Northern Kenya
Laikipia & Samburu
A Hidden Gem for Adventurers & An Unparalleled Safari Experience
A Pristine Wilderness
Laikipia
Amidst Kenya’s diverse and remarkable destinations, the Laikipia Plateau emerges as an area of incredible beauty and biodiversity. It’s a lesser-known gem that deserves a place alongside Kenya’s more famed attractions. Cradled in the arms of the equator and the towering shadow of Mount Kenya, Laikipia Plateau in Kenya is a jewel of untamed wilderness, rousing the spirit of adventure in every traveler’s heart. Its sprawling savannahs, dense woodlands, and winding rivers tell a story of unbridled natural beauty and profound conservation efforts.
Samburu
Samburu National Reserve is a rugged and beautifully diverse wilderness area in Kenya. It’s known for its remarkable wildlife and the colorful culture of the Samburu people, cousins to the Maasai. Here’s an outline that could be turned into an engaging travel guide:
Explore the Untamed Beauty of Samburu National Reserve
Discover the wild heart of Kenya’s northern region through the mesmerizing landscapes of Samburu National Reserve. This hidden gem offers an unparalleled safari experience amidst the arid splendor and diverse ecosystems.
Highlights and Places to Visit in Laikipia and Samburu
Reteti Elephant Sanctuary
Operated by the local Samburu community, Reteti provides a nurturing environment for orphaned elephants, offering them a second chance at life in the wild. Here, dedicated caretakers work tirelessly to rehabilitate and reintegrate the elephants into their natural habitat.
This is the result of a widely recognised and expanding grassroots movement of community-driven conservation across Northern Kenya that has the added benefit of encouraging economic activity within this remote community.
Where to Stay
The Northern Five & Rhinos
The eclectic animal collection known as the Northern Five comprises Grevy’s zebra, gerenuk, beisa oryx, Somali ostrich and reticulated giraffe. These are generally endemic to Kenya and neighbouring countries and are a special sight: the gerenuk’s long neck, the thin stripes of Grevy’s zebra and the odd shapes of the giraffe’s coat all wonderfully portray the diversity of East African wildlife.
Northern Kenya is a stronghold for the rare black rhino, with many ranches offering rhino tracking as a unique activity. Black and white rhino are critically endangered across the continent and thanks to conservation efforts here, are making an incredible and hope-filled comeback.
Where to Stay
Cultures of the North
The northern tribes that call this area home are many, from the Maasai and Kikuyu people to the Borana, Samburu, Meru and Kalenjin communities. Rich cultural experiences abound.
The traditional way of life of the Samburu is well preserved, and visitors can sit in a dry riverbed at sunset and be treated to song and dance surrounded by a hundred lanterns.
Where to Stay
Take a Heli-Safari
The jaw-dropping, remote landscapes of Laikipia are best explored from the air. Multi-day expeditions by helicopter along the Great Rift Valley are available, as well as a spectacular flight over the snows of Mount Kenya.
Being able to land in out-of-reach places and explore areas off the beaten track make this an incredible and unique experience not to be missed.
Where to Stay
How To Get There
Kenya’s vast northern region is easily accessible by plane from Nairobi’s Wilson Airport. Whether at the start or end of your safari, the daily scheduled flights or your own private plane will get you there in no time at all.
For those wanting to combine Northern Kenya with a Maasai Mara safari, there is a good network of scheduled flights that allow for easy onward connectivity otherwise, a night in Nairobi is never a bad idea.
Reasons to Visit Northern Kenya
The Laikipia Plateau
Known as ‘the Gateway to northern Kenya’, the Laikipia Plateau covers some 9,500 km2 (two million acres) of vast semi-arid plains, rolling hills and bush-covered savannah areas. It is a mosaic of private ranches, conservancies and farms.
Often it will be just you out on safari — it is rare to see another vehicle for hours at a time. This is where you’ll find the highest density of endangered species in the country — a large portion of Kenya’s black (and white) rhino and most of its wild dog.
Samburu National Park
Samburu is both a region in northern Kenya and an ethnic group known for its rich cultural heritage and close connection to the land. Traditionally the Samburu are nomadic pastoralists across the arid landscapes; adorned with bright clothing and intricate headdresses.
Samburu National Park offers an opportunity to see animals that thrive in this stark but beautiful habitat — both the traditional Big Five and the Northern Five (known here, as the Samburu Special Five).
Mount Kenya
As the second highest mountain in Africa, Mount Kenya dominates over the Laikipia Plateau. A more technical climb than that of her big sister, Mount Kilimanjaro; the four-day adventure to summit Mount Kenya is not for the faint-hearted.
For those wanting to enjoy the view without the climb, a scenic helicopter flight will take you up Mount Kenya where you can enjoy fishing in the lakes and a delicious cup of tea before returning down to a night of comfort in your hotel.
More about Northern Kenya
Seasons & Temperatures
The climate in northern Kenya is typically arid and is characterised by hot temperatures and low rainfall, with variations across the region due to its diverse topography. We recommend packing plenty of layers as the days are hot and nights can be cold.
–Hot Dry Season (January to February): The warmest and driest time of the year, temperatures range from 30°C to 35°C (86°F to 95°F)
–Long Rainy Season (March to May): Temperatures average between 25°C and 30°C (77°F to 86°F)
–Cool Dry Season (June to August): Temperatures range from 15°C to 25°C (59°F to 77°F)
–Short Rainy Season (October to December): Temperatures average between 25°C and 30°C (77°F to 86°F)
How to Get There
Kenya’s vast northern region is easily accessible by plane from Nairobi’s Wilson Airport, or from the Mara if flying privately. Whether at the start or end of your safari, there are many daily scheduled flights available as well as the option to travel via private flight. There is a good network of scheduled flights between northern Kenya and the Maasai Mara which allows for onward connectivity.
Entry Requirements
There are no visa requirements for any traveller visiting Kenya.
To enter Kenya you will need:
–An approved Electronic Travel Authorisation (eTA). All foreign travellers, including infants and children, must have an approved Electronic Travel Authorisation (eTA) prior to travel to Kenya
–The eTA must be applied for through the online portal . Your eTA is valid for 90 days from the date of issuance
–An eTA fee is applicable for many nationalities including the US and UK
–An eTA is not required if you have a valid East African Tourist Visa (EATV) for travel to Kenya, Uganda and Rwanda
–A valid passport for at least six months from the date of entry, recommended with at least two blank pages (temporary passports will not be accepted)
–Passport holders from the following EAC countries are exempted from applying for an eTA: Burundi, Democratic Republic of Congo, Rwanda, South Sudan, Tanzania and Uganda
Baggage Allowances
Please note that all scheduled internal flights carry a luggage restriction of 15kg per person in soft bags, including carry-ons. The acceptance of excess baggage is at the sole discretion of the airline but some offer the option to purchase an additional freight seat for luggage weighing up to 75kg.
Packing Recommendations
–Comfortable cotton clothing
–Both long and short sleeve shirts, shorts and trousers
–Comfortable walking shoes
–Sunhat, sunglasses, sun block, lip balm
–Bathing suit
–A jacket and/or warm fleece – layers are always good as it can be cold at altitude
–An extra pair of reading glasses (if you need ‘em)
Plastic Bags
In an effort to reduce the impact on the environment, Kenya has recently made the use and importation of all single-use plastic bags illegal. With this in mind, we suggest you lean in to Kenya’s eco-friendly ways and leave any single-use plastic bags behind.
Yellow Fever Vaccinations
There are no compulsory vaccinations required for entry to Kenya.
–Travellers arriving from an endemic country will be required to present a valid yellow fever certificate for all travellers older than one year
–Vaccinations need to be administered 10 days or more prior to travel, and the certificate will need to be provided as proof. Depending on your onward travel plans, or country of residence, you may also be required to have a yellow fever certificate for entry.
–Yellow fever certificates now have a lifetime validity.
Malaria Protection
Kenya is classified as a malaria area. We recommend that travellers contact their local medical clinic for professional advice, and that they obtain comprehensive travel insurance, including health cover, prior to travelling. Insect repellent is provided at all Angama properties and at most lodges in the region, please confirm for your specific itinerary.
Travel Insurance
We recommend purchasing travel insurance at the time of booking to ensure you are covered for the unexpected. The insurance should include coverage for trip delay, trip interruption, trip cancellation, emergency medical and emergency evacuation/repatriation, and baggage delay and loss.
More about Northern Kenya
A Wildlife Spectacle
The Maasai Mara is synonymous with African safaris. A magnificent extension of the Serengeti, this national reserve is renowned for the Great Migration, where millions of wildebeest and zebras traverse the landscape in a breathtaking annual journey.
- Hot Air Balloon Safaris
Glide silently over the savannah at dawn, witnessing the magic of the Maasai Mara from a bird’s-eye view.
Amboseli National Park:
The Kingdom of Elephants
Amboseli National Park offers stunning vistas of Mount Kilimanjaro while boasting some of the largest elephant herds in Africa.
- Photography and Game Viewing
Capture iconic images of elephants with the snow-capped Kilimanjaro in the background.
Mombasa:
A Coastal Haven of History and Beaches
Mombasa, Kenya’s second-largest city, is a coastal paradise with a rich tapestry of cultures, historic sites, and some of the most beautiful beaches in the world.
- Fort Jesus
Visit this UNESCO World Heritage site that stands as a testament to the historical trade battles on the East African coast.
- Diani Beach
Relax on the white sands, swim in the warm Indian Ocean, or indulge in water sports at one of Africa’s best beaches.
Lake Nakuru National Park:
A Haven for Birdwatchers
Home to thousands of flamingos, Lake Nakuru National Park is a spectacle of pink hues and a sanctuary for rhinos, lions, and other wildlife.
- Flamingo Viewing
Witness the surreal landscape as flamingos paint the lake with a vibrant pink tint.
Samburu, Buffalo Springs, and Shaba National Reserves:
Northern Frontier Wonders
- Special Five Spotting
Go in search of the ‘Samburu Special Five’: Grevy’s zebra, Somali ostrich, gerenuk, beisa oryx, and reticulated giraffe.
These neighboring reserves offer a unique safari experience with species that are seldom seen elsewhere, including the Grevy’s zebra and reticulated giraffe.
Mount Kenya:
A Hiker’s Challenge and Solitude Seeker’s Retreat
As the second-highest mountain in Africa, Mount Kenya is a UNESCO World Heritage site and offers mountaineering challenges for the adventurous.
- Climbing and Trekking
Take on the technical climbs or enjoy straightforward treks with stunning views across the region.
Lamu Archipelago:
A Timeless Coastal Experience
Lamu Old Town is a UNESCO World Heritage site that provides a glimpse into Swahili culture, with well-preserved ancient architecture and a laid-back island lifestyle.
- Donkey Rides and Dhow Cruises
Explore the streets on a traditional donkey ride or sail on dhows in the gentle coastal waters.
