Laikipia is one of those destinations that is truly breathtaking. Acres of wild savannah and acacia set against the backdrop of a vivid African sky gives quite the spectacle. The name itself originates from the Maasai community, meaning the treeless plain. We explore some of our favourite camps in the area for the best of comfort, luxury and the Northern outdoors.
To start off is this unique take on camping thats well-suited for those of us who want to be outdoors but not really outdoors. Sieku is located high on an equatorial bluff offering panoramic views of Mount Kenya, both Lewa and Borana Conservancies, the Lolldaiga Hills and Mathew Range as well as sacred Mount Ololokwe and Mukogodo Forest. You get a little bit of everything!
The camps carefully thought out glamping concept merges the best of both worlds and the result? A comfortable, rustic experience that offers a great alternative to mainstream accommodation options.
Set on 33 acres, Sieku is intimate and perfect for groups of friends and family. A total of five tents; Bell, Touareg and Tipi sleep a maximum of 20 guests and are beautifully furnished with double beds and feather duvets, luxury carpets, bespoke furniture and freshly cut flowers. Each tent has a beautiful, shaded porch with deck chairs, sofas and day pillows, as well as burners that allow you to enjoy the enormous night skies in full privacy and warmth by your own tent and living area.
We spoke about vivid African skies and there is perhaps no better place to experience the magic of a Kenyan night sky than in Loisaba. The sprawling 57,000 acre wildlife conservancy is located further up from Sieku in Northern Laikipia. The name Loisaba is in itself a testament to this destinations enchanting skies. It comes from a Samburu word meaning The Seven Sisters describing the Pleiades constellation.
For centuries, the Samburu have relied on the stars as a map to weather, major events and as a compass on the plains. During the period of your visit, you get to experience the same amidst the comforts of luxury tents, masterfully prepared food and once-in-a-lifetime bush experiences.
While most are familiar with the Loisaba Starbeds, the tented camp is just as worthwhile to visit. All twelve tents within the camp are spacious, airy and custom-designed with large floor-to-ceiling doors and windows, polished wood floors, stylish modern furnishings and wide verandahs. The bathrooms are luxurious with flush toilets, double-basin vanity and solar-heated hot water cascading from a rainfall shower. A perfect stay for honeymoons or lovebirds looking to getaway and try something new.
Home to the last two Northern white rhinos on the planet and many other endangered animals, Ol Pejeta Conservancy is certainly a unique visit as you traverse Laikipia. The Ol Pejeta Bush Camp is located at the heart of the conservancy overlooked by the ragged foothills of Mount Kenya.
Housing seven tents (including one family tent), each tent has an ensuite bathroom with flushing toilets and hot water bucket showers for a more camp-like feel. Beds are snug with extra blankets and a hot-water bottle for the chilly nights. Spacious decks are also part of your tent and provide the perfect sunrise/sunset viewing points.
Najin Fatu | The Two Remaining Northern White Rhinos
For families with children, the camp also offers a splendid Junior Ranger programme. Junior Ranger Packs are available for purchase and include an activity booklet, a box of crayons and five stickers all contained within a very cool Ol Pejeta bag.