A high-altitude plateau of private conservancies, Ol Pejeta, Lewa, Borana, home to the world's last northern white rhinos and some of Africa's most progressive conservation work.
A model for African conservation
The Laikipia Plateau is a 9,500 km² mosaic of private and community conservancies north-west of Mt Kenya. It's become Africa's template for community-led conservation: ranchers, Maasai pastoralists and local communities sharing land with wildlife, and tourism revenue funding it all.
Three flagship conservancies dominate:
Ol Pejeta Conservancy
- Home to the last two northern white rhinos on Earth (mother & daughter, both female)
- East Africa's largest black rhino sanctuary (~140 black rhinos)
- Sweetwaters Chimpanzee Sanctuary, Kenya's only chimps, rescued from the bushmeat trade
- Lion tracking, night drives, walking safaris, behind-the-scenes ranger experiences
Lewa Wildlife Conservancy
- A UNESCO World Heritage Site
- Pioneer of community conservation since 1995
- Strong populations of black & white rhino, elephant, lion, leopard, Grevy's zebra
- Famous Lewa Marathon every June
Borana Conservancy
- Now linked to Lewa via removed fence, Kenya's largest contiguous rhino habitat
- Walking safaris, fly-camping, horseback safaris
Why include Laikipia
- Walking safaris and night drives, usually impossible in national parks
- Almost guaranteed rhino sightings, and the chance to see the last northern whites
- Conservation tourism, your stay directly funds anti-poaching
- Beautiful highland scenery, Mt Kenya as backdrop
Conservancy fees (2026)
Vary by camp; expect USD 90–150 / adult / day on top of accommodation. Most luxury all-inclusive Laikipia stays bundle this in.
