About Sirikoi
Sirikoi is a small, high-quality camp in Lewa with a sustainable ethos and top-notch wildlife, guiding, service and food.
One of the most luxurious tented camps in Kenya, Sirikoi is the brainchild and passion of Sue Roberts and her late husband Willie. The Roberts – central figures in the Kenya safari tradition – have poured their decades of experience and enthusiasm into this outstanding camp in the Lewa Conservancy, and their influence shows in every aspect.
With only a handful of tents and private cottages, Sirikoi offers a very high-quality, personal experience, combining zealous attention to detail with an unpretentious set-up, excellent food and friendly staff. The Sirikoi stream gives the camp its name, and creates the marshy ground, shaded by majestic acacias, which forms the panorama you gaze on from the lawn.
White rhinos, elephants and many other species are often seen by the natural waterhole and salt lick, and all the rolling hills and grassland of the Lewa Conservancy are yours to explore as soon you leave camp. Sirikoi is renowned for its commitment to sustainable principles, and they generate all their electricity with solar panels.
They also have a fine, organic garden supplying all their fruit and vegetables. Aided by top expertise in the kitchen, excellent wines and campfire talk, the combination of ingredients makes for memorable dinners.
Our view
Sirikoi succeeds very well. It combines a very high degree of attention to detail with an unpretentious set-up, excellent food and friendly staff. The private cottages and house are perfect for families or groups, while the tents suit couples looking for a stylish retreat.
Kenya expert
Accommodation
9 rooms
Children
Best for 10+
Open
16 May to 31 Oct and 1 Dec to 14 Apr
Activities
4WD Safari
Birdwatching
Guided walking safari
Horse-riding
Night drive
Private activities
Traveller reviews of Sirikoi
6 real, un-edited reviews from Expert Africa's travellers.
Expert Africa's gallery
When we travel we take lots of photos ourselves to give you a real and un-edited view of the safaris. See our 39 pictures of Sirikoi to get the candid view.
View gallerySafaris visiting Sirikoi
Just ideas, we'll always tailor-make a trip for you
African Finfoot Fly-in Safari
7 days • 3 locations • 1 country
NAIROBI AIRPORT TO NAIROBI AIRPORT
After a unique start in Nairobi National Park, classic, luxurious camps combine for a high-end and exclusive safari in fantastic wildlife destinations.
Visiting Nairobi, Laikipia and 1 other area
US$11,230 - US$17,340 per person
Sirikoi: Our full report
Sirikoi is a luxury safari camp and lodge, located by a game-rich waterhole in a private, 7000 acre (28-square...
... -kilometre) area of the 250-square-kilometre Lewa Wildlife Conservancy, in south-eastern Laikipia. With only a handful of tents it aims to offer a very high-quality, personal experience.
Named after the stream which runs in front of the camp, Sirikoi was conceived and designed by Willie and Sue Roberts, well-known East African safari operators. It first opened its doors back in 2000, and we have visited many times since – most recently in 2019 – and always found a luxurious, unpretentious and very well-run camp in a lovely location.
It has just five well-appointed tented rooms, plus a two-bedroom cottage and a three-bedroom house used by families or groups of friends. Set on beautifully manicured lawns shaded by acacia trees, it's an intimate and high-quality operation, with a great number of activities on offer.
Sirikoi looks onto a large natural watering hole with a small salt lick, which is frequented by animals – you don't even have to leave the comfort of your tent to enjoy the wildlife here. Although Sirikoi is cleverly fenced to keep giraffe and elephant from destroying their trees, animals such as buffalo, rhino and plains game wander freely in the grounds. There is also a friendly giraffe who has managed to get inside the grounds and is now habituated. On our recent visit we saw numerous zebra, gazelle, a large herd of elephants as well as the semi-resident giraffe.
Despite feeling very luxurious, Sirikoi enjoys an exceptionally homely feel. Its spacious central area is a large, solid, thatched building which houses a main lounge and small bar. It's been designed with a real eye for style, and the family photos, plush sofas, and numerous coffee-table books scattered around make it an inviting place to while away a few hours between activities. A very well stocked bar is always open, with some skilled bartenders to whip up a cocktail of your choice. In front of the lounge area, a large shaded decking provides the perfect breakfast and lunch location, while dinner takes place next to a roaring campfire. A large infinity pool with plenty of comfortable loungers faces the watering hole. There is a large selection of curios and stylish clothing, jewelry and artwork to purchase at the shop.
Conspicuously placed around the lodge and gardens are sculptures by Murray Grant, a renowned Scottish-Kenyan artist (based at El Karama, available for purchase).
Accommodation at Sirikoi consists of four luxury tents, a two-bedroom private cottage, and a three-bedroom private house. The cottage and private house are booked on an exclusive basis. Neither has their own pool, but guests are welcome to use the pool at the main lodge.
- The four double or twin tented rooms are identical in design and angled to face the waterhole and plains beyond. Arguably, the two tents closer to the main areas lack a little privacy, as the path runs along the front, but as they're set slightly back, it's not a real negative. Each tent is well designed with great attention to detail. The bowl chairs on the veranda are hard to resist during siesta time, while a small, raised charcoal fireplace in the lounge area makes for a very cosy room on cool evenings (we were assured the ventilation makes these fires completely safe). There's a large double bed, or twin beds, flanked by bedside tables, with beautiful Kitengela Glass water decanters. The wonderfully comfortable bed linen is fine-weave Egyptian cotton sheets and duvet covers. Behind the bed is space to store your luggage and clothes out of sight.
- At the rear of the tents, the impressive bathrooms feature stand-alone Victorian baths, with uninterrupted views through the gauze windows to the bush beyond. There's also a separate plumbed-in shower, flush loo and twin porcelain wash basins.
- Tent number five is a family tent comprising a double room and an annexe with twin beds ideal for children.
- The two-bedroom cottage, with both bedrooms en suite, is set slightly away from the main areas, and is quite self-contained. Made from wood, stone and thatch, it feels much more established than Sirikoi's tents. It has its own separate living and dining areas (with TV) and a large deck, meaning that guests here can be quite independent from the main camp. Like the tents and main areas, it's really well designed, combining good quality with a relaxed and homely feel. This would be a great choice for families or two couples who want the luxury of setting their own schedule, and the option of privacy.
- Much like the cottage, the three-bedroom private house is entirely independent of the main lodge, with very spacious communal areas and decking. Two of the bedrooms here are in one unit, while the other is separate. All three bedrooms are en-suite. To the back of the house is a separate kitchen where meals for the house are prepared, guests staying here can choose to dine independently, or dine at the main camp. The private house also has a heated swimming pool for its exclusive use.
On Expert Africa's visits, we've found the service at Sirikoi to be brilliant – with more than 70 staff it's no great surprise that things run like clockwork. The managers run the camp in a very professional but informal, relaxed way, and you feel immediately at home as soon as you enter.
Behind the scenes is an enormous vegetable garden growing flowers which are displayed throughout the lodge, as well as vegetables, herbs and fruit, which contributes fresh produce to delicious meals. This garden is completely pesticide free and it is fascinating to take a tour with one of the Sirikoi team. The nutrient rich soils and temperate climate means that fruit and vegetables flourish here, when we last stayed we were fascinated to see raspberries and blueberries growing side by side with pawpaw and mango. The food at Sirikoi was exceptional, fresh, tasty and healthy.
There is a beautiful curio shop next to the communal area selling a selection of high-end crafts and jewelry. In addition to the standard Maasai beadwork items found throughout much of Kenya they also stocked a range of stunning silverwork pieces.
Activities at Sirikoi are numerous and you'll be spoilt for choice. Lewa Wildlife Conservancy boasts some excellent game-viewing opportunities, with a high chance of seeing white and black rhino and Grevy's zebra amongst the more common game. Sirikoi always give every party their own vehicle and guide. The private houses will always have use of the new, completely open vehicles.
Bush walks can be arranged, too, albeit with advance notice, since an armed ranger is needed. When we visited, Sirikoi's managers were both hoping to get a gun licence soon so they could conduct walks themselves.
Other activities can be arranged at extra cost.
- Horseriding for both beginners and experienced riders with the nearby Lewa Wilderness, or with Borana .
- Forest walks to the nearby Ngare Ndare forest, where there is a beautiful waterfall pool to swim in.
- Massages by a local lady are available from.
- A guided trip to the local village of Il Ngwesi, about one hour away from Sirikoi.
- Helicopter flights are increasingly popular at Sirikoi. Although expensive they're a fantastic way to appreciate the beauty and sheer size of the local environment and nearby Mount Kenya.
- Fishing and other excursions can be arranged, either just for a day or for a few nights through Roberts Safaris. Prices vary depending on whether you take plane, road or helicopter transfers.
Geographics
- Location
- Laikipia, Kenya
- Ideal length of stay
- At least 3-4 nights to enable you to try a range of the activities.
- Directions
- Sirikoi is 15 minutes’ drive from Lewa Downs airstrip for scheduled flights and charters, but will soon have its own airstrip for charters. Helicopters land on the lawn.
- Accessible by
- Fly-and-Transfer
Food & drink
- Usual board basis
- Full Board & Activities
- Food quality
- On our last visit we found the food at Sirikoi to be the some of the best of our whole trip – no doubt due in part to their exceptional vegetable garden. Almost all the ingredients are produced on site, with only dried goods and some meat bought in. Everything is very fresh and healthy, and beautifully presented.
Breakfast was a buffet selection of breads, cereals, freshly baked lemon and poppyseed muffins, tropical fruit and berries picked from the garden the same morning. A hot cooked breakfast was available to order along with plenty of hot fresh tea and coffee. We sat outside on the shaded decking to eat, which was lovely.
Lunch is generally light and fresh, often served as a buffet on the deck overlooking the marsh. We enjoyed bacon and mushroom quiche, fishcakes, tomato and mozzarella salad, kale salad, homemade chutneys and a selection of cheeses and crackers. We ended the meal with fresh yoghurt and fruit compote topped with a brown sugar crumb.
Before dinner guests typically gather around the fire for drinks and canapes before moving to individual tables. We started with feta and spinach samosas, these were followed by roast chicken with a sweet gravy sauce, red cabbage, broccoli and cauliflower florets and a mustard and bean mash. Desert was a rich Amarula ice cream with apple strudel. - Dining style
- Individual Tables
- Dining locations
- Indoor and Outdoor Dining
- Further dining info, including room service
- Possible
- Drinks included
- All drinks are included, except for premium wines and premium spirits.
Special interests
- Honeymoons
- For an exclusive, romantic and luxurious safari camp focusing on attention to detail, Sirikoi is a great choice for a honeymoon in Kenya. With very stylish tents, excellent staff and delicious food, it’s a perfect place to celebrate a special occasion.
- See ideas for Honeymoons in Kenya
- Riding holidays
- Located in an exclusive 30km2 area of the Lewa Wildlife Conservancy, Sirikoi offers riding opportunities with horses suited to beginners or experienced riders, accompanied by experienced guides on horseback to ensure safety.
- See ideas for Riding holidays in Kenya
- Wellbeing
- With more than 70 staff to look after you, and sumptuously furnished tented rooms, it’s easy to feel spoiled at Sirikoi. The décor strikes a welcome balance of comfort and intimacy, making this a high-quality retreat to truly unwind in.
- See ideas for Wellbeing in Kenya
- Private villas & houses
- Sirikoi has a 2-bedroom cottage and 3-bedroom house, each booked exclusively. Each base has a private vehicle and dedicated staff. They are perfect for families or small groups wanting a high-end, exclusive safari with excellent wildlife-viewing.
- See ideas for Private villas & houses in Kenya
- Luxury
- With its manicured lawns, 70-strong staff and extras that include helicopter flights, horse riding and massages, this intimate camp offers an unparalleled level of care. Situated on a private conservancy, even the game-viewing feels exclusive.
- See ideas for Luxury in Kenya
Children
- Attitude towards children
- Sirikoi welcomes older children but not little ones.
- Property’s age restrictions
- 6 years and above.
- Special activities & services
- Activities such as the forest walk, which ends at a waterfall you can swim in, are very popular with children.
Sirikoi can offer a babysitting service, but note that this will be a member of the housekeeping staff, and not someone trained in childcare. - Equipment
- None
- Generally recommended for children
- The cottage and house make a good option for families with older children, but because the camp is wild, and big game does pass through, it is imperative that children are under constant parental supervision.
- Notes
- This is an adult-oriented, luxury safari camp and we'd recommend families book the 2-room cottage or the three-room private house.
Our travellers’ wildlife sightings from Sirikoi
Since mid-2018, many of our travellers who stayed at Sirikoi have kindly recorded their wildlife sightings and shared them with us. The results are below. Click an animal to see more, and here to see more on our methodology.
100% success
100% success
100% success
100% success
100% success
100% success
100% success
100% success
75% success
67% success
25% success
25% success
0% success
0% success
0% success
0% success
Communications
- Power supply notes
- There is 24/7 power throughout the camp, with a generator to boost power on cloudy days and kuni boosters (wood-fueled boilers) to provide hot water. Hair driers can be used in the rooms.
- Communications
- Free WiFi is usually available in all the tents and central areas. There are no phones in the rooms, but there is generally good cellphone reception.
- TV & radio
- There are TVs in the cottage and the house, but not in the tents.
- Water supply
- Other
- Water supply notes
- Water for Sirikoi comes from a mountain spring on Mount Kenya. It is purified to be used by guests.
Health & safety
- Malarial protection recommended
- Yes
- Medical care
- There are first-aid kits in the lodge and office. Staff members regularly take part in first-aid course.
Quadbike warning: quad-biking is sometimes available as an activity from Sirikoi. As with any potentially dangerous activity, it’s vital that you take responsibility for ensuring that you have adequate travel insurance prior to getting involved. Be aware that some insurances cover quad-bike activities only for bikes with lower engine ratings: check such clauses particularly carefully before you get on a bike. - Dangerous animals
- High Risk
- Security measures
- Night watchmen patrol the camp and guests are always escorted to their tents in the hours of darkness. There is a light security presence around the perimeter during the day.
- Fire safety
- There are fire extinguishers in the rooms and central areas. Very good pumps, fire hoses and fire breaks have been installed.
Activities
4WD Safari
Birdwatching
Guided walking safari
Horse-riding
Night drive
Private activities
Extras
- Disabled access
- On Request
- Laundry facilities
- A full laundry service is included (female underwear excluded).
- Money
- There are self-operating safes in each room.
Sirikoi can exchange small amounts of money. - Accepted payment on location
- Visa & MasterCard are accepted. There is a 3% surcharge. The preferred currency is US dollars, but payments may also be made in GB pounds, Kenyan shillings.
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Sirikoi's location
Look closer at the environment and surroundings of Sirikoi.
Excursions from Sirikoi
Optional extra day-trips and excursions possible whilst you're staying at Sirikoi. Talk to us: these are usually best arranged before you go.
Anti-poaching Dogs Display
Approx. one hour
Interact with the dog keepers and learn about what it takes to look after the specially trained canine team. Guests are encouraged to try and evade the sniffer dogs, not only is this great fun, but it helps to offer genuine training for the dogs.
More about Anti-poaching Dogs Display
Scenic Biplane Flight on Lewa Conservancy
30 or 60 minute flights
Soar high and fly low over the rolling hills and plains of Laikipia’s famed Lewa Conservancy, on a scenic biplane flight. Offering you the chance to spot wildlife from the air, this flight takes place in an open-cockpit WACO biplane – a truly unique excursion in Kenya.
More about Scenic Bi-plane FlightOther lodges in Laikipia
Alternative places to stay in this same area.
Kicheche Laikipia
Kicheche Laikipia is the most luxurious tented camp of the handful of places to stay in the Ol Pejeta Conservancy in central Laikipia.
Laikipia Wilderness
Laikipia Wilderness is a rustic owner-managed bush camp, in excellent wild dog territory, offering outstanding guiding.
Lewa Safari Camp
Lewa Safari Camp is a comfortable and homely tented lodge, located in the Lewa Conservancy and offering a relatively exclusive safari away from mass tourism.
Lewa Wilderness
Lewa Wilderness is a comfortable, fenced safari lodge with nine cottages, great views and a huge range of activities.
El Karama Lodge
El Karama is a comfortably rustic, very personal, riverside eco-lodge on a game-rich private ranch in Laikipia, an hour’s drive north of Nanyuki airport.
Sosian
Sosian Lodge is a distinctive, estancia-style ranch house on a former cattle ranch, with great opportunities for riding, relaxing and seeing wild dogs and other savannah wildlife.
Il Ngwesi Eco-Lodge
The community-owned Il Ngwesi Eco-Lodge sits atop a small hill in the remote Il Ngwesi Group Ranch, a two-hour drive north of Lewa Conservancy in north-eastern Laikipia.
Ol Pejeta Bush Camp
Ol Pejeta Bush Camp is a simple camp, with comfortable tents, delivering an authentic wilderness experience backed up by good food and guiding.
Porini Rhino Camp
Porini Rhino Camp is a small, simple, well established tented camp, with a keen focus on sustainable and low-impact tourism.
Borana
Borana is a comfortable and striking lodge on the Borana Conservancy in eastern Laikipia, offering pleasant accommodation with good food and service and a very wide range of activities.
Kifaru House
Kifaru House is a small, stylish safari lodge in the Lewa Conservancy, with beautiful views across the landscape.
Lewa House
Lewa House is a very comfortable, boutique safari lodge located on the Lewa Conservancy, north of Mount Kenya.
Solio Lodge
Solio Lodge is an exclusive and luxurious bush lodge set in the private Solio Game Ranch in southern Laikipia.
Loisaba Tented Camp
Loisaba Tented Camp is a luxury safari base of tented rooms, ranged along a ridge in the Loisaba Conservancy, facing Mount Kenya. The camp was completely rebuilt in 2016.
Tassia Lodge
Tassia offers a unique wilderness experience in a remote location: come here for cultural interaction, stunning views and something a bit different.
Loisaba Star Beds
Loisaba Starbeds is a simple camp of 4 rooms with pull-out, open-air 'star beds', located near a dam in the Loisaba Conservancy, in northwestern Laikipia.
Sweetwaters Serena
Sweetwaters Serena is a large, older tented camp – the largest camp in the Laikipia region – in the eastern part of the Ol Pejeta Conservancy.
Karisia Walking Safaris
Karisia Walking Safaris operates camel assisted, multi-day walking safaris from its main camp, Tumaren, set in a remote part of Laikipia.
Sandai
Sandai is a pretty, owner-run homestay, set between the Aberdare Range and Mount Kenya, offering a range of activities at extra cost.
Lodo Springs
Lodo Springs is a spectacularly located luxury lodge in a remote spot in the Loisaba Conservancy, sister lodge to Loisaba Tented Camp and Loisaba Star Beds.
Sanctuary at Ol Lentille
The Sanctuary at Ol Lentille is an unusual safari lodge in northern Laikipia, consisting of three exclusive villas, and offering a huge range of activities.
Governors' Mugie House
Governors' Mugie House – a substantial, luxury safari lodge – is one of only two properties in the Mugie Conservancy in northwestern Laikipia.
Thomsons Falls Lodge
Thomsons Falls Lodge is a simple hotel dating back to the colonial era, located above the falls of the same name, near the western Laikipia town of Nyahururu.
Ekorian's Mugie Camp
Ekorian's Mugie Camp is a pleasant, family-friendly safari camp in a remote location in northwestern Laikipia.
When to go to Laikipia
Our month by month guide: What it's like to visit Sirikoi in Laikipia
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Laikipia in January
Clear, warm days and mild nights make this a popular time for safaris in Laikipia. It's excellent for game viewing in all the conservancies, where water sources attract diverse wildlife. The dry conditions make it easier to spot black rhinos, lions and leopards. Star bed sleep-out options at a number of lodges are particularly magical under the clear night skies.
After the New Year period, many camps and lodges treat January as mid-season, offering good value. The landscape retains some greenery, enhancing photography.
- Clear days ideal for safaris
- Excellent visibility for wildlife viewing
- Dry riverbeds attract wildlife to water sources
- Calving season for wildebeest and antelopes
- Palearctic migrant birds abundant
Our view
Fantastic: the very best time to visit
Weather in January
Laikipia in February
With the short dry season well established in Laikipia, wildlife gathers close to water points, making it an excellent time for safaris. Ol Pejeta and Lewa Wildlife Conservancies offer prime viewing opportunities for endangered species like black rhinos and Grevy's zebras. Solio Rhino Conservancy provides exceptional black rhino sightings during this period. The grass is grazed down, improving visibility across the region.
February is ideal for walking safaris, where you can appreciate the smaller details of the ecosystem. The clear skies make stargazing from star beds an unforgettable experience. Cultural visits to local communities are particularly rewarding, as the pleasant weather encourages outdoor activities and interactions.
- Prime time for wildlife gathering near water
- Ideal conditions for walking safaris
- Palearctic migrant birds still present
- Low rainfall makes game drives rewarding
Our view
A very good time to visit
Weather in February
Laikipia in March
As March progresses in Laikipia, the weather becomes increasingly hot and humid with more rain likely later in the month. Through most of the month, conditions are still good for game drives in most districts. As the month advances, the buildup to the rainy season becomes apparent.
This period can offer unique photographic opportunities as animals congregate around diminishing water sources. Accommodation costs decrease as the low season approaches.
- Early month offers great wildlife viewing
- Hot weather transitions to occasional rains
- Lower visitor numbers
- Lush vegetation begins to appear
Our view
A good time to visit, with pros & cons
Weather in March
Laikipia in April
April usually sees established, serious rainfall in much of Laikipia, transforming the landscape. The southeast monsoon wind brings cooler temperatures and frequent downpours. While game viewing can be challenging due to lush vegetation, the green season offers unique experiences, with new-born animals visible among the verdant scenery.
The landscape bursts into life with vibrant colours, ideal for photography. Birdwatching is excellent with many species breeding. This is a quieter time for tourism, with lower accommodation rates at many places allowing for a more exclusive safari experience for great levels of service.
- Long rains begin, transforming landscapes
- Green season offers unique photo opportunities
- Lower rates at Laikipia's luxury lodges
- Buffalo and zebra calving season commences
- Birdwatching excellent
Our view
A good time to visit, with pros & cons
Weather in April
Laikipia in May
May in Laikipia is characterised by ongoing rains and lush vegetation. While game viewing can be trickier, the vibrant landscapes offer spectacular photographic opportunities with very little dust. The landscapes are a sea of green, with diverse and thriving flora.
This is an excellent time for birdwatching across the region as breeding season continues. The Ewaso Nyiro river swells impressively. Despite potential challenges, patient visitors may witness dramatic scenes of predators hunting in the thick vegetation.
- Lush vegetation makes wildlife spotting trickier
- Great for landscape and nature photography
- Rutting season for wildebeest and impalas
- Frog breeding season in Laikipia's wetlands
- Mount Kenya views improve with clearer air
Our view
A good time to visit, with pros & cons
Weather in May
Laikipia in June
As June progresses in Laikipia, the rains give way to slightly cooler, cloudy weather. This transition marks the beginning of a long, generally dry, high season for visitors. Game viewing improves as vegetation starts to thin, and conditions are comfortable.
The Ewaso Nyiro river, still full from the rains, attracts diverse wildlife. Accommodation rates begin to rise, reflecting the start of peak season.
- Rains subside, ushering in cooler weather
- High season begins with increased visitors
- Comfortable conditions game viewing
Our view
A good time to visit, with pros & cons
Weather in June
Laikipia in July
July in Laikipia brings cooler temperatures and ideal conditions for safaris. Animals concentrate around water sources on the conservancies, providing excellent game viewing opportunities.
July marks the peak of the high season, with higher accommodation rates and visitor numbers. The dry conditions make it easier to spot elusive species like leopards and black rhinos.
- Cool weather perfect for walking and riding
- Wildlife concentrates around water sources
- Excellent conditions for photography tours
Our view
A good time to visit, with pros & cons
Weather in July
Laikipia in August
August in Laikipia offers mild, dry weather, perfect for safaris. The conservancies teem with wildlife, including endangered species like black rhinos and Grevy's zebras. The landscapes offer stunning vistas and excellent conditions for game drives and walking safaris. The dry conditions make it easier to spot big cats across the region. This is peak season, so expect higher visitor numbers and accommodation rates.
You might consider combining your Laikipia safari with a stay at the nearby Samburu National Reserve, known for its “northern five” species – Grevy’s zebra, reticulated giraffe, beisa oryx, gerenuk and Somali ostrich.
- Peak season for wildlife viewing in Laikipia
- Mild weather ideal for outdoor activities
- Busy period requires advance bookings
Our view
A good time to visit, with pros & cons
Weather in August
Laikipia in September
As September progresses in Laikipia, the weather typically remains dry with clearing skies, signalling excellent safari conditions. Early September can be busy, but visitor numbers decrease later in the month. In the conservancies, game viewing is exceptional as animals congregate around limited water sources.
September generally offers excellent conditions for photography.
- Hot, dry weather with good visibility
- Quieter period for more exclusive safaris
- Natural bush fires flush out insects and small animals for predators
Our view
Fantastic: the very best time to visit
Weather in September
Laikipia in October
October in Laikipia brings generally hot and mostly dry conditions, ideal for safaris. It's a favourite month for many visitors due to the good weather and fewer visitors. The conservancies offer excellent game viewing, with animals concentrated around water sources. The Solio Rhino Conservancy provides exceptional rhino sightings in the dry conditions.
Birdwatching is rewarding as Palearctic migrants begin to arrive. Cultural visits to Maasai communities remain a highlight. Consider combining your Laikipia safari with a trip to the nearby Samburu National Reserve for a diverse wildlife experience.
- Warm or hot and mostly dry conditions for safaris
- Migratory birds start arriving
- Perfect for photography
Our view
A very good time to visit
Weather in October
Laikipia in November
November in Laikipia marks the beginning of the short rains, usually in the latter half of the month. This transition brings about dramatic changes in the landscape. Early November can still offer good game viewing before the rains intensify. Then the bush begins to green, creating beautiful scenery.
As the low season begins, accommodation rates decrease, and visitor numbers drop too, allowing for a more exclusive safari experience. Birdwatching becomes excellent with the arrival of many migratory species. November is ideal for photographers capturing the changing landscapes and dramatic skies, with low dust and clear air. Cultural visits to Maasai communities offer insights into how local life adapts to the changing seasons.
- Short rains begin, transforming landscapes
- Low season offers better rates and privacy
- Excellent time for birdwatching in Laikipia
- Lush scenery provides stunning backdrops
Our view
A good time to visit, with pros & cons
Weather in November
Laikipia in December
In a typical December, Laikipia sees the short rains finish by mid-month, leaving the landscape at its most beautiful. Clear blue skies return, heralding the start of the second peak visitor season from around 20 December onwards. The conservancies offer excellent game viewing with lush backdrops.
Christmas can occasionally be wet, but most years see perfect safari conditions by the festive season. This is an ideal time to combine wildlife viewing with cultural experiences, such as visiting Maasai communities.
- Rains typically end, leaving landscapes lush
- Peak tourist season begins mid-month
- Christmas safaris popular in conservancies
- Night sky clarity ideal for stargazing
Our view
A good time to visit, with pros & cons
Weather in December
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