Discover Laikipia: Kenya’s Hidden Gem for Game Drives and Rare Night Safaris

When most travelers think of a Kenyan safari, places like the Maasai Mara and Amboseli often top the list. But if you’re looking for something more exclusive, less crowded, and full of surprises, Laikipia is the place to be. Nestled north of Mount Kenya, Laikipia is a conservation success story and a safari destination like no other. It’s a region where wildlife thrives, the landscapes are raw and beautiful, and yes  it’s one of the only places in Africa where you can go on night game drives and possibly spot the elusive black leopard.

Why Choose Laikipia for Your Safari

Laikipia is not your average safari destination. It’s made up of a patchwork of private conservancies, family owned ranches, and community lands that have come together with one mission  protect the wilderness and its wildlife while offering sustainable tourism.

This region is home to some of Kenya’s rarest and most endangered species including the Grevy’s zebra, African wild dog, Jackson’s hartebeest, and reticulated giraffe. Elephant herds roam freely, big cats are spotted regularly, and birdlife is abundant. What sets Laikipia apart isn’t just the wildlife it’s the freedom. With far fewer vehicles on the road, you won’t be jostling for views or sharing sightings with a crowd.

Game Drives with a Twist: Night Safaris in Laikipia

One of the most unique experiences you can have in Laikipia is a night game drive, something rarely allowed in Kenya’s national parks. After dark, the bush comes alive with a completely different cast of characters. With the help of red filtered spotlights, expert guides take you into the wild to track striped hyenas, porcupines, aardwolves, bat eared foxes, and even leopards on the prowl.

The stillness of the night, the sounds of the bush, and the thrill of not knowing what might emerge from the shadows make night drives an unforgettable adventure. It’s not just about what you see  it’s the atmosphere, the anticipation, and the adrenaline.

The Black Leopard of Laikipia: A Living Legend

Perhaps what has brought Laikipia the most global attention in recent years is one of its most mysterious residents the black leopard.

In 2019, wildlife photographer Will Burrard Lucas made headlines worldwide when he captured the first high quality images of a wild black leopard in Africa in over a century. The photos were taken in Laikipia, at Laikipia Wilderness Camp, where sightings of a beautiful melanistic female leopard named Giza meaning “beautiful darkness” in Swahili have become a near legendary experience for travelers and photographers.

Giza and a few other black leopards in the area have become increasingly relaxed around safari vehicles, offering guests rare photographic opportunities, particularly in the early morning and at night. Guests who stay several nights at Laikipia Wilderness Camp often enjoy multiple sightings of Giza, and in some cases, even her cubs.

It’s Not Just About the Drives

Laikipia offers a whole world of adventure beyond the vehicle. Whether you’re walking across open savannah with an experienced guide, tracking wild dogs on foot, or fly camping under the stars, the region invites you to engage with nature in a way few other destinations do.

Want to bike along wildlife trails? Ride camels across remote valleys? Have sundowners by a river bend or dinner by firelight under a sky bursting with stars? All of that is possible here.

And let’s not forget the conservation aspect. Laikipia is a stronghold for community based wildlife protection. Staying at lodges here supports local efforts to protect endangered species, engage with indigenous communities, and maintain balanced ecosystems.

What a 5 Day Stay Could Look Like

Day 1
Arrive in Laikipia. Settle into your lodge and enjoy your first evening game drive.

Day 2
Morning game drive in search of elephants, Grevy’s zebra, and lions. In the evening, head out for your first night drive  keep your eyes peeled for genets and aardwolves.

Day 3
Walking safari followed by an afternoon visit to a local conservation project. In the evening, track leopards as the sun sets.

Day 4
Full day drive with a picnic lunch out in the bush. End your day with another night safari, hopefully catching a glimpse of Giza the black leopard.

Day 5
Enjoy a relaxed morning by the lodge or one last game drive before departure.

Final Thoughts: Is Laikipia Right for You

If you’re looking for a traditional Big Five checklist safari, Laikipia might surprise you. But if you’re after a deeper, more meaningful, and more intimate connection with Kenya’s wildlife, this place delivers on every level. From the rare opportunity to witness a black leopard in the wild, to the thrill of night safaris, and the chance to explore on foot or bike, Laikipia offers a safari that goes beyond the ordinary.

So next time you’re planning your African adventure, consider stepping off the well trodden path and into the wild heart of Laikipia.

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