Laikipia County Attractions: Best Places to Visit and Things to Do in Laikipia, Kenya
Laikipia County is one of Kenya’s most diverse safari and conservation destinations, offering a unique blend of wildlife, dramatic landscapes, indigenous forests and exclusive conservancies. Located in the foothills of Mount Kenya, the region is home to some of the country’s most important wildlife areas, including Ol Pejeta Conservancy and Lewa Wildlife Conservancy.
Visitors can enjoy a wide range of experiences, from traditional game drives and rhino conservation encounters to walking, horseback and camel safaris, forest adventures and Mount Kenya trekking. Attractions such as Ngare Ndare Forest, Ol Jogi Wildlife Conservancy and the Sirimon Route further add to the region's appeal.
Known for its commitment to wildlife conservation and sustainable tourism, Laikipia offers an authentic safari experience for luxury travelers, families, adventure seekers and nature lovers.
Laikipia County is one of Kenya's leading safari, wildlife and conservation destinations. Located in the foothills of Mount Kenya, the county offers a remarkable combination of private conservancies, wildlife-rich landscapes, indigenous forests, dramatic river valleys and outdoor adventure experiences.
Unlike a traditional safari destination centred around one national park, Laikipia is made up of a network of private and community conservancies where wildlife conservation, tourism, livestock farming and community development coexist.
Visitors can enjoy classic game drives, walking safaris, horseback and camel safaris, birdwatching, mountain trekking and cultural experiences. Laikipia is also an important refuge for endangered wildlife, including black rhinos, Grevy's zebras, reticulated giraffes, African wild dogs and elephants.
Whether you are planning a luxury safari, family holiday, adventure trip or conservation-focused experience, Laikipia offers a quieter and more diverse alternative to Kenya's traditional safari destinations.
What Are the Best Attractions in Laikipia County?
The top attractions and places to visit in Laikipia County include:
- Ol Pejeta Conservancy
- Lewa Wildlife Conservancy
- Ngare Ndare Forest
- Mount Kenya National Park and the Sirimon Route
- Ol Jogi Wildlife Conservancy
- Mount Kenya Wildlife Conservancy and Animal Orphanage
- Old Moses Camp and Sirimon Gate
1. Ol Pejeta Conservancy: The Leading Wildlife Attraction in Laikipia
Why Visit Ol Pejeta Conservancy?
Ol Pejeta Conservancy is one of the most popular safari destinations in Laikipia County. Located between the foothills of Mount Kenya and the Aberdare ecosystem near Nanyuki, it combines exceptional wildlife viewing with globally important conservation work.
The conservancy is particularly famous for protecting the world's last two northern white rhinos, maintaining a major black rhino sanctuary and hosting Kenya's only chimpanzee sanctuary. It is also home to the Big Five and a wide range of other wildlife species.
Official visitor information also highlights Ol Pejeta's year-round accessibility, game drives, tracking experiences and conservation encounters.
Wildlife in Ol Pejeta Conservancy
Ol Pejeta supports an impressive variety of wildlife, including:
- African elephants
- Black and white rhinos
- Northern white rhinos
- Lions
- Leopards
- African buffalo
- Cheetahs
- Spotted hyenas
- Grevy's zebras
- Reticulated giraffes
- Elands
- Jackson's hartebeests
- Impalas
- Waterbucks
- Warthogs
- More than 300 recorded bird species
Sweetwaters Chimpanzee Sanctuary
One of the most unique experiences in Ol Pejeta is visiting the Sweetwaters Chimpanzee Sanctuary. The sanctuary provides lifelong care for rescued chimpanzees and gives visitors the opportunity to learn more about wildlife rescue, rehabilitation and conservation.
Things to Do in Ol Pejeta
Visitors can enjoy:
- Guided game drives
- Night game drives
- Guided bush walks
- Lion tracking, subject to availability
- Northern white rhino visits
- Chimpanzee sanctuary tours
- Birdwatching
- Wildlife photography
- Educational and junior ranger programmes
Best Time to Visit Ol Pejeta Conservancy
Ol Pejeta can be visited throughout the year. Wildlife viewing is generally excellent during the drier months, while the rainy seasons bring greener landscapes and rewarding birdwatching opportunities.
2. Lewa Wildlife Conservancy: Luxury Safari and Conservation in Laikipia
What Makes Lewa Wildlife Conservancy Special?
Lewa Wildlife Conservancy is one of Kenya's most respected conservation areas. Located in eastern Laikipia at the foothills of Mount Kenya, Lewa is internationally recognised for wildlife conservation, sustainable tourism and community development.
The conservancy is particularly important for the protection of endangered rhinos and Grevy's zebras. It also offers exclusive safari experiences with relatively low visitor numbers, making it ideal for travelers seeking a more private and personalised safari.
Wildlife in Lewa Conservancy
Lewa is home to:
- Black rhinos
- White rhinos
- African elephants
- Lions
- Leopards
- Cheetahs
- Grevy's zebras
- Plains zebras
- Reticulated giraffes
- African buffalo
- Elands
- Waterbucks
- Impalas
- Bushbucks
- Warthogs
The conservancy also supports more than 450 recorded bird species.
Things to Do in Lewa Wildlife Conservancy
Popular activities include:
- Morning and afternoon game drives
- Guided walking safaris
- Horseback safaris
- Camel safaris
- Birdwatching
- Wildlife photography
- Community visits
- Conservation and educational tours
Luxury Accommodation in Lewa
Lewa offers a selection of exclusive safari camps and lodges. Popular accommodation options mentioned in the original guide include:
- Lewa Safari Camp
- Lewa Wilderness
- Sirikoi Lodge
Best Time to Visit Lewa
Lewa Wildlife Conservancy is accessible throughout the year. The dry seasons generally provide excellent wildlife viewing, while the rainy months transform the landscape into a greener environment and attract migratory birds.
3. Ngare Ndare Forest: Blue Pools, Canopy Walk and Adventure
Why Visit Ngare Ndare Forest?
Ngare Ndare Forest offers a completely different experience from the open savannah landscapes of Laikipia's conservancies. This indigenous forest is located near the foothills of Mount Kenya and forms an important ecological corridor connecting Mount Kenya Forest Reserve with Lewa Wildlife Conservancy.
It is one of the best destinations in Laikipia for travelers looking for nature walks, forest adventures and scenic photography.
Top Attractions in Ngare Ndare Forest
The forest is famous for:
- Crystal-clear blue pools
- Seasonal waterfalls
- Ancient indigenous trees
- A suspended forest canopy walkway
- Rich birdlife
- Wildlife corridors used by elephants
The forest's combination of hiking, swimming and canopy experiences makes it a distinctive attraction within the wider Laikipia region.
The Famous Blue Pools
Ngare Ndare's natural blue pools are among its most photographed attractions. The pools are fed by clear streams originating from Mount Kenya and flow through the forest landscape.
Wildlife and Birdlife
Wildlife found within the forest includes elephants, colobus monkeys, blue monkeys, bushbucks, giant forest hogs and numerous bird species. Leopards and hyenas may also occasionally be sighted.
Things to Do in Ngare Ndare Forest
Visitors can enjoy:
- Guided forest walks
- Hiking
- Swimming in designated areas
- Birdwatching
- Wildlife photography
- Nature interpretation
- Picnicking
The forest's canopy walk and natural pools are among the experiences that distinguish Ngare Ndare from traditional safari destinations.
4. Mount Kenya National Park: Exploring the Sirimon Route from Laikipia
Can You Visit Mount Kenya from Laikipia?
Yes. Laikipia provides an important gateway to Mount Kenya, particularly through the Sirimon Route and Sirimon Gate. The route is popular for its scenic landscapes, gradual ascent and diverse environments.
Mount Kenya is Africa's second-highest mountain and one of Kenya's most important natural landmarks. The national park protects unique ecosystems ranging from montane forests to Afro-alpine landscapes.
Why Visit Mount Kenya?
Mount Kenya is renowned for:
- Africa's second-highest mountain
- UNESCO World Heritage status
- Unique Afro-alpine ecosystems
- Spectacular valleys and peaks
- Trekking and climbing opportunities
- Exceptional scenery and photography
Things to Do on the Sirimon Route
Activities include:
- Mountain climbing
- Multi-day trekking
- Guided nature walks
- Camping
- Birdwatching
- Wildlife viewing
- Landscape photography
- Sunrise and sunset viewing
Best Time to Visit Mount Kenya
The drier months generally provide clearer skies and more favourable trail conditions for trekking and climbing.
5. Ol Jogi Wildlife Conservancy: Private Wildlife and Rhino Conservation
About Ol Jogi Wildlife Conservancy
Ol Jogi Wildlife Conservancy is a privately managed conservation area in central Laikipia. The conservancy is dedicated to wildlife protection, habitat restoration and scientific conservation programmes.
Because visitor access is more limited than in many public wildlife areas, Ol Jogi provides a more exclusive and conservation-focused environment.
Wildlife and Activities
Ol Jogi supports wildlife including black and white rhinos, elephants, lions, leopards, cheetahs, buffaloes, giraffes and various antelope species.
Where visitor access is permitted, activities may include guided game drives, wildlife photography, birdwatching and conservation education.
6. Mount Kenya Wildlife Conservancy and Animal Orphanage
A Family-Friendly Wildlife Experience Near Nanyuki
Located near Nanyuki, Mount Kenya Wildlife Conservancy is an important wildlife rescue and rehabilitation centre. It provides care for orphaned, injured, abandoned and confiscated wild animals that cannot safely return to the wild.
The conservancy provides an educational experience for families, students and visitors interested in wildlife conservation.
Animals You May See
Visitors may observe:
- Lions
- Leopards
- Cheetahs
- Hyenas
- Monkeys
- Baboons
- Crocodiles
- Tortoises
- Various bird species
- Antelopes
Things to Do
Visitors can enjoy guided educational tours, animal viewing, photography and wildlife conservation learning experiences.
7. Old Moses Camp and Sirimon Gate
Gateway to Mount Kenya Adventures
Old Moses Camp, also known as Judmeier Camp, is an important stop for trekkers using the Sirimon Route to climb Mount Kenya. Located at a high elevation within the mountain environment, the camp provides a base for acclimatisation before continuing to higher altitudes.
Surrounded by mountain scenery and moorland vegetation, it offers visitors an opportunity to experience the unique environment of Mount Kenya.
Things to Do Around Old Moses Camp
Visitors can enjoy:
- Mountain trekking
- Nature walks
- Birdwatching
- Camping
- Landscape photography
- Stargazing
What Are the Best Things to Do in Laikipia County?
Laikipia offers experiences for different types of travelers. The most popular activities include:
Wildlife Safaris
Explore wildlife-rich conservancies through guided game drives and experience some of Kenya's most important conservation landscapes.
Rhino Conservation Experiences
Visit areas known for protecting endangered rhinos and learn about Kenya's conservation efforts.
Walking Safaris
Experience the African wilderness on foot with professional guides and learn about wildlife, tracks, plants and ecosystems.
Horseback and Camel Safaris
Enjoy a different perspective of Laikipia's landscapes through horseback or camel safari experiences.
Forest Adventures
Visit Ngare Ndare Forest for hiking, nature walks, blue pools and a canopy walk.
Mount Kenya Trekking
Take on a day hike or multi-day trekking adventure through the Sirimon Route.
Birdwatching and Photography
Laikipia's varied habitats support rich birdlife and provide exceptional opportunities for wildlife and landscape photography.
Best Time to Visit Laikipia County
Laikipia can be visited throughout the year, with each season offering a different experience.
The drier periods are generally popular for wildlife viewing and outdoor activities, while the rainy seasons bring greener landscapes and rewarding birdwatching opportunities. Individual destinations may have different conditions, particularly for forest walks and Mount Kenya trekking.
Who Should Visit Laikipia?
Laikipia is an excellent destination for:
- First-time safari travelers
- Luxury safari travelers
- Wildlife photographers
- Families
- Couples and honeymooners
- Adventure travelers
- Birdwatchers
- Conservation enthusiasts
- Mount Kenya trekkers
- Travelers looking for quieter safari experiences
Frequently Asked Questions About Laikipia County
What is Laikipia County famous for?
Laikipia County is famous for its private and community conservancies, rhino conservation, wildlife safaris, Mount Kenya landscapes and unique experiences such as walking, horseback and camel safaris.
Which is the best conservancy in Laikipia?
Ol Pejeta and Lewa Wildlife Conservancy are among the best-known attractions. Ol Pejeta is particularly popular for its rhinos, Big Five and chimpanzee sanctuary, while Lewa is renowned for conservation and exclusive safari experiences.
Can you see the Big Five in Laikipia?
Yes. Ol Pejeta Conservancy supports the Big Five, while several other conservation areas in Laikipia also provide excellent wildlife viewing opportunities.
Is Laikipia good for a luxury safari?
Yes. Laikipia offers exclusive conservancies and luxury lodges that provide personalised safari experiences, often with fewer visitors than Kenya's larger national parks.
How many days do you need in Laikipia?
A stay of three to five days allows travelers to experience major attractions such as Ol Pejeta, Lewa, Ngare Ndare Forest and Mount Kenya. Longer stays can include additional conservancies and specialised safari experiences.
Why Visit Laikipia County?
Laikipia is more than a traditional safari destination. It is a diverse landscape where wildlife conservation, local communities, adventure and luxury tourism come together.
From seeing endangered rhinos in Ol Pejeta and exploring the wildlife-rich plains of Lewa to walking through Ngare Ndare Forest and trekking on Mount Kenya, the county offers a wide range of experiences within one region.
For travelers looking for an authentic and diverse Kenya safari, Laikipia County remains one of the country's most rewarding destinations. Its combination of internationally recognised conservancies, indigenous forests and access to Mount Kenya makes it suitable for both domestic and international travelers.