Rhino Conservation
Visit Lewa, Borana and Ol Pejeta the conservancies that pioneered private rhino protection in Kenya.
Laikipia & Loisaba
A 9,500 km² conservancy mosaic north of Mount Kenya home to half of Kenya's black rhino, all of its Grevy's zebras, and some of the most innovative community-led conservation work in Africa.
Overview
Laikipia is private-conservancy Kenya at its purest a working ecosystem where ranches, communities and wildlife share the land. Sirikoi, Lewa Wilderness, Loisaba and Segera Retreat lead the way.
Laikipia at a Glance
- Location
- Central Kenya
- Size
- 9,500 km² (private conservancies)
- Altitude
- 1,500 2,500 m
- Best Time to Visit
- Year-round
Why Visit
Half
of Kenya's black rhino population and all of its Grevy's zebras, protected across a 9,500 km² conservancy mosaic.
One
of the few places in East Africa offering horseback safaris across open savannah.
Pioneering
private rhino conservation at Lewa, Borana and Ol Pejeta.
A
working landscape where ranches, communities and wildlife share the land off-road drives, night drives and walking are all permitted.
Key Attractions
Walking & Horseback Safaris
Laikipia is one of the few places in East Africa where horseback safari is offered a quiet, low-impact way to cross the savannah.
Grevy's Zebra Spotting
The endangered Grevy's zebra has its global stronghold across Laikipia and Samburu distinctive and beautiful.
Top Activities
Stay at Sirikoi
A small, family-run gem inside Lewa personal, authentic, and exceptional in every detail.
Stay at Segera Retreat
An art-filled, sustainability-driven retreat in the heart of Laikipia with private spa villas and the renowned ZEITZ Foundation art collection.
Getting There
Laikipia's conservancies cluster around Nanyuki, at the foot of Mount Kenya. Scheduled and charter flights from Nairobi's Wilson Airport reach Nanyuki or individual conservancy airstrips (Lewa, Loisaba, Segera) in about 45–60 minutes. By road, Nanyuki is approximately 3–4 hours from Nairobi via Nyeri, with a further 30 minutes to 1.5 hours on to individual conservancies depending on location.
Plan Your Journey
Our team handles all logistics airport transfers, cross-border road trips, and charter flights. Reach out and we'll design the smoothest route to suit your itinerary.
ENQUIRE NOWWhere to Stay
LuxuryLewa Wilderness
The original family-run lodge on the Lewa Wildlife Conservancy, offering horseback safaris and access to some of Kenya's best rhino conservation work.
LuxurySirikoi
An intimate, family-run camp inside Lewa personal, authentic and exceptional in every detail.
LuxurySegera Retreat
An art-filled, sustainability-driven retreat with private spa villas and the ZEITZ Foundation art collection.
LuxuryLoisaba
Tented Camp classic tented luxury on the Loisaba Conservancy, with a Star Beds sleepout experience under the open sky.
Mid-RangeElewana Kifaru House
Boutique lodge on the Lewa Wildlife Conservancy, positioned for rhino tracking and Mount Kenya views.
LuxuryLewa Wilderness
The original family-run lodge on the Lewa Wildlife Conservancy, offering horseback safaris and access to some of Kenya's best rhino conservation work.
LuxurySirikoi
An intimate, family-run camp inside Lewa personal, authentic and exceptional in every detail.
LuxurySegera Retreat
An art-filled, sustainability-driven retreat with private spa villas and the ZEITZ Foundation art collection.
LuxuryLoisaba
Tented Camp classic tented luxury on the Loisaba Conservancy, with a Star Beds sleepout experience under the open sky.
Mid-RangeElewana Kifaru House
Boutique lodge on the Lewa Wildlife Conservancy, positioned for rhino tracking and Mount Kenya views.
Practical Information & Travel Tips
- Conservancy Fees
- Conservancy fees are typically bundled into nightly lodge rates rather than charged separately, unlike Kenya's public reserves.
- Altitude & Climate
- Days are warm and nights can be cool given the 1,500–2,500m altitude pack layers for game drives that start before dawn.
- Malaria
- Malaria risk is generally lower than in Kenya's lowland parks due to the altitude, though prophylaxis is still commonly recommended check current guidance with your doctor.
- Recommended Stay
- 3–4 nights allows time to combine game drives with walking, horseback safaris and community conservation visits across more than one conservancy.
Frequently Asked Questions
Laikipia is private a working mosaic of conservancies and ranches rather than a public reserve. Expect off-road driving, night drives, walking, horseriding and a small number of vehicles per sighting. Predators are present but not as densely as the Mara.