| Weekend Getaways | Services |
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| Nairobi | ||||
| Mombasa | ||||
| Cities | ||||
| Coast | ||||
| Wilderness | ||||
| Mountains | ||||
| Lakes | ||||
| Forest | ||||
| Desert | ||||
| Kenya Wilderness Laikipia |  |
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 This
spectacular region is considered the gateway to Kenya's wild Northern
frontier country. Wild and sparsely populated, much of Laikipia is
covered by large privately owned ranches. These ranches cover a wide range of landscapes, with high plains and low forested valleys. On most ranches cattle share the land with free ranging wildlife. In recent years this wildlife has become a valuable asset, with many ranches now establishing guest houses, homestays and private camps within their boundaries. This has proven a great success, and many ranches now rely on a thriving tourist trade.  Importantly,
community ranches have also formed. These are sanctuaries created by
local communities, who have combined small scale farms and grazing land
into large group ranches. Once again, the tourist trade has proved
infinitely more profitable than agriculture or herding, and this allows
them to use their traditional lands in a way that is sustainable and
productive. Significantly, they are conserving more than just wildlife,
but also a way of life. These ranches have bolstered a sense of local
identity and strengthened community ties. These community ranches are
the best place in Kenya to learn more about traditional cultures and
their role in modern world. The result is an area of beautiful wilderness, where protected game roams freely and safely. Centred around the original Laikipia National Reserve, this area has become a sanctuary for Elephant, Lion, Leopard, Buffalo, and a wealth of plains game, including many endemic Northern species. Laikipia has become a focus for many conservation efforts, and some ranches have become breeding sanctuaries for Rhinoceros. On Ol Pejeta, a refuge for Chimpanzees rescued from the pet and bush meat trade has been established. Visiting a private ranch in this region is an ideal way of exploring the Kenyan wilderness while getting off the well beaten paths of the National Parks. The real attraction of Laikipia is a wonderful sense of freedom. Not just the freedom of wide open spaces, but freedom of choice. Staying on a private ranch gives a wide range of options for both activities and relaxation. Game viewing tends to be more intimate and adventurous. The emphasis here is on personal services, backed up by excellent local knowledge and guiding. As a personal guest, you will have the chance to set your own schedules, explore at your own pace, and discover the wild in your own way..... Getting there:This area of wilderness is a
sprawling, rather loosely defined area, accessible by road from Nanyuki,
Baringo, Eldoret or Isiolo. It is important to remember that many of the
ranches, and the roads therein, are privately owned. Some ranches allow
day visitors with their own transport, others do not. Visitors should
always make enquiries in advance. If you are visiting a ranch with your
own private transport, ask for directions and preferably a map, in
advance. There are scheduled flights to Lewa Downs in Laikipia, . Many
ranches and sanctuaries have their own airstrips, which can be used by
charter aircraft. Most ranches will arrange to transfer guests directly
by air or road from Nairobi or any other destination, as part of their
service |
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