Our take
Sosian is a restored ranch-house lodge on a working wildlife and cattle ranch in Laikipia. Garden accommodation, horse riding, walking and varied outdoor activities make it an engaging alternative to a safari built entirely around game drives.
The original 1940s ranch house remains the centre of Sosian, with dining and sitting rooms, a bar and billiards room. Accommodation is spread through gardens rather than concentrated in a single hotel block. A swimming pool, tennis court and stable yard complement the wildlife programme. The atmosphere is informal and hosted, with cattle ranching forming part of the surrounding landscape. Its Laikipia setting offers both safari and a more active stay away from the Mara.
Gallery
A closer look at the accommodation, atmosphere and setting.
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01
Accommodation
There are seven principal en-suite guest rooms arranged within four garden cottages, with family configurations also available. Standard rooms have their own verandas. The more private Italian Cottage has a larger bathroom with a bath and shower, while the Family Cottage can be arranged with two or three bedrooms. A detailed room plan helps a family or larger group decide which of these arrangements provides the right balance of shared space and privacy.
02
Food & drink
Meals are served indoors or outdoors around the ranch house, with an organic vegetable garden contributing fresh produce. Dining has a relaxed, hosted character rather than a formal restaurant routine. Bush meals can be fitted around outings, and early breakfasts or picnics help keep a riding or wildlife programme comfortable for the party.
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What to do
Day and night game drives and walks with an armed guide explore the wildlife ranch. Horse riding is a particular strength, with shorter outings and longer riding safaris requiring different experience levels. Cycling, camel treks, fly-camping and cattle-ranch activities add variety. Fishing, waterfall outings, tubing and kayaking depend on suitable water levels and conditions. The lodge’s swimming pool and tennis court provide alternatives when guests prefer an afternoon closer to home.
Planning your stay
The Family Cottage can offer two or three bedrooms, with a double room connected to a twin or triple room. The swimming pool, tennis court and varied programme help accommodate different interests. Riding and water activities must be selected around age, experience and conditions.
Sosian’s riding stable and working-ranch setting give it a clear identity beyond conventional vehicle safaris. The restored farmhouse, gardens, pool and tennis court create a comfortable base for a party whose members want different activities during the same stay.
Riding ability should be discussed before travel so that the programme is appropriate, particularly for longer rides among wildlife. River and waterfall activities depend on conditions. Choose a specific room plan for family bookings, with children close to their parents and space for the whole group to settle in.
Compare the alternatives
Explore the accommodation and setting of each property before choosing your combination.
Laikipia
Enasoit is an exclusive-use camp and private reserve in Laikipia, with tented cottages gathered around a wildlife waterhole. Its separate Pool House, varied outdoor programme and flexible family accommodation give one group room to settle into a private safari stay.
Explore the property
Laikipia
Lolldaiga House is a six-bedroom private home in Laikipia’s Lolldaiga Conservancy. A wide veranda, infinity pool and staffed dining offer a comfortable base for guided drives, walks and time exploring the conservancy’s hills, forests and plains.
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
Allow several nights to combine riding, wildlife watching and time at the lodge. Sosian can provide a lively Laikipia contrast before a Mara safari or a beach stay. A longer horse-focused itinerary needs to be planned separately from a standard lodge booking with occasional rides.
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 seven principal en-suite guest rooms arranged within four garden cottages, with family configurations also available. Standard rooms have their own verandas. The more private Italian Cottage has a larger bathroom with a bath and shower, while the Family Cottage can be arranged with two or three bedrooms. A detailed room plan helps a family or larger group decide which of these arrangements provides the right balance of shared space and privacy.
Day and night game drives and walks with an armed guide explore the wildlife ranch. Horse riding is a particular strength, with shorter outings and longer riding safaris requiring different experience levels. Cycling, camel treks, fly-camping and cattle-ranch activities add variety. Fishing, waterfall outings, tubing and kayaking depend on suitable water levels and conditions. The lodge’s swimming pool and tennis court provide alternatives when guests prefer an afternoon closer to home.
The Family Cottage can offer two or three bedrooms, with a double room connected to a twin or triple room. The swimming pool, tennis court and varied programme help accommodate different interests. Riding and water activities must be selected around age, experience and conditions.
Allow several nights to combine riding, wildlife watching and time at the lodge. Sosian can provide a lively Laikipia contrast before a Mara safari or a beach stay. A longer horse-focused itinerary needs to be planned separately from a standard lodge booking with occasional rides.
Tailor-made Kenya
We will explain how it compares with the alternatives and whether it fits your preferred dates, route and pace.
Start planning