Laikipia

Visit the cradle of civilization as it was before man intruded on the scene. On the Northern slopes of Mount Kenya, one explores limitless vistas punctuated by trumpeting elephants, gentle giraffe and grazing rhino as they engage in the timeless battle of survival of the fittest. The scenic Laikipia plateau gives way to wooded gorges and interwoven ravines, which are home to more endangered species than anywhere else in East Africa.

Laikipia is as remote and untouched as it was at the beginning of time providing a glimpse of nature at its most profoundly raw state. Within the region, the Lewa Wildlife Conservancy and Borana Ranch offer exclusive, fully immersive platforms from which to base exploration into the wild. In creating the “Lion King” animators found their inspiration from the grounds of Borana Ranch; it is the essence of African wilderness. Turning toward camp after a day in the field, look back to find that nothing has changed – your presence was noticed, but the creatures have now forgotten as the ancient cycle continues.

Borana Ranch, Lewa Conservancy, the Ngare Ndare Forest Reserve and the Il Ngwesi and Lekerruki Group Ranches share a joint conservation management policy. This shared enterprise covers an area of about a quarter of a million acres. There are over 3,000 elephants in the Laikipia area, which roam freely over these lands. The Lewa Wildlife Conservancy is a 62,000 acre wildlife sanctuary made up of rolling hills and grasslands on the northern slopes of Mt Kenya. It consists of five extremely diverse ecosystems: Open savannah, acacia forest, rocky gorges and ravines, mountain forest and, the backbone, the Lewa swamp. Borana Ranch shares a border with Lewa, adding another 35,000 acres of rugged peaks and valleys, ranging from 4000 to 10000 feet.

These ecosystems support over 440 species of birds and more than 61 different mammals, including some rather rare, exotic and endangered ones. Laikipia is one of the last refuges of endangered black rhino and Lewa now holds 52 black and 48 white rhino. The Wildlife Conservatory also is home to an ever-increasing population of reticulated giraffe, 25% of the worlds remaining Grevy’s zebra population, the rare sitatunga and a pack of elusive wild dogs.

Your EpicQuest adventure may take you to Laikipia from a number of points in East Africa. If you are arriving in Kenya and going directly to Laikipia, you will be met at the jet way of your international flight upon arrival in Nairobi. Ease through a private immigration and customs process, before transferring to a city hotel or your next flight onward. Whether starting in Nairobi or other parts of Kenya, your EpicQuest guide will join you on a chartered flight into either the Lewa Downs or Borana airstrip. This flight into the northern Kenyan highlands will be your first opportunity to spot thundering herds of elephant and loping giraffe.

Kenya offers warm, dry days with cool early mornings and evenings. East Africa's climate is reliant on the altitude. Laikipia accommodations are situated 4,500 to 6,500 feet (1,400-2,000 meters) above sea level. Even though the region is a mere 16 miles from the equator, the region offers temperate temperatures year round, with warm sunny days and cool nights. During the long and short rains of May and November, EpicQuest does not run trips to the region. Clothing should be light for the day and warm for the evenings, when bush dinners and night game drives are always an option. A windbreaker or fleece is essential, as are good walking shoes.

Laikipia is above the malarial line, so risks from mosquito bites are low.