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 are more than enough to stun even the most seasoned traveller, if just for a moment. The name itself originates from the Maasai community who call this scenic terrain their home- Laikipia, ‘the treeless plain’. We explore some of our favourite camps in the area for the best of comfort, luxury and the Northern outdoors.
1. Sieku Glamping
To start off is this unique take on camping that’s 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. So you get a little bit of everything.
The camp’s carefully thought out ‘glamping’ concept merges the best of both worlds. Bringing together upmarket finery and the charming simplicities of classic camping. The result? A comfortable, rustic experience that offers a great alternative to mainstream accommodation options.
Set on 33 acres of family-owned land, 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.
As for showers, we promise you won’t have to take a dip in the nearby dam as the camp is fitted with gorgeous outdoor bathrooms stocked with artisanally made ‘Cinnabar Green’ products handcrafted from all the best local ingredients
Lastly, whether you simply want to sit by the fire and play games and bond as a group or go out exploring, Sieku offers plenty. Two living areas in the form of a safari mess tent and wooden cabin provide a lovely space to just kick back, relax or cook (meals can be on full-board, hire-in chef or self-catering basis).
For those looking to venture out, Laikipia is a treasure trove of activity. From canopy walks, to swims in azure pools under waterfalls, game drives and sundowners at secret spots, there’s more than enough to choose from. Need a list? Check out our favourite things to do nearby.
View the Property | Sieku Glamping
2. Loisaba Tented Camp
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 destination’s 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.
Wile your days away on the deck outlooking the picturesque landscape or lounge by the pool with a glass of wine. Loisaba Tented Camp offers the perfect getaway from the ‘busies’ of daily life. If you’re more keen on exploring, you’re free to choose from the myriad of curated experiences. Camel safaris, fishing, horse-riding, Samburu cultural visits and anti-poaching sessions are just but a few of what the great North has to offer.
View the Property | Loisaba Tented Camp
3. Ol Pejeta Bush Camp
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.
The terrain ranges from marshland and savannah to thickets of acacias and yellow-green fever trees. 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.
Set in one of the most renowned conservancies in the country, the camp provides the perfect base to learn more about conservation in the region as well as contribute yourself. Guests get the unique experience to go lion-tracking for instance if they choose. Several lions on the conservancy have been fitted with radio collars and you can learn how to track them with the researchers with a special tracking device.
When you locate a pride, you will learn how to identify the individuals by notches on their ears, whisker patterns and other distinguishing marks, and all data is passed to the Ol Pejeta Ecological Monitoring team in order to further understand these magnificent predators. (Not to worry, all this is done from the safety of your vehicle)
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.
As families journey through the Conservancy, the idea is to work through all of the questions and games in the booklet. At the end of your journey, the tourism team at Morani Information Centre will be waiting for your children who they will ask to repeat the official ranger oath, before presenting a ranger hat, certificate and an honorary pin. Definitely something for all the little wildlife lovers to get excited about!
Other activities in the camp include sundowners, canine anti-poaching unit visits, horse riding, night game drives and more.
