Kicheche Laikipia

AREA & ACTIVITIES

Habitat & Wildlife
The Laikipia covers a significant portion of dramatic countryside in northern Kenya, sandwiched between Samburu and Mount Kenya in the east and the Aberdare Mountains and Great Rift Valley in the west. The central section of the area is covered by a lava plateau which creates a series of rocky escarpments offering epic views, whilst a series of rocky outcrops and hills dot the landscape revealing the landscape’s much more ancient history (some of these rocks are thought to be around 80 million years old). The region is divided into a number of private ranches, conservancies and community lands with farming (cattle mainly), wildlife conservation and local populations all existing in relative harmony.

The Ol Pejeta Conservancy straddles the equator, covering an area of over 100 000 acres. Owned by the Fauna and Flora International, the conservancy aims to generate profit from wildlife tourism and complementary activities (such as cattle) for reinvestment into community development in the local area.

The terrain is primarily one of undulating plains interspersed with glades of euclea and olive woodland. The Ewaso Nyiro River bisects the reserve creating wetland areas which are popular with elephant and a range of waders.

Wildlife viewing within the conservancy is incredible, especially for black rhino whose density numbers are higher here than anywhere else in Africa. Other species likely to be encountered include white rhino, Defassa waterbuck, Jackson’s hartebeest, elephant, buffalo, lion, cheetah, leopard, spotted hyaena, warthog, Anubis baboon, vervet monkey, greater kudu, eland, impala, Bohor and Chandlers reedbuck, Thomson’s and Grant’s gazelle, as well as some of the species normally found to the drier north – reticulated giraffe and Grevy’s zebra. Smaller, nocturnally active species, include genet, caracal, porcupine, white-tailed mongoose, honey badger and zorilla.

Within the former Sweetwaters section is the chimpanzee sanctuary where rescued animals are given the chance to live as near to the wild as possible. There is also a Research Centre.

Ol Pejeta is also home to the last couple of remaining northern white rhino who were shipped out to the conservancy from a zoo in Prague and live in the enlarged predator free ‘endangered species boma’ for additional protection. As they were captive animals, feeding still takes place and it is possible to join the 4 p.m. feed to see these rare animals close up. Early booking is essential as only two vehicles are allowed per feed. Other endangered species found in the boma are Grevy’s zebra and the Jackson’s hartebeest, both of which are being monitored for breeding purposes.

The birdlife is superb in the conservancy, with over 500 species recorded. To the east of the reserve is towering Mount Kenya, Africa’s second highest mountain with its snow-capped peaks.

Activities
Game drives take place by day and night, the latter focusing on nocturnal species not usually seen on regular daytime drives. Game walks are also permitted on the conservancy and give a very different perspective to the drives and may also include rhino tracking. Other possible activities include visiting the nearby chimpanzee sanctuary, canoeing on the lake in front of camp (subject to water-levels), and mountain biking.

There are also a variety of activities which are possible at additional costs. An extension of the visit to the chimpanzee sanctuary offers guests a ‘back of house’ tour at feeding time for a more in depth experience. You may also wish to tour the farming side of the conservancy or visit the endangered species enclosure, track lions using radio collars or visit the anti-poaching dog unit. Outside the conservancy various cultural excursions are possible.

Seasons
Kicheche Laikipia is open from June through to March each year and game viewing is also good.