Laikipia is a cosmopolitan region with several tribes residing within the region. The region encompasses the high, dry Laikipia Plateau, and has a cool, temperate climate with both rainy and dry seasons. Laikipia has 3 major Towns; Nanyuki, to the southeast, Nyahururu to the southwest and Rumuruti which acts as the administrative town of Laikipia County. For Tourists, Nanyuki continues to be an important town for Mount Kenya climbers, supply centre for farms and is close to ranches, Hotels & conservancies in the region. Nanyuki is also a base for the Kenya Air Force and a training area for the British Army.
The main Economic activity in the region is Tourism and Agriculture. The region has multiple community and Private conservancies and Ranches that attracts local and International clientele namely ; Lewa Conservancy Borana Conservancy Segera Conservancy , Ol Pejeta ,Solio Ranch , Il Ngwesi,& Loisaba among others. These Conservancies offer superb distinct accommodations, exceptional exploratory activities, striking scenery and diverse wildlife experiences that are restricted in national parks in Kenya.
Laikipia has been in the heart of every Traveller including the UK Royal Family. On 20th October 2010, Prince William and Kate Middleton became engaged whilst on holiday in Kenya at lewa Safi Camp within the Lewa Wildlife conservancy which is situated in the Laikipia Plateau
Ol Pejeta Conservancy
This is one of of the most remarkable wild life Conservancy in Kenya Boasting a combination of Nature and Wild life Escapes. There are endless opportunities for adventure, with masses of immersive activities that give you proper, one-on-one encounters with this extraordinary corner of the world.
The Conservancy offers world class luxurious & Budget lodges with beautiful campsites that are Eco-friendly. Ol Pejeta is home to nine tented camps, lodges and homestays, each with a unique experience to offer visitors. There is something for every taste and every budget on the Conservancy. The most Unique part of this conservancy is that 100% of profits generated from the conservancies are reinvested into conservation and community development, so your visit isn’t just good for you, it’s good for Kenya’s natural heritage and the people who live alongside.
Ol Pejeta seeks to support the people living around its borders, to ensure wildlife conservation translates to better education, healthcare and infrastructure for the next generation of wildlife guardians.
Lewa Wildlife Conservancy
The Lewa Wildlife Conservancy is a wildlife sanctuary incorporating the Ngare Ndare Forest. The Conservancy is home to a wide variety of wildlife including the rare and endangered Black Rhinos, Grevy’s Zebras and Sitatungas. It also includes the big five; Lion, Leopards, Elephants, Rhinos and Buffaloes. Lewa holds over 12% of Kenya’s Eastern Black Rhinoceros population and the largest single population of Grevy’s zebras in the world
The Conservancy is also home to the Northern Rangelands Trust an innovative partnership with a number of communities to the north who have given land for the preservation of wildlife.
Lewa Conservancy Hosts an Annual fund raising Event; Lewa Safari Marathon. The 42 kilometer race is sponsored by Safaricom in partnership with the Lewa Wildlife Conservancy and Tusk Trust to raise funds for numerous community development and wildlife conservation efforts. The race takes place on the Lewa wildlife conservancy, a game park that is home to a variety of large African wildlife that include lions, elephants, rhinoceros, and the greatly feared cape buffalo. There are no physical barriers separating the runners from the wildlife, making Lewa Marathon a unique experience in the running world
Ngare Ndare Forest
Ngare Ndare Forest is a lush indigenous forest at the foothills of Mt. Kenya. The forest boasts natural Azure pools at the bottom of waterfalls and Indigenous trees that stretch into the canopy supporting a rich variety of bird and animal life. The forest is a vital corridor that links the Lewa Wildlife Conservancy to Mount Kenya, and one which elephants have been using for centuries. Ngare Ndare forest offers one of the most unique retreats to nature lovers namely Games Drives, Nature Walks , Forest Camping, Rock Climbing, Bird Watching, water Falls and the most unique of it all the Tree Canopy walk
Mount Kenya
For those visiting Laikipia, Nanyuki continues to be an important town for Mount Kenya climbers. Hikers & Tourist visiting Mount Kenya can experience its lower slopes on the scenic Sirimon Route. You have two options: hike through forest with Grevy zebras to Old Moses Camp, or hike through moorland to Liki North Valley, which offers mountain views when conditions permit