Laikipia County is one of the 47 counties of Kenya, located on the Equator in the former Rift Valley Province of the country. Laikipia is a cosmopolitan county and is county number 31. The county has two major urban centers: Nanyuki to the southeast and Nyahururu to the southwest. Its capital is Rumuruti.

The rise and rise of the Laikipia District as one of Kenya’s prime Eco tourist hotspots has defied all expectations.

Without any totemic national parks or game reserves, the region entered the scene with just the pulls of its natural backcountry.

And as soon as the tour companies caught on to the unspoiled beauties of the sweeping green highlands and hills that rise and fall here, the rest was history.

Today, oodles of safari folk flock come to enjoy off-the-beaten-track wildlife spotting, with destinations like the Sosian Game Ranch, the Ol Ari Nyiro Conservancy, and others boasting the likes of Grevy’s zebras, wild dogs, and uber-rare black rhinos.

Things to do in Laikipia Kenya

Laikipia walking safaris

The wildlife in our part of Laikipia distinguishes the area for its diversity of large mammals, the greatest in Kenya. Elephants, the big cats, and other large predators thrive alongside endangered species like the Grevy’s Zebra, Wild dogs, and Highland Hartebeest.

Laikipia Helicopter safaris

For those with larger travel budgets who wish to cover plenty of ground on their safari, charter helicopters are available. A helicopter is a perfect way to access remote areas quickly and easily, without the need for landing strips or clearances. Some of the ranches in Laikipia can arrange ‘heli-camping’ in which a helicopter is used to transport guests to remote destinations where a luxury camp awaits. This is also an out of this world way to see the local landscapes and wildlife.

Laikipia camel safaris

Walking safaris traverse beautiful landscapes that tell the story of a turbulent geologic past alongside the Rift Valley. Archeological artifacts like flints, shards, graves, and pottery litter the ground, evidence of an equally rich cultural history.

Where to stay in Laikipia Kenya

Borana lodge

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. As this is all a private ranch with a good game, it offers some of the best walkings in Kenya in our view. It is also a great place to head to for horse riding and Borana is certainly one of the better lodges in Laikipia.’

El Karama Eco Lodge

El Karama Lodge is an intimate, owner-operated, award-winning lodge built by one of Africa’s most gifted wildlife sculptors Murray Grant and his wife Sophie

​Specializing in sustainable travel, adventure, and wildlife safaris particularly suited to families and small private groups who love the natural world and who care about their impact on this planet. Winners of Kenya’s Prestigious Eco Warrior Award for its commitment to environmental good practice and sustainability.

Lewa house

How best to describe that intangible magic that opens the heart and re-invigorates the soul? Is it the dawn setting fire to the peaks of Mt. Kenya and spreading until it pierces the cold air on your cheek? Is it the hot thirsty elephants that, having slaked their thirst, discover their inner child in the river with the help of a little mud and water?

Or is it sipping a wild mint Margarita before a delicious dinner under the stars with a distant leopard calling up the valley? It’s unique. Every time. So experience it in as many ways as you can. At Lewa House.