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For other destinations and types of holiday, visit Kuoni
For other destinations and types of holiday, visit Kuoni 

Things to do in Kenya

Explore Laikipia, a conservation success story

Life here is a delicate dance between conservation, local traditions and tourism…

By Dagmar Marrocco
Programme Manager for Alfred&

Laikipia is a conservation success story. The landscape here is divided into a jigsaw puzzle of conservancies and ranches, run by private lodges in partnership with the native Samburu, Laikipia or Maasai landowners. Life here is a delicate dance between conservation, local traditions and tourism. On a game drive, you’re just as likely to spot a saffron-robed Samburu villager herding cows as you are to see a herd of endangered Grevy’s zebra grazing on the plains. If you’re extremely lucky, you might catch a sighting of wild dogs – Laikipia is home to some of Kenya’s last remaining packs of these remarkable animals.

The Laikipia Plateau is such a conservation success that the area now has a wildlife density beaten only by the Maasai Mara. It’s here that you’re likely to spot rare species like the reticulated giraffe and Jackson’s Hartebeest, alongside lion prides and elephant parades. If rhinos are the last member of the Big Five you need to tick off your list, visit the Ol Pejeta Conservancy in Laikipia. It’s the largest black rhino sanctuary in East Africa and also home to two of the world’s last remaining northern white rhino. Feeding Baraka, a blind black rhino, is a highlight, as is visiting the Sweetwaters Chimpanzee Sanctuary. Set up in partnership with the Jane Goodall Institute, it’s the only place in Kenya where you’ll find chimps.

Explore Laikipia from a traditional cattle-ranch-turned-luxury-lodge or perhaps a tented camp set atop an escarpment with sweeping sundowner views. For a completely unique experience, you can even spend the night in a four-poster bed beneath the stars. Many camps have views that stretch over the semi-arid Laikipia Plateau all the way to the saw-toothed peak of Mount Kenya. Staying on a private conservancy usually means you’ll be offered walking tours with Samburu guides, private bush breakfasts and even camel safaris. If you get the chance, don’t miss a trip to an anti-poaching unit, where you’ll meet a team of adorable bloodhounds and get to take part in a tracking demonstration.

Categories

  • Places to go
  • Scenery
  • Wildlife

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Alfred & Dagmar Marrocco

Growing up in an adventurous South African family, Dagmar was always destined to travel. Beginning with camping trips all over her native country, she soon spread her wings to explore further afield. With over 60 destinations under her belt, including extensive first-hand experience throughout Africa, Dagmar is one of the most knowledgeable members of the Alfred& team. The vibrant culture, colours, sounds, and smells continue to draw her back to this incredible continent.      

Plan your holiday withAlfred&

Your journey will start with one of our UK team – someone like Becky, who's travelled extensively in Kenya. They’ll shape your ideas into the trip of a lifetime. But they won't do it alone. They'll draw on the expertise of our contacts on the ground, connecting you to the people who'll make your holiday one you'll always remember - the safari rangers, local village chiefs and camp managers you'll be talking about for years to come. Start planning today, call us, email an enquiry or arrange a phone or video appointment for ideas and advice.

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