Things to Do in Laikipia: Walking, Riding, Camels and Night Drives

Entice Africa October 26, 2026Destinations, Experiences & East Africa Travel

The main things to do in Laikipia are guided bush walks, horse riding, camel treks, night drives, rhino and lion tracking and fly camping, plus visits to a chimpanzee sanctuary and to Maasai and Samburu communities. In many of Kenya’s national parks, game viewing means staying in a vehicle in daylight. The private and community conservancies of Laikipia set their own rules, so you can get out of the vehicle, ride, or go out after dark.

Not every property offers every activity. This guide shows who lists what, using facts we checked in October 2026, so you can choose a conservancy by what you want to do. Most visitors arrive through Nanyuki, where a light-aircraft airstrip sits about 6.5 km south of town.

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Things to do in Laikipia: quick facts

Why Laikipia allows more than a national park

Many of Laikipia’s conservancies are privately or community owned. Each decides which activities it offers and how it runs them, which is why one property lists lion tracking and another lists horse riding. Some pair a guide with an armed ranger on foot. Listing an activity is not a promise that it runs every season or without a minimum group size or age, so confirm details when you book.

If you want a longer northern route, ask us about the 9 Days Untamed Safari to the Hidden Northern Kenya Circuit, from USD 7,840 per person, and which of these activities can be added.

Laikipia activities at a glance

Walking safaris

Ol Pejeta lists a guided bush or bird walk and a “Run with Rangers” route of 5 to 7 km. At Il Ngwesi, walks led by a Maasai guide and an armed ranger include the Mukogodo Escarpment climb, which takes 4 to 6 hours. Ol Malo lists Samburu warrior-led hikes up the Three Peaks, Ol Jogi lists walking with rescued elephants, and Suyian lists walking with herders. Loisaba describes walks from gentle botany and birding strolls to longer escarpment hikes, with a minimum age of 16.

At Elewana Lewa Safari Camp in 2026, a 2-hour guided walk was USD 85 per person (included on its Game Package) and a 4-hour walk USD 115. For safety rules, clothing and what to expect, read our guide to walking safaris in Kenya.

Rhino and lion tracking

Borana Lodge is the only property we found that lists “tracking rhino on foot at first light”. Ol Pejeta lists rhino monitoring and identification, without saying whether that is on foot or by vehicle, and also lists lion tracking. We found no listing for a walk up to a rhino at Ol Pejeta, Lewa or Loisaba, so if that matters to you, start with the Borana Conservancy guide.

Horse riding safaris in Laikipia

A horse riding safari in Kenya is easiest to arrange here. Borana Lodge lists “Riding Wild”, and Sosian offers rides from a couple of hours to a few days, with fly camping or lodge stays. Sirikoi lists viewing wildlife on horseback. Loisaba lists riding for children aged eight and over, and Ol Jogi, Suyian and Ol Malo list riding too. Elewana Lewa Safari Camp offers a 2-hour guided horse or camel safari for USD 120 per person, minimum age 12. Tell us your riding level so we can ask each property what it requires.

Camel treks and fly camping

A camel safari in Kenya is a quieter option if you do not ride. Loisaba lists camel trekking, from a short ride from camp to a longer trek across the plains. Ol Malo, Sirikoi and Elewana Lewa Safari Camp list camels as well. One described format has guests walk with a guide and a train of camels to an overnight spot where camp is already set up, carrying only a small backpack.

For a night out, Borana, Sosian and Sirikoi list fly camping, and Ol Malo does so weather permitting. Loisaba Star Beds offer sleep-outs on a mobile star bed wheeled onto a platform, and Segera lists sleeping under the stars.

Night drives

Ol Pejeta runs night game drives in two slots, 7 to 9 pm and 9 to 11 pm, booked at least a day ahead. Its all-day drive for day visitors runs 7 am to 7 pm, so after-dark drives are a separate booking. Loisaba, Il Ngwesi and Suyian list night drives, and Elewana Lewa Safari Camp charges USD 120 per person for two or more. Segera does not list them.

Cultural visits

Elewana Lewa Safari Camp lists a cultural boma visit at Ngwesi, Loisaba a Samburu village visit with dancing and beadwork, and Segera visits to a kindergarten, vegetable gardens and a women’s bead cooperative. Il Ngwesi Eco-Lodge, built in 1996, is owned and staffed by the Il Ngwesi Maasai community, and Ol Malo is Samburu-led. Our guide to Laikipia’s community conservancies explains how these stays work.

What Laikipia activities cost

Prices are set by each property, and some include activities in the nightly rate. These are 2026 extras at one Lewa camp, priced for its own guests, so treat them as a guide only.

Ol Pejeta’s daily entry for a non-resident adult is USD 110 and a child USD 55. Fees last verified: October 2026.

Chimpanzees, the equator, Mount Kenya and bikes

Sweetwaters chimpanzee sanctuary

Ol Pejeta’s daily entry includes “Meet The Chimpanzees”, from 8.30 am to 12.30 pm and 2.00 pm to 4.30 pm. It also lists a behind-the-scenes visit with the chimpanzees. Ol Pejeta features on our 8-day luxury safari.

The equator at Nanyuki

The equator runs through Nanyuki, and an equator sign beside the A2 road is a popular photo stop. Ol Pejeta also describes itself as lying on the equator.

Mount Kenya

Nanyuki sits north-west of Mount Kenya, whose peaks are Batian (5,199 m), Nelion (5,188 m) and Point Lenana (4,985 m), the highest that can be reached without climbing. Climbers pass through Nanyuki for the Sirimon and Naro Moru routes. Sirimon starts 15 km east of town, with the park gate a further 10 km along a track. Naro Moru can be done in as little as 3 days. The 10 km Peak Circuit Path needs no technical climbing, while Batian’s standard route is rated UIAA IV+. Park fees apply, so check Kenya Wildlife Service’s current schedule, and allow time for altitude. Some lodges look toward the mountain, including Loisaba Tented Camp.

Mountain biking

Loisaba is described as a base for mountain biking across the escarpment, and Borana Lodge lists e-bike rides.

Planning your days in Laikipia

• Pack for cool mornings. Nights drop to 7 to 11 C, so bring layers, a hat and closed shoes for walking.
• Book ahead. Ol Pejeta wants night drives booked at least a day in advance.
• Match activities to the property. Our complete guide to Laikipia’s conservancies compares them.

Frequently asked questions

Can you go on a walking safari in Laikipia?

Yes. Ol Pejeta, Lewa, Borana, Loisaba, Sosian, Il Ngwesi, Ol Malo, Ol Jogi and Suyian all list walking in some form. Walks range from a gentle bird walk to a climb of 4 to 6 hours, so tell us your fitness level.

Do I need riding experience for a horse riding safari?

It depends on the property and the ride, which can last a couple of hours or a few days. Camel treks are a slower alternative. Give us your experience and we will check each property’s requirements before you book.

Is there a minimum age?

Rules differ. Loisaba lists guided walks from 16 and riding from 8, and Elewana Lewa Safari Camp lists its horse or camel safari from 12. Send us your children’s ages when you ask for a quote.

Can I do a night drive in Laikipia?

Yes. Ol Pejeta offers two evening slots, 7 to 9 pm and 9 to 11 pm, booked at least a day ahead. Loisaba, Il Ngwesi, Suyian and Elewana Lewa Safari Camp list night drives too.

How much do activities cost?

It varies by property. In 2026, a 2-hour guided walk was USD 85 per person and a night drive USD 120 at one Lewa camp, while other properties include activities in their rates. Your quote from us itemises what is included.

Can I see Mount Kenya or the equator from Laikipia?

The equator runs through Nanyuki, where a roadside sign is a popular photo stop. Mount Kenya lies south-east of the town, and some lodges face it. We cannot promise clear views on any day.

How long should I stay?

Activities range from a 2-hour walk to a full-day climb, so several nights at one conservancy let you try more than one. Tell us your dates and interests and we will suggest a plan.