How many days in Laikipia? or best itinary to visit this region?

Hi all,

I am to visit the Mara NP in June this year. Before going to the Mara, I have 5 days to travel somewhere. I was thinking about going to Laikipia but I am not sure anymore because all the accommodations I contacted only include games in the Ol Pejeta Conservancy which seam pretty small for spending my 5 days there.

My first objective is to see animals and nature. What would you recommend in this area (2 days in Ol Pejeta and 3 days in Samburu, 5 days in Samburu only, etc.).

I would really appreciate to read about your trip in this area, the accomodations where you stayed, etc.

Thanks a lot!

Catherine
Montreal

Hi Catherine!
I think you have the right idea going to Ol Pejeta then Samburu. They are very different habitats from the Maasai Mara, and have some unique animals endemic to that area, like the Grevy's zebra and the Somali ostrich. I stayed at the Samburu Sopa lodge which was completely satisfactory. I sat out most early mornings, watching the animal movements in the bush and hoping it wasn't a lion- surprising how everything looks like a lion in the dark!!! At Ol Pejeta, I stayed at Sweetwaters...a truly lovely place but a touch too colonial for me(I don't really like to have to 'dress' for dinner!). I did see rhino, though- a privilege!
The only other suggestion I would have is to think about trying Tsavo East and West. These 2 parks are also very different habitats from the Mara, and although I spent 4 days there, this time I have planned for a week, I loved it so much! I stayed at the Ashnil Aruba Lodge, which while being somewhat tourisity, was more than compensated by the elephants at a watering hole only 50m away! I could FEEL the rumbling!!! I also stayed at Ngulia Lodge-jaw-dropping views, and challenging spotting the animals in the bush. I had some misgivings about the leopard baiting this lodge practices every evening by hanging a goat leg from some tree branches. While it was exciting to see a leopard so close, it felt a bit contrived. I realized that fully when I was lucky enough to see a leopard in a much more natural way in Samburu strolling on the banks of the river...completely different experience!

I hope you have a wonderful trip, and please let us know what you decide!

Ol Pejeta then Samburu is a good option as they are very different. The drive between the two parks is really great too, so many varied habitats en route. You could spend some time in Mt Kenya national park or maybe pop to Aberdares for more moutainous terrain too. If you are looking for alternatives how about Lake Nakuru, good wildlife and bird watching. If you are heading south east to Tsavo remember it's a long drive on a boring highway. Amboseli closer (maybe 5 hours) is also really nice and has great views of Kili.

Hi,

First, thank you all for your answers and recommandations. I really appreciate you sharing your experience! It is pretty clear for me now that I will be visiting Laikipia and Samburu.

The only remaining question I have now is to decide how to organize transport between Laikipia and Samburu. What would you recommend: going through a TO or arrange it directly with the people from the accomodations where I want to stay?? What is the difference: is it cheaper, more efficient, etc.?

I was thinking about buying a one way ticket from Nairobi to Laikipia through the people at the accomodation in Laikipia and then ask the people of the place where I want to stay in Samburu to pick me up in Laikipia and game drive until I get to Samburu and buy my return ticket through them. Is this a good or a bad idea?

Thanks again for your answers!

Catherine

Are you flying there? If so perhaps book direct with the airline like safarilink.

I've only ever driven so I'm not sure how much a trip between the two places would cost. Contact a local travel agency to find prices of hiring a van/jeep and driver, I suspect that might be your best option but get quotes from the hotels too. With a private van you'll get game drives included too. Perhaps decide where you want to stay and ask them to tailor and itinerary for you including hotels, game drives and all transfers. But don't expect it to be cheap!