Set against the backdrop of majestic Mount Kenya, Laikipia encapsulates so much of what is good about modern conservation and offers some of the best wildlife viewing in the country.
The vast Laikipia plateau extends from the lush foothills of Mount Kenya to the Great Rift Valley, covering an area roughly the size of Wales
A bastion of biodiversity at the forefront of Kenya's conservation efforts, with more endangered animals than anywhere else in the country
Home to half of Kenya’s black rhinos and half the world's Grevy's zebras
Opportunities to see some of Kenya's last remaining African wild dogs and maybe even a rare black leopard
Activities include day and night game drives, horse riding, camel trekking and guided walks
Overview
With wildlife densities second only to those found in the Masai Mara, Laikipia is a bastion of biodiversity and has become one of the country’s most important areas for conservation. Extending over a vast 9,500 square kilometres, its semi-arid plains and acacia-covered hills comprise a patchwork of tribal lands, privately owned ranches, wildlife conservancies and small-scale farms. A number of conservancies in particular stand out. Ol Pejeta is home to the largest black rhino population in East Africa, as well as two of the world’s last remaining northern white rhinos. It also offers chances to track lions at night using radio receivers and boasts a chimpanzee sanctuary for orphaned and abused chimps from West and Central Africa. Both black and white rhinos are likewise a draw at the Lewa Wildlife Conservancy, which also provides a refuge to all the Big Five and around 20% of the world’s Grevy’s zebras. The family-run Solio Game Reserve is another breeding centre for black rhinos and is beautiful of itself. As is Segera Ranch, whose broad savannahs – cut through with river valleys and riverine woodland – embody the Laikipia landscape. Though a working cattle ranch, wildlife is prolific here, with everything from big cats, buffalo and elephant to Grevy’s zebra and reticulated giraffe. It’s a similar story at Borana Conservancy, where guests can gallop on horseback beside herds of giraffe and may even cross paths with rare African wild dogs.
Laikipia is also home to some of Kenya’s most exclusive and authentic lodges, which offer all manner of memorable experiences, from night drives and walking safaris to horse riding and camel trekking. And unlike in Kenya’s national parks, where off-road driving is prohibited, Laikipia’s guides delight in taking visitors almost within touching distance of the region’s fabled wildlife.
When to visit
Best
Good
Varied
January
27ºC
Maximum Tempurature
10ºC
Minimum Tempurature
55mm
Average Rainfall
January is the height of the summer season and falls into the 'short dry season'. It's an excellent time to visit pretty much all of Kenya’s parks and reserves, with warm temperatures and short grasses making for excellent game viewing, with opportunities to spot newborn animals and the hungry predators that watch them with intent. Birdwatching is spectacular with many migratory species present. Although days are hot, evenings and early mornings can be cool, so layers are recommended. Mount Kenya can be climbed year round, though January is considered one of the best months to scale Africa’s second-highest peak.
February
27ºC
Maximum Tempurature
10ºC
Minimum Tempurature
42mm
Average Rainfall
February falls well into the short dry season with hot, dry and clear days with just the odd shower. It's an excellent time to visit pretty much all of Kenya’s parks and reserves, with warm temperatures and short grasses making for excellent game viewing, with opportunities to spot newborn animals and the hungry predators that watch them with intent. Birdwatching is spectacular with many migratory species present. Although days are hot, evenings and early mornings can be cool, so layers are recommended. Mount Kenya can be climbed year round, however February is considered one of the best months to scale Africa’s second-highest peak.
March
28ºC
Maximum Tempurature
11ºC
Minimum Tempurature
95mm
Average Rainfall
For most of March, days are warm and dry, however Kenya is approaching the 'long rains' so more rainfall is to be expected. Overall it's an excellent time to visit pretty much all of Kenya’s parks and reserves, with warm temperatures and short grasses making for excellent game viewing and good opportunities to spot newborn animals and the hungry predators that stalk them with intent. Birdwatching is spectacular with many migratory species present. Although days are hot, evenings and early mornings can be cool so layers are recommended. Mount Kenya can be climbed year round, however March is considered one of the best months to scale Africa’s second-highest peak.
April
27ºC
Maximum Tempurature
11ºC
Minimum Tempurature
123mm
Average Rainfall
April heralds the start of the green season and the beginning of the 'long rains', which bring an explosion of greenery and a drop in temperatures, especially in the evenings. The increased rainfall results in more water sources, which combined with thicker vegetation can make wildlife viewing more challenging. However, with careful planning this is still an excellent time to visit: the landscape is lush and bright and there is hardly anyone else around. It's an especially good time for photographers to visit, thanks to the vivid colours, dramatic skies and excellent air clarity.
May
27ºC
Maximum Tempurature
11ºC
Minimum Tempurature
120mm
Average Rainfall
May is characterised by the long rains. Vegetation is thick and tracks and dirt roads in the conservancies can become quite muddy. Days are warm and wet with cool evenings, when layers are recommended. The increased rainfall results in more water sources, which combined with thicker vegetation can make wildlife viewing more challenging. However, with careful planning this is still an excellent time to visit: the landscape is lush and bright and there is hardly anyone else around. It's an especially good time for photographers to visit, thanks to the vivid colours, dramatic skies and excellent air clarity.
June
20ºC
Maximum Tempurature
26ºC
Minimum Tempurature
10mm
Average Rainfall
Dry weather for the most part returns to Kenya in June, though there may still be some light showers. Days are clear and sunny with low humidity and evenings can be cool, so layers are recommended. The grasses and vegetation are still verdant after the rains making some wildlife viewing a bit more difficult. However, as water sources start to dissipate animals begin to congregate around rivers and water holes, making them easier to spot.
July
26ºC
Maximum Tempurature
10ºC
Minimum Tempurature
20mm
Average Rainfall
Winter continues through July with warm dry days and very little rain, though nights and early mornings can be chilly. There is also the wind chill to consider when in an open safari vehicle, so plenty of layers are recommended. Shrinking water sources and thinning vegetation make wildlife viewing easier. July is also a good time to climb Mount Kenya.
August
27ºC
Maximum Tempurature
10ºC
Minimum Tempurature
25mm
Average Rainfall
August is the last month of winter in Kenya. Days are pleasantly warm with very little rain while nights and early mornings can be chilly. There is also the wind chill to consider when in an open safari vehicle, so plenty of layers are recommended. Shrinking water sources and thinning vegetation make wildlife viewing easier. August is also a good time to climb Mount Kenya.
September
28ºC
Maximum Tempurature
10ºC
Minimum Tempurature
30mm
Average Rainfall
Temperatures start to increase as Kenya moves out of its winter. Days are warm and clear with little chance of rain, though early mornings and evenings can be chilly. There is also the wind chill to consider when in an open safari vehicle, so plenty of layers are recommended. The dry conditions and limited water sources make for excellent game viewing. September is also a good month to climb Mount Kenya.
October
28ºC
Maximum Tempurature
11ºC
Minimum Tempurature
35mm
Average Rainfall
October is the last month of the dry season before the short rains start in November. Temperatures are on the rise and days are warm and clear with little chance of rain, though early mornings and evenings can still be chilly. There is also the wind chill to consider when in an open safari vehicle, so layers are recommended. The dry conditions and limited water sources make for excellent game viewing and fewer visitors ensure a more private safari experience. Many migrant bird species start to arrive from Europe.
November
28ºC
Maximum Tempurature
11ºC
Minimum Tempurature
105mm
Average Rainfall
November sees the start of the short rains, bringing with it a return to green and lush landscapes. Wildlife viewing becomes a bit more challenging with the thickening of vegetation and more surface water, and there are lots of newborn animals around. Days are hot with cooler evenings and mornings. The birdlife is brilliant with many migrant species present.
December
28ºC
Maximum Tempurature
17ºC
Minimum Tempurature
80mm
Average Rainfall
By mid December the short rains have ended for the most part and the country tends to be sunny and dry, with lush landscapes following the short rains in November. Days are hot and humid, with early mornings and evenings slightly cooler. Wildlife viewing is a bit challenging due to the thicker vegetation. The birdlife is brilliant with many migrant species present.