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Laikipia Wilderness Camp-The Best Place To see Wild Dogs in Action!

Laikipia Wilderness camp

Laikipia Wilderness Camp – Authentic Adventure in Northern Kenya!

At dawn, the Laikipia Plateau glows in soft gold as the calls of birds echo across the river valley. From the veranda of your tent at Laikipia Wilderness Camp, you might spot elephants moving silently through the bush or hear the distant yips of wild dogs beginning their hunt. This is not a safari where you simply watch from afar—it’s an experience that draws you into the untamed heart of northern Kenya.

Embrace the untamed Beauty


A Small, Family-Run Safari Camp with Big Adventures

Laikipia Wilderness Camp is a family-owned safari lodge in northern Kenya, known for its warm hospitality and spirit of adventure. With just six spacious tents in its main camp, plus additional riverside and elevated stilted accommodations, the camp offers comfort without losing its wild authenticity. En-suite bathrooms, private verandas, and open-air dining blend rustic charm with homely touches, ensuring every stay feels both personal and adventurous.

This intimate atmosphere makes Laikipia Wilderness ideal for families, photographers, and adventurous travelers seeking a safari that goes far beyond the ordinary game drive.


Unique Accommodation Options

Guests can choose from three distinct camp setups, each offering a different perspective on the landscape:

  • Main Camp – Six spacious tents, including family options, set on a hillside above the Ewaso Narok River. A central mess tent with indoor/outdoor dining and communal lounges provides panoramic views stretching to Mount Kenya on clear days.
  • River Camp – Four thatched cottages set directly along the riverbank. Available on an exclusive-use basis, this is perfect for groups or families seeking privacy and flexibility.
  • Palm Camp – Opened in 2023, this stylish addition features five elevated tents on wooden decks, each with en-suite bathrooms and private verandas overlooking the river. A contemporary mess area includes a bar, lounge, and dining space. River activities such as swimming, fishing, and rafting are right on your doorstep.

Wildlife Encounters & Conservation

The camp is set on 70,000 acres of unfenced wilderness, rich in wildlife diversity. Guests can expect sightings of elephants, buffalo, hippos, giraffes, Grevy’s zebra, lions, hyenas, and over 300 species of birds.

Laikipia Wilderness is particularly renowned for two highlights:

  • The Black Leopard “Giza” – One of the only places in Africa where sightings of a melanistic leopard are possible. Viewing is carefully regulated to protect the animal’s wellbeing.
  • Wild Dog Tracking – In partnership with the Laikipia Predator Project, the camp supports monitoring of collared wild dogs and lions, giving guests a rare chance to witness conservation in action.

Safari Activities & Experiences

Laikipia Wilderness is known as one of Kenya’s most adventurous safari camps, offering a wide range of activities to suit every level of interest and energy:

  • Walking Safaris – From short family-friendly walks to multi-day treks with fly-camping under the stars.
  • Game Drives & Night Drives – Explore by day or venture out after dark in search of nocturnal species like aardvarks, hyenas, and zorillas.
  • Specialized Leopard Drives – Book a private or shared vehicle for the chance to see the rare black leopard.
  • River Adventures – Depending on the season, enjoy swimming, tubing, rafting, fishing, or even cliff-jumping.
  • Fly-Camping & Bush Dining – Experience the romance of sleeping beneath the stars with a campfire and guide protection.
  • Other Options – Mountain biking, sundowners at scenic viewpoints, birding excursions, and cultural visits with local communities.

Why Choose Laikipia Wilderness Camp?

  • Authentic & immersive – A true off-the-beaten-path safari.
  • Ideal for families – Flexible activities tailored to all ages.
  • Renowned for unique wildlife – Especially wild dogs and the black leopard.
  • Flexible stays – Recommended 3–4 nights for the full experience.
  • Adventure with comfort – Simple yet spacious tents, warm hospitality, and unforgettable activities.

✨ Laikipia Wilderness Camp is more than a safari lodge—it’s an invitation to live and breathe the wild landscapes of northern Kenya.

Recommended stay: 3–4 nights to explore Laikipia’s landscapes and wildlife fully.


Getting There & Practical Info

  • Access: Fly into Nanyuki or Loisaba airstrips and transfer 1.5–2 hours by road, or take a game-drive fashioned arrival.
  • Amenities: Solar power, simple but comfortable furnishings, private verandas, open-air bathrooms, and a mess tent with books, games, and communal spaces.
  • Conservation: Operated in partnership with the local Maasai community, with direct contributions toward wildlife conservation and community benefits.
  • Best for: Families, solo travelers (no single supplement always), adventurous couples, photographers, and wildlife enthusiasts.
  • Recommended stay: 4 nights to fully experience its offerings.

A Must Read…..



Suggested reading about:-IL Ngwesi Lodge an eco lodge in the african bush

Summary Table

HighlightDetails
LocationCentral Laikipia, Kenya; diverse landscapes including river, hills, escarpments
Camp Accommodation OptionsMain Camp, River Camp, Palm Camp—each with unique vibe and layout
WildlifeBlack leopard, wild dogs, elephants, giraffe, etc.
ActivitiesWalks, drives, fly-camping, river fun, sun-downer spots, biking
AccessFly + transfer via Nanyuki or Loisaba
Best ForFamilies, nature lovers, solo travelers, photographers, adventure seekers
SustainabilityCommunity partnerships and conservation fees included

Film crews will need to pay a separate filming fee and book 3 x BLPV so that no clients are impacted.

 2025 All Year Rates

  • Adult: $660 Rate + $140 Conservation Fee per night
  • Teen (11-17 years): $450 Rate + $90 Conservation Fee per night
  • Child (0-10 years): $300 Rate + $60 Conservation Fee per night

 2026 All Year Rates

  • Adult: $740 Rate + $140 Conservation Fee per night
  • Teen (11-17 years): $450 Rate + $90 Conservation Fee per night
  • Child (0-10 years): $300 Rate + $60 Conservation Fee per night

Christmas Supplement (Dec 21st – Jan 3rd Inclusive)

  • Adult: $50 Surcharge per night
  • Teen: $35 Surcharge per night
  • Child: $25 Surcharge per night

What is Included:-All meals and local drinks,Conservation fees,Laundry services,A variety of shared activities: early morning and night game drives, walking safaris, tracking endangered species, fly-camping, and so much more,No extra charge for late departure (though vacating the tent by 10 am is required)

What is not Included:-Village visits ($100 per group up to 6 persons),Transfers (refer to listed transfer costs),Staff gratuities,Additional charges for private vehicle use,Private guide fees for both residents and non-residents, along with their respective conservation fees,An extra lunch or packed lunch on departure day ($20 per person)

Terms & Conditions:

  • $200 single supplement per night, with the first single supplement waived per booking (peak season excluded)
  • Special arrangements required for children under 5
  • Photographic and Leopard-specific trips: mandated private vehicle
  • Guide accommodations available but at guest rates
  • No external vehicles permitted for game drives within the property

Laikipia Wilderness 2026 Non-res USD Rates

Laikipia Wilderness Main Camp, Palm Camp, River Camp and Seasonal Camp Main Camp Sleeps up to 12 Adults and 8 children, River Camp and Palm Camp are booked on an exclusive basis requiring min 4 adults. Check dates for Seasonal Camp. Single supplement $200 per adult per night.
SeasonAdult + Conservation FeeTeen (age 11-17) + Conservation FeeChild (age 0-10) + Conservation Fee
All year$740 + $140 Per adult sharing per night$450 + $90 Per teen sharing per night$300 + $60 Per child sharing per night
Christmas Supplement Dec 21st – Jan 3rd Inclusive$50 Surcharge Per adult per night$35 Surcharge Per teen per night$25 Surcharge Per child per night

Included:

  • Meals, Non-premium drinks, Conservation fees and Laundry
  • Activities including shared game drives, early night drives, walking, wild dog tracking, fly-camping, fishing, mountain biking, bush meals, river swimming and rafting (when water levels permit)
  • Late departure no extra charge (guests must vacate tent by 10 am)

Excluded:

  • Village visits ($100 per group up to 6 pax), Transfers (see transfer costs below), Staff gratuities
  • Private vehicle is charged at $350 per night for exclusive use only. Black Leopard Private Vehicle is charged at

$350 per night Black Leopard Shared Vehicle is charged at $100 per person per night (1 booking per row). This includes afternoon, evening and morning game drives, not transfers. booking a black leopard vehicle does not guarantee sightings as she is a wild animal. This is only for a priority slot at a sighting where the number of vehicles is limited. Not necessary for all clients.

  • Non-resident private guide $150 per night plus $140 conservation fees per night
  • Kenyan Citizen/resident private guide $150 per night plus $50 conservation fees per night
  • An extra Lunch or packed lunch on the final day is $20 per person

T’s and C’s

  • Children under 5 are welcomed by special arrangement
  • Photographic groups require a private vehicle
  • Leopard-specific trips require a Black leopard-specific vehicle to enable priority at a leopard sighting. This must be booked and paid for in advance. Single photographers are encouraged to book a Shared vehicle
  • Guide tents and driver’s tents are available, if guides wish to book guest accommodation then guest rates apply. Guides and drivers’ accommodation needs to be booked in advance
  • No external vehicles are allowed to game drive once on the property. Driving to and from camp is permitted
  • Management reserves the right to deny entry

More Than Just A Stay

Laikipia Wilderness Camp isn’t just about luxury accommodations; you’re also stepping into a world where the wilderness beckons. Connect with the incredible biodiversity of Central Laikipia, unwind at the Palm or River Camp, and revel in an array of activities that bring the African safari experience to life.

For those seeking adventure, tranquility, and a touch of luxury, Laikipia Wilderness Camp is your gateway to an unforgettable African safari.

Suggested reading :-Mara Nyika Camp and Best Safaris in Kenya

🌍 Nearby Camps & Lodges in Laikipia

  • Loisaba Tented Camp – Perched on an escarpment with sweeping views, offering day and night game drives, horse and camel safaris.
  • El Karama Lodge – Family-friendly eco-lodge with flexible activities, riverfront cottages, and hands-on conservation experiences.
  • Borana Lodge – A luxury eco-lodge within Borana Conservancy, offering rhino tracking, horseback safaris, and strong conservation links.

Stories from Happy Travelers

Adventure in the Kenya Wild: A Family’s Tale

“One of the most incredible experiences our family has ever had! From the moment we arrived at Laikipia Wilderness Camp, we felt the adventure in our bones. The kids were overjoyed with the family tent arrangements and loved the wild dog tracking excursion. The team there is attentive and made us feel right at home. This is Africa as you’ve always dreamed it would be!”

A Honeymoon to Remember

“My husband and I chose Laikipia Wilderness Camp for our honeymoon and it couldn’t have been more perfect. The understated luxury of the tents and the stunning views across the Laikipia landscape were beyond romantic. We had intimate dinners under the stars and the staff even surprised us with a private sundowner on one of the evenings. We left with full hearts and a promise to return.”

Solo Escape to Serenity

“As a solo traveler, finding peace and a sense of connection with nature was my retreat’s purpose. Laikipia delivered just that. The tranquility of the Palm Camp, perched over the Ewaso Narok River, was meditative. The guides enriched my safari with their knowledge and passion, taking the time to explore my interests in photography and birdwatching. It was the perfect combination of solitude and community, wrapped up in the embrace of the wilderness.”