Our take
Kicheche Laikipia is a six-tent camp overlooking a waterhole in Ol Pejeta Conservancy. Its small scale, hosted atmosphere and access to rhino conservation make it a focused Laikipia safari, with walks and other activities alongside day and night drives.
The camp sits among indigenous trees in Ol Pejeta, with wildlife often visible around the waterhole. Canvas tents and a lounge and dining tent keep the atmosphere close to the bush, while fireplaces are welcome on cool highland evenings. The safari explores both the conservancy’s wildlife and its active conservation work. With only six accommodation units, the camp feels personal and suits travellers who value guiding and time outdoors over extensive resort facilities.
Gallery
A closer look at the accommodation, atmosphere and setting.
Swipe or use the arrows to explore. Select a photo to enlarge.
01
Accommodation
There are five standard tents and one family suite, all with en-suite bathrooms, hot showers and flushing toilets. Hammocks outside the tents provide a place to watch the surroundings, while fans, charging points and Wi-Fi add practical comfort. The family suite should be chosen according to its current sleeping arrangement and the party’s ages. These are canvas rooms in a wildlife setting, rather than sealed hotel bedrooms.
02
Food & drink
Meals are hosted in the dining tent or outdoors, often following drinks and conversation around the fire. The lounge and dining areas have two fireplaces for cooler evenings. Eating arrangements can work around longer outings, while dietary requirements are best shared before arrival so the kitchen has time to plan.
03
What to do
Day and night drives, guided bush walks, mountain biking and wild camping offer different ways to explore Ol Pejeta. Specialist visits can include the K9 tracking team and northern white rhino care programme. Mount Kenya and Ngare Ndare Forest are additional excursions beyond the conservancy. These visits depend on access and advance arrangements, and some carry supplementary charges rather than forming part of every stay.
Planning your stay
The dedicated family suite provides an alternative to booking separate standard tents. The room arrangement should be matched to the children’s ages, while walks, cycling and specialist conservation visits need to follow the camp’s current participation rules.
The waterhole setting and Ol Pejeta’s conservation work give the camp a clear sense of purpose. Its small size and hosted meals complement a programme that includes rhinos, night drives and walking, offering a different experience from the Mara.
At roughly 1,800 metres, evenings and early drives can feel cool, so bring warm layers. Specialist rhino and K9 visits need booking ahead. Distinguish the camp’s standard safari programme from excursions and conservation experiences charged separately.
Compare the alternatives
Explore the accommodation and setting of each property before choosing your combination.
Laikipia
Arijiju is an exclusive-use five-suite retreat within Borana Conservancy, where stone architecture, a private pool and extensive wellness facilities accompany a varied safari. It offers a house-based stay with room for several generations to spend time together.
Explore the property
Laikipia
Borana Lodge overlooks Borana Conservancy in Laikipia, with eight guest bedrooms arranged in individual and family cottages. Rhino conservation, horse riding and walking add variety to game drives, while the stone-and-thatch buildings retain the feel of a welcoming bush home.
Explore the property
Laikipia
El Karama is an owner-run lodge on a working Laikipia conservancy, with individually designed bandas, family accommodation and private cottage collections. Walking, fly-camping, farm visits and children’s Bush School create a varied safari shaped around time outdoors.
Explore the propertyMake it part of a journey
Kicheche Laikipia pairs well with a Mara conservancy camp for a safari that combines different habitats and conservation stories. Leave room for specialist visits as well as drives. A short stay can feel rushed if Mount Kenya or Ngare Ndare is also included, so prioritise the experiences that matter most.
These journeys are starting points. We adapt the route, accommodation and length of stay around your plans.
Explore Laikipia or read our Kenya seasonal guide.
Your questions
There are five standard tents and one family suite, all with en-suite bathrooms, hot showers and flushing toilets. Hammocks outside the tents provide a place to watch the surroundings, while fans, charging points and Wi-Fi add practical comfort. The family suite should be chosen according to its current sleeping arrangement and the party’s ages. These are canvas rooms in a wildlife setting, rather than sealed hotel bedrooms.
Day and night drives, guided bush walks, mountain biking and wild camping offer different ways to explore Ol Pejeta. Specialist visits can include the K9 tracking team and northern white rhino care programme. Mount Kenya and Ngare Ndare Forest are additional excursions beyond the conservancy. These visits depend on access and advance arrangements, and some carry supplementary charges rather than forming part of every stay.
The dedicated family suite provides an alternative to booking separate standard tents. The room arrangement should be matched to the children’s ages, while walks, cycling and specialist conservation visits need to follow the camp’s current participation rules.
Kicheche Laikipia pairs well with a Mara conservancy camp for a safari that combines different habitats and conservation stories. Leave room for specialist visits as well as drives. A short stay can feel rushed if Mount Kenya or Ngare Ndare is also included, so prioritise the experiences that matter most.
Tailor-made Kenya
We will help you compare the alternatives and plan the right combination.
Start planning