Mount Kenya and Laikipia Itinerary: Highlands, Rhinos and Conservancy Safaris

Laikipia sits on the northern flank of Mount Kenya, where cool highland air meets dry savannah. Conservancies here protect black and white rhinos, Grevy's zebra, elephants and predators, and they permit activities such as walking, night drives and horse riding that are rare in national parks.

The plans below suit travellers who want a quieter alternative to the Mara, or a complement to it. Choose the length that fits your time, and treat the optional swaps as ways to tune the pace.

This guide is part of our Uganda road routes and driving guide. When you are ready to plan, see our Uganda safari packages or the Ameera Africa Safaris Uganda tours homepage.

Why Combine the Mountain and the Plateau

Mount Kenya is Kenya's highest mountain and the second highest in Africa, and its lower slopes are forest, moorland and farmland. Laikipia lies to the north and west, a high plateau of acacia bush, grassland and private conservancies. Together they offer contrasts that a single park cannot: a cool morning in the highlands, a rhino sighting after lunch, and a night drive after dinner. The region is also compact, so you spend more time looking and less time on the road. See Laikipia and Ol Pejeta and Mount Kenya wildlife for background on what lives where.

Four-Day Itinerary

Day 1: road or air transfer from Nairobi to the Nanyuki area, lunch, then an afternoon drive on a conservancy. Day 2: full day at Ol Pejeta with morning and afternoon drives, including time at the chimpanzee sanctuary and the rhino areas. Day 3: move to a neighbouring conservancy for a guided walk or a visit to a community project, with a sundowner and night drive if your base allows it. Day 4: a final dawn drive, then return to Nairobi by road or a short flight. This version suits a long weekend and keeps changes of lodge to a minimum.

Six-Day Itinerary

Day 1: arrive in Nanyuki and settle into a highland base, with a gentle walk in the grounds. Day 2: a day on the lower slopes of Mount Kenya, either a forest walk or a short hike on the Sirimon side, which helps you adjust to altitude. Day 3: transfer to Ol Pejeta for afternoon game viewing. Day 4: full day on Ol Pejeta, including the rhinos and the chimpanzee sanctuary. Day 5: move to a conservancy such as Lewa for walking and a night drive. Day 6: dawn drive and return to Nairobi. See Lewa itineraries for more on that area.

Eight-Day Itinerary

Add two nights to the six-day plan for a first look at Samburu, a short flight or a long road day to the north, where reticulated giraffe, Grevy's zebra and beisa oryx replace the highland fauna. Alternatively, add a stage on Mount Kenya itself: a three or four-day trek via the Sirimon or Chogoria route towards Point Lenana, followed by a rest day and then the conservancies. Trekking is demanding and altitude is a real factor, so read the Mount Kenya trekking guide before choosing it. Many travellers prefer to enjoy the mountain from below and spend the extra time in the conservancies.

Pacing and Seasons

Laikipia is high, so mornings and evenings are cool even when the days are warm. The drier months from June to October and from January to February generally give the clearest mountain views and easy tracks, while the rains in March to May and November turn the plateau green and quieter. Avoid cramming more than two or three bases into the loop. Mountain cloud often hides the summit by mid-morning, so plan scenic moments for dawn. See best time to visit Mount Kenya for guidance on trekking windows.

Choosing Where to Stay

The region offers private lodges, tented camps, family-run ranch houses and cottages, each with its own style and activities. Ask whether game drives are on a private conservancy or in a national reserve, whether walking and night drives are included, and how far the lodge is from the airstrip. Families should ask about age rules for walks, and photographers should ask about vehicle sharing. Further advice is in the Kenya lodges and camps guide.

Extending the Trip

Laikipia pairs well with other regions. A short flight can add the Masai Mara, and a road transfer through the Rift Valley reaches Lake Nakuru. For the full range of options, see Kenya safari itineraries of 3, 5 and 7 days and the Ol Pejeta and Laikipia itineraries page.

Planning a Uganda safari? Send us your dates and we will build the route, permits and transport around what you want to see.

Related Tours, Guides and Resources

• Ameera Africa Safaris homepage: Uganda safaris, tours and holidays
• Uganda safari packages
• Uganda travel guide
• How to book a Uganda safari
• Plan your safari with our team