personal chef (or you can self-cater), great accommodation and plenty of game. Here, in the southern sector of the conservancy, there are animals at every turn, from elephant (which often file past the cottages), lion, leopard and cheetah to black rhino, birds galore and other creatures great and small.

Perched on the banks of the Ngobit River with Mount Kenya's snow-capped peaks as its backdrop, The River Camp delivers intimate luxury in one of Africa's most pioneering conservation areas. Sprinkled along the riverbank, there are just eight tents (the camp has a max of 20 guests), making sure you get the full exclusive experience in renowned Ol Pejeta Conservancy. Beyond Big Five encounters, you'll witness leading conservation efforts firsthand, from tracking lions with researchers to meeting the planet's last two northern white rhinos. With private decks overlooking wildlife watering holes and spa treatments after action-packed days, it's safari sophistication with serious conservation credentials.

Loisaba Tented Camp embodies a true balance between people, landscape, culture and the wildlife. Set in the thriving Laikipia region of central Kenya, the lodge aims to touch your mind, body and soul while on safari in this unique and beautiful land. You can't help leaving truly moved. Loisaba also encourages local communities to get involved in the lodge. This philosophy infiltrates every part of the ranch and conservancy, and the local Samburu and Maasai tribes are full partners in the project. Head out into the local conservancy in search of big game such as lion, elephant and buffalo (as well as unique species such as the Grevy's zebra and reticulated giraffe), with a rare insight into the nomadic Samburu and Maasai people's cultures and traditions.

When the grandfather of the present owners of Borana arrived in this spot, 17 miles (27 kilometres) north of the equator and 6,000 feet (1,830 metres) above sea level, he simply fell in love with its isolation and wildness. Now his descendants have built a lodge on the land that he adored. Made of local, sustainable materials, Borana Lodge sits subtly on this malaria-free landscape, with panoramic views across the Samangua Valley and the Lewa Plains to the Ngare Ndare Forest and Mount Kenya beyond. Inside, all is luxurious and plush. A perfect breakaway location in a splendid setting.

Imagine an exclusive private home in a neighbourhood far removed from your own. Instead, you're in a vast, vast wilderness, and your neighbours are wild – elephant, giraffe, zebra and rhino, and 300-odd bird species. Imagine riding on horseback through hills and savannas. Then make it real. Lengishu is a family-owned estate set in the 13,000-hectare Borana Conservancy in northern Kenya. It sleeps up to 12 in great comfort, attended to by a dedicated staff of chefs, housekeepers, and a private guide. Borana's boundary with neighbouring Lewa Downs Conservancy is unfenced, so there's plenty of scope to realise your dreams.

Born out of an original 1940s design, the ranch has been beautifully re-done to meet its modern visitors, while still holding tightly to its vintage charm. Set on a 24,000 acre wildlife reserve in the Laikipia Highlands, Sosian Lodge offers a plethora of different ways to explore the area! Ride on horseback across the Laikipia plateau amongst herds of zebra, elephant and buffalo; or opt for game drives to spot bat-eared foxes, wild dogs, lion and leopard in true wilderness. There is a harmony between community, conservation and wildlife that extends to the sunny service in a ranch with the distinct feel of home.

Unfortunately, this camp is currently closed.

In Kenya's conservation capital, Laikipia, the private Mugie Conservancy does more than its fair share with projects to protect cheetah, African painted dog and lion. If you'd like to visit to see for yourself, you can't get much better than Mugie House. Set on 50,000 acres of acacia plains and olive forests, this is a grand manor house with a chandeliered dining room and luxurious bathtubs, as well as an infinity pool overlooking the waterhole where a hide provides close encounters of the best kind. When you're ready for adventure, there are guided bush walks to spot reticulated giraffe and sundowners on the plains - and you'll be pleased to know that the wildlife sightings are always astonishing and action-packed.

Opening beneath the leaves of Kenya's quintessential fever trees in June 2022, Tambarare Camp, an A&K Sanctuary is a bright and eye-catching new camp. Under the impressive gaze of Mount Kenya, the camp sits in Ol Pejeta Conservancy, an untamed realm where you'll follow in the footprints of the Big Five and lay beneath the star-spangled African sky. Laikipia is known for its collection of private camps with big hearts for conservation and Sanctuary Tambarare fits right in. Each day brings the chance to get to know the land and creatures that call it home, your expert guide sharing the secrets of their plains with you.

This exclusive eco-retreat is one of the most unique safari offerings in all of Africa, combining luxury with an exceptional cultural experience within a veritable wilderness. Segera Retreat is set upon the Laikipia Plateau in north-central Kenya - an area which encompasses the second highest concentration of wildlife in the country. Fine dining, wine tasting, a highly regarded spa and the largest private contemporary African art collection on the continent, all combine for an off-the-charts experience. As you might expect, any stay here is personally tailored and utterly exclusive, complete with your very own personal attendant to look after your every need or simply leave you be. The grounds are exceptional as well - an alluring mixture of modern and traditional with thatched roofs and stylish furnishings and a garden dotted with African sculptures. But indeed this is a conscientious eco-retreat of the highest order - solar-powered and water-wise.

In an area where conservation is a thriving part of the safari landscape, Ekorian's Mugie Camp fits right in. With their vision for guests to reconnect with nature, you can expect nothing less than a passion for animals and eco-friendly living. All water used at the camp is rain-harvested; their electricity is solar-powered; clothes are hand-washed and plastic water bottles are persona non grata (except for the reusable ones they supply for game drives). Speaking of, Ekorian's lives up to its location with plenty of wildlife activities on offer. Plus, they have an adorable 'live-in' giraffe called Tala!

Loisaba Conservancy is an immense, community run conservation area of 10 million acres, and one that’s so enormous, it’s easy to get lost in. So, what better way to enjoy such an incredible space than by spending a few nights under the stars? The famous Loisaba Starbeds are built entirely from locally-sourced products (old Landrover axles play a part in the design of the bed!) and are raised high on stilts on a rocky kopje with incredible views across the valley. Each bed can be rolled out from under the thatch at night, guaranteeing an uninterrupted view of your celestial ceiling. It's here where you'll truly find time and space to recharge your mind and reboot your spirits – and it’s all done in rather comfortable luxury too.

Springing up from a rocky ridge overlooking the lush Ewaso Narok River Valley and Laikipia Plateau, Siruai was built to frame the view and the wildlife that inhabits it. Its name alone alludes to this, translating to mean 'eland' in the Maa language and gazing out from your tent, you'll likely see these shy, regal animals around camp. Activities-wise, there is plenty of choice when it comes to exploring the surrounds, whether it's hiking up escarpments, canoeing down crystal-clear rivers, or spotting elephant, reticulated giraffe and Grevy's zebra on a game drive. Whichever it is, there'll be something worth toasting when you arrive back at camp.

Moon’s Camp does simplicity extremely well. Tucked away from other safari-goers, the camp sits in 50,000 acres of private land in the Lolldaiga Hills. Home is one of the Meru-style canvas tents, from which sprawling views reach from the waterhole all the way to snow-capped Mount Kenya. Your hosts are Ed and Moon, the cheerful owners and safari-aficionados who created the camp to evoke passion, adventure, and a long-lasting love for Kenya. They're always on hand to make your trip memorable, sharing stories from their lives in the bush and their favourite things to do. And when you've made your choice, embark with word-class guides to spot Laikipia's remarkable wildlife.

Set inside the world famous Laikipia Plateau at the foot of Mount Kenya, Enasoit House is located in the Enasoit Private Game Sanctuary, part of the Laikipia Conservation Project in which ranches and communities work together to preserve essential wildlife corridors. Previously a private home (built specifically for catering for lots of friends - lots!), the house itself is warm, welcoming and totally bohemian, and can sleep up to 12 guests in the charming tented cottages plus a further two in the Pool House. As a guest, the 4500 acre private game sanctuary is yours to explore on day and night game drives, guided walks, horse safaris and even helicopter trips. A fabulous experience if ever we saw one!