Nanyuki · Kenya
Laikipia and Ol Pejeta
Private conservancies on old ranchland, holding more endangered species than any Kenyan park.
Overview
Laikipia is a plateau of roughly 9,500 square kilometres north-west of Mount Kenya that has become the most interesting conservation story in the country. It contains no national park. Instead, former cattle ranches and community land have been converted into private and community conservancies that now hold Kenya's second-largest wildlife population after the Mara, including around half of the country's black rhino and the largest population of Grevy's zebra and Jackson's hartebeest anywhere. Ol Pejeta is the best known: 360 square kilometres running cattle and wildlife together, home to the world's last two northern white rhinos and to a chimpanzee sanctuary. Lewa, a UNESCO World Heritage site, and Borana next door form another large contiguous block. Because these are private land, the rules that constrain national parks do not apply - night drives, walking safaris, horse riding, mountain biking and tracking on foot with rangers are all normal here, and vehicle numbers are strictly limited.
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Photos of Laikipia and Ol Pejeta
Operators serving Laikipia and Ol Pejeta
Nanyuki · Kenya
Tilman Safaris
Nanyuki · Kenya
Oloerien Guiding Safari Kenya
Nanyuki · Kenya
Jose Safaris & Adventures
Laikipia · Kenya
Loisaba Tented Camp by Elewana
Nanyuki · Kenya
Nanyuki Safari Lodge
Where these are, around Laikipia and Ol Pejeta
19 listings with a mapped location.
Map of 19 listings
- Listed
What Laikipia and Ol Pejeta costs
All-in on the ground, per person per day, excluding international flights. Ranges rather than a single figure, because accommodation and group size move the total more than anything else.
| Style | Per person, per day |
|---|---|
| Camping or budget lodge, shared vehicle | $170 – $250 |
| Mid-range lodge | $250 – $460 |
| Luxury camp, private vehicle | $700 – $1,500 |
Of that, $60 – $110 a day is government fees set by Ol Pejeta and the Laikipia conservancies. Every operator pays the same, so a quote below this floor is not a better deal — it is a different trip.
Add this to a whole-trip estimate
Indicative figures checked for 2026. Park fees are revised annually and some are quoted before VAT — confirm current rates with your operator or the park authority before you book.
When to visit Laikipia and Ol Pejeta
Month by month: wildlife, weather and how busy it gets.
October
Short rains — brief afternoon storms, green landscapes, fewer visitors.
- Wildlife
- Wildlife: 4 / 5
- Weather
- Weather: 4 / 5
- Crowds
- Crowds: 3 / 5
- Rainfall
- 60 mm
- Temperature
- 11–29 °C
Show all twelve monthsHide the full table
| Best time to visit | Wildlife | Weather | Crowds | Rainfall | Temperature |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| JanuaryDry season — good roads, thinner bush, animals gathering at water. | Wildlife: 4 / 5 | Weather: 4 / 5 | Crowds: 3 / 5 | 30 mm | 11–28 °C |
| FebruaryDry season — good roads, thinner bush, animals gathering at water. | Wildlife: 4 / 5 | Weather: 4 / 5 | Crowds: 3 / 5 | 25 mm | 12–29 °C |
| MarchShort rains — brief afternoon storms, green landscapes, fewer visitors. | Wildlife: 4 / 5 | Weather: 3 / 5 | Crowds: 2 / 5 | 70 mm | 12–29 °C |
| AprilWet month — expect rain most days, and lush, difficult country. | Wildlife: 3 / 5 | Weather: 2 / 5 | Crowds: 1 / 5 | 140 mm | 12–27 °C |
| MayShort rains — brief afternoon storms, green landscapes, fewer visitors. | Wildlife: 3 / 5 | Weather: 3 / 5 | Crowds: 1 / 5 | 80 mm | 11–27 °C |
| JunePeak dry season — the best game viewing and the highest prices. | Wildlife: 4 / 5 | Weather: 5 / 5 | Crowds: 3 / 5 | 20 mm | 10–26 °C |
| JulyPeak seasonBlack and white rhino at close range on foot. | Wildlife: 5 / 5 | Weather: 5 / 5 | Crowds: 4 / 5 | 15 mm | 9–25 °C |
| AugustPeak seasonPeak dry season — the best game viewing and the highest prices. | Wildlife: 5 / 5 | Weather: 5 / 5 | Crowds: 4 / 5 | 15 mm | 10–26 °C |
| SeptemberPeak dry season — the best game viewing and the highest prices. | Wildlife: 5 / 5 | Weather: 5 / 5 | Crowds: 4 / 5 | 20 mm | 11–28 °C |
| OctoberShort rains — brief afternoon storms, green landscapes, fewer visitors. | Wildlife: 4 / 5 | Weather: 4 / 5 | Crowds: 3 / 5 | 60 mm | 11–29 °C |
| NovemberWet month — expect rain most days, and lush, difficult country. | Wildlife: 3 / 5 | Weather: 2 / 5 | Crowds: 2 / 5 | 120 mm | 11–27 °C |
| DecemberPeak seasonDry season — good roads, thinner bush, animals gathering at water. | Wildlife: 4 / 5 | Weather: 4 / 5 | Crowds: 3 / 5 | 50 mm | 11–27 °C |