Laikipia is Kenya's second-largest wildlife area. It receives a fraction of the Mara's visitors. The conservancies here — Borana, Lewa, Ol Malo, Mugie — were built by families who have lived on this land for generations. The access is different. The experience is different.
The wildlife in the north is unlike anything in the southern parks: Grevy's zebra (the rarest zebra on earth), reticulated giraffe with their geometric coats, Beisa oryx, Somali ostrich. The landscape is semi-arid, dramatic, ancient. Night game drives are standard. Walking safaris with armed scouts are a daily option.
Samburu, three hours north of Laikipia, sits on the Ewaso Nyiro river — the only permanent water in the region. Elephant, lion, leopard and the Samburu Special Five concentrated along the riverbank.
Sample itinerary
Laikipia Plateau · Private conservancy
Night drives, walking safaris, horse riding. Grevy's zebra and reticulated giraffe on open plains.
Samburu · Riverine camps
Ewaso Nyiro river camps. Elephant crossings daily. Leopard density among the highest in Kenya.
Mathews Range · Optional
Remote forest camp. Elephant in montane forest. Almost no visitors. For those who want genuine wilderness.
Who this journey is for
Returning safari travellers who have done the Mara and want to understand what Kenya is beyond the famous parks. Also excellent for photographers — the light in the north is extraordinary, and private vehicle access means you set your own schedule.
What Elea does here
The best conservancy camps in Laikipia do not take bookings through the main platforms. They operate on personal relationships. Jacob has been working with three of the founding families here for over fifteen years.
Jacob responds within 24 hours.
Field intelligence
Grevy's zebra
Best population globally — Laikipia and Samburu
Night drives
Permitted in all private conservancies · Not in national reserves
Walking safaris
Available across Laikipia with armed Samburu scouts
Season
Year-round · Avoid April–May (long rains)
Crowd level
Very low — private conservancies have vehicle exclusivity
Combine with
Mara (south) or coast for a complete Kenya circuit