Laikipia Plateau in Kenya

One of East Africa’s finest and most exclusive wildlife destinations, this vast, lesser-visited region offers exclusive safari experiences with diverse wildlife and luxury lodges. Laikipia Plateau provides an essential stronghold for rare animals such as the Grevy’s zebra and black rhino.

It also supports impressive numbers of lions, leopards, cheetahs, and dry-country specialities such as reticulated giraffes, greater and lesser kudus, gerenuks, and beisa oryxes.

Must-Visit Areas in the Laikipia Plateau

Visit a chimpanzee sanctuary and discover more about the conservation of black rhinos:

Ol Pejeta Conservancy: Chimpanzee and Rhino Sanctuaries

The most accessible of the Laikipia conservancies, Ol Pejeta is one of the most crucial rhino sanctuaries in East Africa. It also supports elephants, buffaloes, lions, leopards, cheetahs, reticulated giraffes, Jackson’s hartebeests, beisa oryxes, gerenuks, and more than 500 bird species.

The Sweetwaters Chimpanzee Sanctuary was established in 1993 to provide lifelong refuge to orphaned and abused chimpanzees from West and Central Africa. You can visit this sanctuary to see the chimps and learn more about their care. Here, visitors can go on guided drives and walks to spot wildlife; other activities include lion tracking with researchers and visits to traditional villages.

Lewa Wildlife Conservancy: Black Rhino Conservation

A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Lewa serves as a refuge for the endangered black rhino (12% of Kenya’s rhino population lives here) and Grevy’s zebra. While here, you’ll also spot elephants, lions, giraffes, wild dogs, and other iconic wildlife species.

Lewa uses world-class anti-poaching operations and cutting-edge monitoring technology while engaging with the surrounding communities to protect wildlife. The Conservancy is also home to more than 350 species of birds, including the Somali ostrich, vulturine guineafowl, and golden-breasted starling.

When’s the Best Time to Visit the Laikipia Plateau?

December to March and July to October are the best times of the year to go on a Kenya safari at Laikipia Plateau because of the pleasant weather and exceptional wildlife viewing.

Wildlife Found in Laikipia Plateau

Laikipia Plateau is a Big Five destination, so expect to see lions, leopards, elephants, rhinos, and buffaloes while on your Kenya safari. Hippos, wildebeests, and giraffes are common, while cheetahs are seen occasionally.

How to Get to Laikipia Plateau

To get to Laikipia Plateau, you can fly to Nanyuki Airstrip and take a two-hour road transfer to your final destination.