Always delivers effortlessly in every aspect. Friendly people and abundant wildlife at any time of year making it a perfect destination for first timers and experienced safari goers alike. A variety of different wildlife areas cater to all tastes and standards of guiding and accommodation are superb. Culture, wildlife, scenery and picture postcard beaches – Kenya has it all.
Bound for my return trip to Kenya after five years apart, I was excited as ever for what adventures awaited me as I was set to explore the plains in more depth. With a full and extensive itinerary, my agenda was clear, cover as much ground as possible to review the camps and lodges, both established and new!
I was rightfully re-assured as all our guests are to be greeted at the airport on arrival by our representative with a warm and welcoming smile. My guide and driver was to accompany me over the next twelve days on my overland expedition.
Laikipia
First stop Ol Pejeta Bush Camp, Ol Pejeta Conservancy, in the Laikipia Region, north of Nairobi. Set on the banks of the Ewaso Nyiro River, you’ll find this comfortable and traditional owner run bush camp and I have to say your host, Alex hunter really is the man that makes all the difference here! If you’re a sociable person, you’ll absolutely love as I did, the wonderful laid back atmosphere as sun downers where enjoyed around the camp fire whilst the faint noise of buffalo bellowing from across the river could be heard. Fabulous stories were exchanged by Alex and guests throughout the evening whilst everyone wore a smile.
Later that evening we set out on our night drive with blankets provided to keep us warm (I was still grateful for the additional layers I had taken). Night drives really do give you an opportunity to appreciate the nocturnal species that are so often overlooked and experience the contrasting activities that occur under moonlight. Resident species include hares, bush babies, aardvark, genet, bat-eared fox, striped hyena, buy aciclovir online uk serval, honey badger, civet and zorilla (African polecat). I was extremely fortunate on this particular evening to have not one but two separate Aardvark encounters, local old folks tail say that aardvark are so rarely seen that a sighting affords a person seven years good luck! I still can’t believe my good fortune but boy are they quick and thus tricky to get a good shot of!!
There is a wonderful array of varied activities in the Ol Pejeta conservancy. Many experienced safari travellers come to gain a better understanding of the remarkable world – leading conservation practice in place here. You can view the last three, highly endangered northern white rhinos, visit the chimpanzee sanctuary where over forty chimps have been rescued from the bush-meat industry, spend time with researchers tracking lions and gathering valuable information to help preserve these superb predators. Enjoy a different perspective from on the ground as you walk alongside highly experienced and knowledgeable guides as you take a closer look at the bush. During game drives you may be fortunate enough to see any of the following; black rhino, large herds of elephant, cheetah, lion, leopard, African wild dog and abundant plains game. Look out for the rarer northern species such as Grevy’s zebra, Jackson’s hartebeest and Beisa Oryx.
Six traditional understated safari tents make for a truly intimate stay here with solar lights, en-suite facilities including flushable toilets and hot water bucket showers. Your flexible and accommodating host makes you feel right at home in natures beautiful surroundings.
I also visited the wonderful Kicheche Laikipia camp, where we receive consistently good feedback from our clients. Their wonderful waterhole proves to be a reliable draw for the wildlife, improving the in-house safari experience!
Don’t forget to take in the wonderful views of Mt Kenya before you depart from Laikipia. Guest can easily enjoy a minimum of three to four days in this region if not longer.
Give Beth a call to wax lyrical some more on this fantastic destination!
← Read Less
Brian Jackman is an award-winning journalist and author on African wildlife safaris. Writing for the Sunday Times for over 20 years, his books include The Big Cat Diary. His many travels in Africa have led him to be a champion of threatened wildlife, campaigning against slaughter and poaching.
Just a phone call away to start planning your holiday