Significantly known as the most crucial spots for diversity of animals and plants throughout Kenya; animal numbers in the Laikipia region and also Ewaso eco-system presently rank next with the renowned Maasai Mara ecosystem, although the diversity of large mammals is more than in all other part in Kenya.
The Ewaso eco-system hosts the second biggest herd of elephant around Kenya (5,400 of them) at the same time the region hosts the greatest numbers of extinct game in the country. Laikipia supports 7 closely secured rhino sanctuaries, which collectively host over half of Kenya’s black rhino populace.
Laikipia features a unique combination of dry and cooler weather, climatic gradients being prompted by the Mount Kenya along with the Aberdare ranges. There is certainly remarkable variation in rainfall amounts from every year.
Wildlife – The selection of large mammals is without a doubt higher than for any other area with elephant, rhino, Grevy’s zebra, reticulated giraffe, Lelwel hartebeest, wild dog and large numbers of many other significant predators.
Routines – Wildlife associated routines (nighttime and daytime), walking, hiking, fishing, climbing, mountain biking, camel and horseback riding and fly camping.
Access by road from Nairobi, Samburu and Nakuru. Using air travel – Nanyuki airfield will be the centre for booked and charter flights connecting Laikipia and places such as Samburu along with the Masai Mara. Most travel and leisure amenities in the area own exclusive airfields designed for charter flights.
Places to stay – The ranches plus sanctuaries offer an interesting range of overnight accommodation to fit all person tastes and interests. These range from special private camps, guesthouses, homestays plus luxury tented camps.
Laikipia National reserve is found in central Kenya part of the renowned
Masai Mara eco-system
on
Laikipia plateau
with open savannah plains, views of the snow capped Mount Kenya thus provided a scenic wildlife habitat for several mammals.
Part of the reserve falls in the Ewaso River eco-system that holds the second largest population of African elephants in Kenya besides other endangered species like the semi-aquatic sitatunga antelope.
Some of the wildlife in Laikipia Kenya National reserve includes lions, leopard, hippos, buffalos, hyenas, rhino, wild dog, hartebeest, sitatunga, reticulated giraffe, zebras, wildebeest and many other animals. Laikipia National Reserve is home to Black rhino conservation efforts and sanctuary giving home to over half of Kenya’s black rhino populations.
Best Time to Visit
The longest rains fall between March and May then shorter rains start around July and end in September, with cooler temperatures and high winds. The warmest months are December and January, which also have the least rainfall and are surely the best time to visit Laikipia National reserve, go on game drives, hiking, biking and also horse riding. Camping within the park is good around December as well.
Accommodation in Laikipia
There are very many places offering overnight in Laikipia reserve ranging from $25-$690 with incredible Kenya safari facilities and exquisite safari themed accommodation.
Mutamaiyu House
is a ranch offers spectacular views over the Laikipia plains and across the
Mugie Wildlife conservancy
, 6 luxury en suite cottages, terrace bar, restaurant and amazing relaxation for just $345.
Loisaba Lodge
overlooks the plateau with undisturbed views of Mount Kenya, lovely en-suite rooms and verandahs. The lodge is priced at $370 per night. Other forms of accommodation within the park include backpacking, out door camping, private /self catering accommodation and home stays with Samburu and Masai people who live near the reserve.
