What to expect in Laikipia

What to expect in Laikipia : The expansive Laikipia Plateau is an iconic wildlife safari attraction in Kenya. It is composed of multiple conservancies that are either individually or communally owned and run. It is situated in a remote area of northern Kenya, situated between Mount Kenya and Samburu. These conservancies preserve the land for Kenya’s wildlife and also bring benefits in the form of revenue and jobs to local communities.

The Laikipia region spans around 3,668 square miles (9,500 square km), with well-traveled dirt roads winding through the conservancies to provide convenient access to the plateau’s attractions. The serene, wide open plains beneath the majestic, snow-capped Mount Kenya are home to some of Kenya’s most endangered species and make for fantastic safari travel destinations.

The ecosystems of Laikipia vary from scrubland, vast open plains, and arid semi desert in the north and south to dense forests of olive and cedar trees in the east. Only the Maasai Mara can claim more game than this region, which is home to one of Kenya’s largest and most diverse mammal populations. The Big Five are all present, and it’s the only area in Kenya to have an increasing population of wild dogs. Numerous animals from northern Kenya can be seen by tourists, including the reticulated giraffe, Jackson’s hartebeest, Grevy’s zebra, and gerenuk.

Ol Pejeta Conservancy, renowned for its black rhino and chimpanzee sanctuary, is open to day visitors, and it’s the easiest to get to from Nairobi. Founded in the 1970s, the Lewa Wildlife Conservancy is a globally recognized black and white rhino conservation area that is readily accessible by road from Nairobi. Some other conservancies on the fringe of Kenya’s northern territory are accessible by those who stay in their exclusive lodges and usually arrive by plane.

Laikipia has high elevations and cool weather, with altitudes from 1,700 meters (5,577 feet) to 2,600 meters (8,530 feet), so bring those sweaters and jackets. Because there are fewer tourists, people who travel to Laikipia and stay in the cosy camps inside the conservancies enjoy a more personal and fulfilling safari experience. In a pure, unfenced wilderness, visitors can observe wildlife without running into big groups.

There is an abundance of wildlife in the conservancies; you may encounter warthogs, lions, buffalo, hippo, and elephants. The striped hyena, wild dog, and leopard sightings in Laikipia are well regarded.

This is the best safari destination in East Africa to see threatened, endangered, and unusual species. While many other parts of Kenya are witnessing declines in the numbers of some animal populations, Laikipia is known for having an abundance of wildlife.

In addition to providing visitors with amazing wildlife sightings, Laikipia allows visitors to partake in safari activities that are typically prohibited in Kenya’s national parks and reserves. Experience something new by going on a camel safari, walking safari, horseback riding, rafting, wild dog tracking, and waterfall swimming and among others.

Best time to visit Laikipia.

Laikipia is a largely dry region with minimal rainfall. July to October and December to March are usually the driest months in Laikipia; nevertheless, these are also the best months to visit because animals prefer to gather around the few remaining water sources, making them simpler to find and capture on camera.

The months of May and November have heavy downpours, which turns the environment verdant. However, the profusion of greenery might make it challenging to see wildlife during these months. It can also be unable to enjoy some activities, like a camel safari, due to the rainy weather. With daily averages of 30°C, Laikipia has a fairly warm environment throughout the year. It can get rather chilly in the evenings, so make sure you pack warm clothes.