Laikipia

Highly endangered, and sadly becoming more so all the time, the black rhino needs as much help as it can get.   And Laikipia is doing its best in providing this.

The area is home to one of the largest populations of black rhinos, and an enormous amount of work has been put in to saving this magnificent species. 

Yes, camel rides.   The dry northern region of Kenya is the perfect habitat for camels, and they are used by the local Samburu tribes as transport and for their milk.

You can have the chance to lope through the bush on the back of a camel, viewing wildlife from your unusual vantage point, and relishing a unique African safari experience.

First camels, and now chimpanzees!   There are not many places in the world where you will find these creatures living close together!

The Ol Pejeta Chimpanzee Sanctuary was set up for orphaned chimps rescued from West Africa.   The Sanctuary is an excellent venue to observe the two families and  learn about the perils facing chimpanzees in the wild.

Being outside the usual rules of national parks, camps in the Laikipia area are able to offer diverse activities, including night game drives.

While driving through the bush during daylight hours is exciting enough, there is something special about being enveloped by the African night, with predators prowling, and the nocturnal creatures scurrying about their business.   It can be a spine-tingling experience to hear the roars of a pride of lions heading out into the darkness, or to see the eye reflection of a leopard as it stalks through the undergrowth.

Although somewhat disappointingly there is no actual line drawn around the world (as much as we looked for it!), it is great fun to drive across the equator and watch the presentations conducted showing the change in the swirling direction of water flowing through a funnel.   Whether it is clever hand tricks or the real Coriolis effect, it is bound to stimulate much debate and intrigue.

Leaving the vehicle and treading through the bush, while learning about the signs of the wild is something which provides excitement no matter how many times you try it.   Walking safaris led through the Laikipia Plateau are an excellent way to gain a different perspective on the wilderness, as you will have the opportunity to learn about the smaller creatures, and also feel the thrill of encountering larger game without being in the confines of a vehicle.

The concentration of wildlife throughout the Laikipia Plateau is astounding.   Despite being outside the realms of nationally protected areas, the conservation effort conducted here has resulted in the area aquiring one of the highest concentrations of wildlife in Kenya.