Overview
Laikipia is one of Kenya’s most exciting and diverse wildlife destinations, stretching across the vast plateau north of Mount Kenya. Renowned for its pioneering conservancies, intimate wildlife encounters (including black rhino, wild dog, and Grevy’s zebra), strong community partnerships, and variety of landscapes (savanna, forest, rivers), Laikipia is the ultimate “off the beaten track” safari region.
Accommodation ranges from world-class luxury lodges and private houses to eco-camps, mid-range ranches, family-friendly cottages, affordable guesthouses, and adventure camping—offering something for every traveler, group, and budget.
1. Luxury Lodges & Exclusive Safari Houses
These properties offer personalized service, stunning architecture, private guiding, and the highest comfort levels—perfect for special occasions, families, or anyone seeking an extraordinary safari:
- Ol Jogi Private Wildlife Conservancy: Ultra-exclusive villa, 7 suites, pool, spa, private staff, all-inclusive, minimum stay required, celebrity hideaway.
- Ol Malo Lodge & House (Ol Malo Conservancy): Cliffside luxury, infinity pool, private villas, horseback safaris, helicopter excursions.
- Segera Retreat (Segera Conservancy): Award-winning eco-luxury, unique art, villas with plunge pools, spa, gourmet cuisine, conservation focus.
- Loisaba Lodo Springs (Loisaba Conservancy): Lavish tented suites, private butlers, exceptional service, guided walks, camel safaris.
- Lewa Wilderness (Lewa Conservancy): Historic, warm family hospitality, tennis courts, horseback riding, garden-to-table meals, rhino stronghold.
- Arijiju Retreat (Borana Conservancy): One of Africa’s most beautiful private homes, world-class wellness, adventure, and design.
2. Classic & Boutique Safari Camps
Smaller, stylish, and full of safari character—often with a strong eco and community ethos:
- El Karama Lodge (El Karama Ranch): Riverside cottages, farm-to-table food, pool, fantastic guiding, hands-on for kids.
- Sosian Lodge (Sosian Ranch): Original ranch house, cottages, horse safaris, waterfall swimming, fly-camping.
- Ol Pejeta Bush Camp (Ol Pejeta): Authentic tented camp, rhino tracking, community engagement, walking safaris.
- Sabuk Lodge (Laikipia Plateau): Clifftop, open-fronted cottages, camel safaris, fly camping, spectacular scenery.
- Kicheche Laikipia Camp (Ol Pejeta): Intimate eco-camp, excellent guiding, wild dog tracking, conservation projects.
- Laikipia Wilderness Camp: Remote riverside tents, expert guiding (especially for wild dogs), family-friendly.
3. Eco-Lodges & Community-Run Camps
Perfect for those who want to travel responsibly and make a positive impact:
- Il Ngwesi Eco Lodge (Il Ngwesi Group Ranch): Community-owned, award-winning, open-air bandas, infinity pool, wildlife tracking with Maasai guides.
- Tassia Lodge (Lekurruki Conservancy): Perched on a cliff, eco-architecture, breathtaking views, run with Maasai community.
- Ol Gaboli Community Camp: Basic eco-camp on Ewaso Nyiro River, birding, cultural visits.
- Sanctuary Tambarare (Ol Pejeta): Luxury, low-impact tented camp, community-focused activities, walking and cycling.
4. Family & Group-Friendly Options
Perfect for kids, multi-generational groups, or those wanting space, activities, and flexibility:
- El Karama Lodge: Family cottages, children’s bush school, safe grounds, pool.
- Sosian Lodge: Family rooms, kids’ bush activities, swimming, riding.
- Ol Pejeta Bush Camp: Flexible tents for families, children’s safaris.
- Lewa Wilderness: Family cottages, wide range of activities for all ages.
- Loisaba Tented Camp: Family tents, infinity pool, camel rides, mountain biking.
- Ol Malo House: Exclusive use, great for big family groups.
5. Mid-Range Ranches & Safari Camps
Great value, often run by the original settler families or local communities, with authentic ranch or bush-camp atmosphere:
- Mutara Camp (near Ol Pejeta): Tented chalets, pool, sweeping views, mid-range comfort.
- Ol Pejeta Sweetwaters Serena Camp: Large, classic tented camp, watering hole, comfortable, full amenities.
- Borana Lodge: Mid-high end, farm feel, conservation-focused, guided activities.
- Il Ngwesi Eco Lodge: (Also eco/community, above, but priced mid-range.)
6. Budget-Friendly Guesthouses, Bandas & Campsites
Perfect for adventure seekers, solo travelers, overlanders, and students:
- Laikipia Nature Conservancy Campsite: Basic, wild camping, birding, hiking, great value.
- Ol Pejeta Campsites: Several basic campsites, BYO gear, affordable, access to Ol Pejeta activities.
- Soames Hotel & Jack’s Bar (Nanyuki): Modern, comfortable rooms, affordable, popular stop for self-drivers.
- Nanyuki Ibis Hotel: Budget rooms, central, secure parking, good for town stays.
- Le Rustique (Nanyuki): Boutique hotel with budget options, restaurant, garden.
7. Self-Catering Cottages, Private Houses & Airbnb Villas
For independence, privacy, or long stays:
- Ol Pejeta Chimp House, Pelican House: Private self-catering homes inside Ol Pejeta Conservancy, ideal for families or groups.
- El Karama Ranch Cottages: Farmhouse options, self-cater or chef.
- Airbnb/Private rentals: Options around Nanyuki, Timau, and near conservancies for all budgets.
8. Public & Special Campsites
For true wilderness lovers, overlanders, or those seeking a budget adventure:
- Ol Pejeta Public Campsite: Affordable, bring your own gear, firewood and basic facilities.
- Mutara Camp Campsite: Secure, wild, great views.
- Sosian Mobile/Adventure Camping: Set up for walking or horseback safaris.
Laikipia Accommodation Comparison Table
| Property/Category | Location | Type/Style | Price Range (pppn) | Key Features | Family Friendly | Pool | Eco/Ethical | Conservancy Access |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ol Jogi Private Villa | Ol Jogi Conservancy | Ultra-Luxury House | $3,000+ (villa) | Exclusive, private, spa | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Segera Retreat | Segera Conservancy | Luxury Lodge | $1,500–$2,500 | Villas, art, spa, eco | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Ol Malo Lodge/House | Ol Malo Conservancy | Luxury Lodge/House | $800–$1,800 | Cliffside, horses, private | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Lewa Wilderness | Lewa Conservancy | Classic Lodge | $700–$1,400 | History, rhino, activities | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Loisaba Lodo Springs | Loisaba Conservancy | Luxury Tented Lodge | $1,000–$1,600 | Lavish tents, private guides | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| El Karama Lodge | El Karama Ranch | Boutique Eco-Lodge | $350–$800 | Riverside, farm, family pool | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Ol Pejeta Bush Camp | Ol Pejeta Conservancy | Classic Tented Camp | $350–$650 | Walking, rhino, family tents | Yes | No | Yes | Yes |
| Kicheche Laikipia Camp | Ol Pejeta Conservancy | Eco-Tented Camp | $500–$900 | Wild dogs, conservation | Yes | No | Yes | Yes |
| Il Ngwesi Eco Lodge | Il Ngwesi Group Ranch | Community Eco-Lodge | $150–$300 | Maasai, community, wildlife | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Mutara Camp | Mutara Conservancy | Mid-Range Camp | $200–$350 | Tented chalets, pool, views | Yes | Yes | Some | Yes |
| Soames Hotel & Jack’s Bar | Nanyuki | Budget Hotel | $50–$100 | Modern, great food, secure | Yes | No | Some | No |
| Ol Pejeta Campsite | Ol Pejeta Conservancy | Campsite | $15–$30 | Basic, wild, affordable | Yes | No | Yes | Yes |
| Laikipia Nature Cons. | Laikipia North | Campsite | $10–$20 | Wild, hiking, birding | Yes | No | Yes | Yes |
| Airbnb/Private Rentals | Nanyuki/Timau/Various | Private Home/Villa | $40–$300 | Self-cater, privacy, variety | Yes | Some | Some | Some |
*pppn = per person per night. Prices are estimates and vary by season, exclusivity, and occupancy.
Conclusion
Laikipia’s remarkable range of accommodations—exclusive villas, authentic safari camps, family ranches, eco-lodges, and wild campsites—lets every traveler find their ideal base. Whether you crave wild luxury, conservation impact, family adventure, or affordable discovery, you’ll experience some of Kenya’s best guiding, community engagement, and wildlife viewing.