Reviews of Laikipia Wilderness
Wildlife sightings and reviews
35 independent comments and wildlife information from our travellers who have visited Laikipia Wilderness and kindly agreed to share their thoughts. They do not necessarily represent the views of Expert Africa
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"Laikipia Wilderness review"
The fly camping out was really great." See all these reviews: 11n in Kenya
"Laikipia Wilderness review"
"Laikipia Wilderness review"
"Laikipia Wilderness review"
We didn’t have anything to compare but felt the wilderness and loved it. very much our cup of tea. Relaxed and communal while also private for individual family drives out. Great food, plenty of it.
The guides were incredible. They taught us so much, very patient with all the kids’ questions and clearly loved their jobs and the wildlife.
An unforgettable place and experience." See all these reviews: 10n in Kenya; 5n in Zanzibar
"Laikipia Wilderness review"
Again, what we wanted, a small remote camp with great guides and no gold taps frills.
Tent and terrace good. Food was excellent, the best of the trip. A good meal plan of brunch and supper, plenty. Owner was not there but the Deputy Manager, Kenneth was delightful. All staff were good.
Great guiding and birding with Dan, ex Zimbabwe guide. The night spent under the stars after a camp fire supper was wonderful, strongly recommend if you like camping." See all these reviews: 11n in Kenya
"Still wild heaven"
Different? Well firstly the weather - last time we came it was in the rainy season, everything green and the tracks slick with mud; this time we were in the middle of a drought and the river was seriously drying up. Secondly the wild dogs, who we spent a lot of time watching before, were denning and therefore not really possible to see. There's plenty to Laikipia other than dogs, and it was interesting to see how the environment changed and an object lesson in the importance of the rains.
As far as wildlife is concerned, drought equals easy pickings for predators and the leopards were out in force. They barely even needed to hunt - the local livestock seemed to be doing rather worse in the dry conditions than the wildlife and the leopards were more than happy to provide a disposal service for any cow that expired. We got some terrific daylight sightings - a pair appeared to be enjoying a romantic Valentine's meal of carcass - and also twice saw the gorgeous melanistic leopard (big) cub who is living near the camp.
Laikipia though, is really less about what you see than how you see it. There's no luxury trappings or conventional creature comforts- but I've rarely found somewhere where I feel more comfortable. Every meal we had was delicious and often improved by being eaten out in the wilds. All the meals are taken with the guides and other guests, and evenings usually finished by sitting around the fire with a drink swapping travellers tales!
It's a great place to go if you love walking in the bush - our guide, Dan, had recently arrived in Kenya after guiding in Zimbabwe but was very knowledgeable and clearly very experienced as both a walking and a driving guide. He was ably assisted by our spotter, Simon." See all these reviews: 11n in Kenya
"Wild Dogs and Black Leopard !!!"
Our guide was Steven - very experienced and a great spotter! We came to Laikipia Wilderness to see Wild Dogs and so he tried everything to find them. There was just 1 pack around and last seen about 20 km away from where were. Although some individuals of the pack were collared it was really hard for him to track them but finally (after a whole day of searching them!) he found them. it was amazing to to observe them while meeting and greeting after the day rest before heading out for hunting. We were so lucky to see them again next morning while crossing a river before they disappeared on an other ranch.
But the most amazing and spectacular sighting in Laikipia Wilderness was the spotting of a normal coloured female leopard and her black (melanistic) cub during a night drive. This was a really very very rare and special sighting - not only for us! Even our guide Steven had seen the black cub only 2 times before.
The Camp is the only one in the huge area of the ranch - no other people or vehicles around. It is a bit rustic but also very comfortable, the food not extraordinary but still very good.
Manager Steve was around but doesn't seem to be interested very much in us and didn't join us for one drive or walk although we've been the only guests during our whole stay at Laikipia Wilderness. That was a little bit disappointing after reading lot of comments about his very special guiding but Steven was a very good guide as well!" See all these reviews: 16n in Kenya
"Laikipia Wilderness review"
A safari in Laikipia is more hard work to spot animals but it feels more authentic and rewarding when you spot them. It was particularly on our list this time as we hoped to see the wild dogs. Unfortunately we missed them as they were quite far while we were there but we knew in advance there wasn't a guarantee to see them.
Our guides were top notch and making every effort to make sure we could see as much as possible. Especially if you like birds Laikipia and LWC should be on your list. The manager Steve is also making every effort to make sure you have a good time, again with activities different than in the Mara like walking safaris, night drives, swimming in the river, dinner in the bush,...
The tents are comfortable and clean with a nice view. Good hot water for showering and good internet from the dedicated internet tent." See all these reviews: 8n in Kenya
"Dogs are back in town"
This was a success and I enjoyed some fantastic sightings of the pack and their five puppies. The atmosphere at Laikipia Wilderness is very relaxed with no overtly strict "Covid protocols".
It's a lovely authentic owner run camp and it was a pleasure to spend time with the owner, Steve Carey and his children and hear about their bush adventures. I did a few great walks with Steve and also Barend, although it was a constant dilemma of whether to walk or track the dogs!!" See all these reviews: 13n in Kenya
"Laikipia Wilderness"
The camp facilities were unpretentious compared with many other premiums priced camps, although it was more than sufficient to meet all our needs. The food was fabulous. The staff were all friendly and efficient and provided exceptional service. The guides, including Steve who accompanied us on two game drives/walks, were very knowledgeable and skilled. I have no hesitancy in recommending LWC to any potential safari goer, particularly if you are interested in seeing wild dogs, which are not that easy to see in most other places." See all these reviews: 9n in Kenya
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