Overview

Laikipia Plateau is one of the most wonderful and interesting destinations in Kenya. It is a must-have in your itinerary. It stretches from the slopes of the highest mountain in Kenya, Mt Kenya. Then, it extends over 9,500 sq. km to the edge of the Great Rift Valley.  This mid-altitude plateau is a patchwork of ranches and conservancies. It is home to indigenous communities such as Samburu and Maasai. It is also rich in wildlife. It is the best destination for wildlife viewing and enjoying beautiful views.

Wildlife

Laikipia Plateau is one of the best destinations for wildlife viewing. It is home to many species of wild animals. It is not a national park where you view animals from one protected area. It is made up of several ranches and conservancies where animals roam freely. Every ranch offers a unique wildlife experience.

At Lewa Wilderness Conservancy, there is a strong population of black and white rhinos. Other common animals in the conservancy are zebras, giraffes, wild dogs, lions, and elephants. It is also home to over 400 bird species.

Ol Pajeta Conservancy offers another unique safari experience. It is home to the northern white rhinos. It has a rhino sanctuary that is home to about 149 black rhinos. Sweetwaters Chimpanzee Sanctuary is home to chimps. You can find other primates. The conservancies are home to many other species. Some of these include elephants, lions, leopards, cheetahs, zebras, and wildebeests among others.

Laikipia Plateau has several other conservancies. They all offer great opportunities for viewing wildlife. The Big Five are present in abundance. Other species recorded in Africa are also common in this great destination.

Climate

Laikipia Plateau is temperate and cool. Temperatures don’t change much across the year. This is because it is close to the equator. Temperatures are in the twenties during the daytime. At night, it cools off.

The dry season is between June and September. It is mostly sunny. On average, temperatures are around 26°C. Early mornings can be as cold as 10°C. The nights are also cool. For early morning drives, you may need warm clothing.

The wet season is between October and May. But it is interrupted between December and February. The plateau experiences short rains from October to November. Long rains are experienced between March and May.

Scenery

Laikipia Plateau has stunning scenery. The interlocking ranches give it a great view. Other features that improve the view are the rolling red plains, Mount Kenya, and the Aberdare ranges. Rivers Ewaso Narok and Ewaso Nyiro cut through the plateau. The plateau also features stunning lodges.

Local people

Laikipia is home to indigenous communities including Samburu and Maasai. These communities have lovely and unique cultures. Tourists visit them in their villages to learn more about African cultures. It is a great opportunity to learn about indigenous clothing, food, and entertainment.

FAQs About Laikipia Plateau

• Where is Laikipia Plateau located?

Laikipia Plateau is located in Laikipia County of Kenya. It borders Baringo, Samburu, Nyeri, and Nyandarua counties. It stretches from the foothills of Mount Kenya to Lake Baringo. It is located about 260 km north of Nairobi.  It takes about seven hours to drive to the destination from Nairobi. The GPS coordinates are; Longitude 36. 7667 and Latitude 0.3333.

• What activities are done in Laikipia Plateau?

Wildlife viewing is the most common activity. Laikipia is a perfect destination for viewing the Big Five, endangered animals, and other wild animals. You can enjoy lion tracking in conservancies such as Ol Pajeta. Other common activities include guided nature walks, horse riding, and bird watching.

• When is the best time to visit Laikipia Plateau?

You can enjoy a Laikipia Plateau safari at any time across the year. But the best time is during the dry season. June to September and December to February are the best for spotting wildlife. A Laikipia Plateau safari is more enjoyable during this period.