Kicheche Laikipia Camp – Ol Pejeta

Kicheche Laikipia is a small, eco-conscious luxury safari camp inside Ol Pejeta Conservancy, near Nanyuki. The camp sits at the edge of an indigenous forest overlooking a waterhole, where elephants, rhinos, antelopes and other wildlife may appear throughout the day.

With only six tented suites, Kicheche Laikipia offers an intimate safari experience centred on excellent guiding, flexible game drives and close interaction with the natural environment. Guests can enjoy day and night game drives, guided bush walks, mountain biking, picnic breakfasts and visits to Ol Pejeta’s leading conservation projects.

The camp is particularly suitable for wildlife photographers, couples, families, repeat safari travellers and guests who prefer an authentic tented camp to a conventional luxury hotel.

Location: Ol Pejeta Conservancy, near Nanyuki
Accommodation: Six luxury tented suites, including a Family Suite
Meal plan: Full-board game package
Best for: Wildlife, photography, conservation and active safaris
Recommended stay: 2–3 nights
Access: By road from Nairobi or flight to Kamok Airstrip

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Kicheche Laikipia at a Glance

Our View of Kicheche Laikipia

Kicheche Laikipia is one of the best Ol Pejeta camps for travellers who consider guiding and wildlife time more important than hotel-style facilities.

The camp does not try to operate like a large resort. There is no busy reception, extensive entertainment programme or formal restaurant. Instead, the experience focuses on personalised hosting, flexible safari activities, shared stories around the dining table and long periods exploring the conservancy with experienced guides.

Its waterhole setting is a major advantage. During the dry season, guests may watch wildlife from their private verandas or the camp’s lounge rather than waiting for the next game drive.

Kicheche Laikipia is also an excellent choice for photographers. Game drives use open-sided and open-roofed 4×4 vehicles, while dedicated photography vehicles can be booked for exclusive use. The guides are accustomed to spending time at sightings rather than rushing through a fixed itinerary.

Kicheche Laikipia Is Best For

• Wildlife photographers
• Couples and honeymooners
• Families wanting an educational safari
• Repeat safari travellers
• Guests interested in rhino conservation
• Travellers who prefer small camps
• Guests who enjoy guided walks and active experiences
• Visitors combining Ol Pejeta with the Masai Mara
• Travellers seeking flexible game drives
• Small groups wanting private vehicle use

Consider Another Property If

• You want a large swimming pool or resort facilities
• You prefer a conventional hotel room
• You are looking for budget accommodation
• You want to stay near Nanyuki’s shops and restaurants
• You prefer formal, private restaurant dining at every meal
• You do not enjoy canvas accommodation or natural bush sounds
• You are travelling during the camp’s annual closure
• You want a spa-focused relaxation holiday
• You only need accommodation without meals or activities

Kicheche Laikipia Special Offers

Stay Six Nights and Pay for Five

Guests combining Kicheche Laikipia with a Kicheche camp in the Masai Mara can stay six nights and pay for five.

The complimentary night is provided at Kicheche Laikipia. Conservancy fees remain payable for the free night.

The offer can be combined with:

• Kicheche Mara North
• Kicheche Bush Olare
• Kicheche Valley Naboisho

Long-Stay Discount

A 10% rate reduction may apply to stays of six nights or longer.

This can be particularly useful when combining Ol Pejeta with one or more Kicheche camps in the Masai Mara.

Special offers cannot normally be combined with one another. Availability, blackout dates and other conditions apply.

Kicheche Laikipia Camp Booking

We can book Kicheche Laikipia as a standalone stay or include it in a complete Kenya safari.

Your package can include:

• Accommodation at Kicheche Laikipia
• Private road transport from Nairobi
• Scheduled flights from Wilson Airport
• Kamok Airstrip transfers
• Ol Pejeta Conservancy fees
• Game drives and camp activities
• Optional conservation experiences
• Nairobi hotel accommodation
• A connecting safari to the Masai Mara
• An onward visit to Samburu, Lewa or Lake Nakuru

For an accurate quotation, provide:

• Check-in and check-out dates
• Number of adults
• Ages of children
• Country of residence
• Preferred room arrangement
• Road or flying safari preference
• Interest in a private vehicle
• Dietary requirements
• Other destinations you want to include

WhatsApp: +254 799 863 970

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Safari Activities at Kicheche Laikipia

Day Game Drives

Game drives are conducted in open-sided and open-roofed 4×4 safari vehicles.

Ol Pejeta is home to:

• Lions
• Leopards
• Elephants
• Black rhinos
• Southern white rhinos
• Buffaloes
• Cheetahs
• African wild dogs
• Grevy’s zebras
• Beisa oryx
• Jackson’s hartebeests
• Giraffes
• Hyenas
• Hippos
• Warthogs
• Numerous antelope and bird species

Game drives are shared with other camp guests unless an exclusive vehicle has been booked.

Kicheche’s safari programme is generally flexible. Guests may leave before sunrise, stay out for a picnic breakfast or arrange a longer drive instead of following a rigid morning-and-afternoon schedule.

Night Game Drives

Night game drives are included in the standard package.

These drives provide an opportunity to look for animals that are difficult to see during the day, including:

• Aardvarks
• Porcupines
• Genets
• White-tailed mongooses
• Spring hares
• Owls
• Hyenas
• Other nocturnal species

Night drives are operated according to Ol Pejeta’s conservation and safety rules.

Guided Bush Walks

Guided walks allow guests to explore the smaller details of the conservancy, including animal tracks, plants, insects and birdlife.

Walks are led by experienced guides and are subject to wildlife conditions and age restrictions.

Children below the required minimum age cannot participate. Walking activities may be changed or cancelled if conditions are unsuitable.

Mountain Biking

Mountain biking is included for guests who want a more active way to experience the conservancy.

Routes and duration depend on fitness, wildlife movements and safety considerations. Participants must follow the guide’s instructions throughout the activity.

Lion Tracking

Lion tracking is a specialist Ol Pejeta conservation experience.

Guests may accompany researchers while searching for radio-collared lions and learning how the conservancy monitors its lion population.

The activity normally attracts an additional fee and must be booked in advance.

Meet the Last Two Northern White Rhinos

Ol Pejeta is home to Najin and Fatu, the world’s last two northern white rhinos.

A guided visit to their protected enclosure explains their history, daily care and the scientific work being undertaken to preserve the subspecies.

The northern white rhino encounter is not included in the standard Kicheche Laikipia rate and should be reserved in advance.

Sweetwaters Chimpanzee Sanctuary

The Sweetwaters Chimpanzee Sanctuary provides a permanent home for rescued chimpanzees.

Chimpanzees are not native to Kenya. The sanctuary cares for animals rescued from illegal trade and unsuitable conditions elsewhere in Africa.

Guests can include the sanctuary in a game drive through Ol Pejeta. Specialist behind-the-scenes visits may require advance booking and an additional payment.

Anti-Poaching Dog Demonstration

Ol Pejeta’s canine unit uses specially trained dogs to support wildlife protection and security work.

A demonstration explains how the dogs and handlers track scents, locate suspects and support conservancy rangers.

This activity costs extra and is subject to availability.

Sundowners and Picnic Breakfasts

Sundowners and picnic breakfasts are included in the Kicheche safari experience.

A picnic breakfast allows guests to remain in the conservancy during the best morning wildlife-viewing hours. Sundowners provide a relaxed end to an afternoon drive at a scenic location.

Private and Shared Safari Vehicles

Standard game drives are shared with other Kicheche guests.

A private vehicle is recommended for:

• Professional or serious photographers
• Families with young children
• Guests with limited mobility
• Travellers with specialist wildlife interests
• Guests who want complete control over their schedule
• Travellers who prefer not to share a vehicle

2026 - 2027 Exclusive Vehicle Charges

A minimum two-day booking may apply.

Bookings of four to six guests may receive exclusive use of a standard vehicle without an additional charge, subject to the vehicle size and booking conditions.

Photography vehicles are specially arranged for a maximum of two photographers and must be booked for exclusive use.

Kicheche Laikipia Location

Kicheche Laikipia Camp is inside Ol Pejeta Conservancy, west of Nanyuki in Laikipia County.

The camp lies at the edge of an indigenous forest overlooking a large waterhole. Its location provides access to Ol Pejeta’s central wildlife areas and major conservation attractions.

Approximate Travel Times

Travel times depend on road conditions, weather, the conservancy gate used and wildlife encountered during the transfer.

Getting to Kicheche Laikipia

By Road from Nairobi

Kicheche Laikipia can be reached by private road safari from Nairobi.

The journey generally takes four to five hours, although traffic and road conditions can affect the duration.

A private 4×4 Land Cruiser is the most comfortable option. Travelling by road is suitable for:

• Kenyan residents
• Families
• Small groups
• Guests carrying more luggage
• Travellers continuing to Samburu or Lake Nakuru
• Guests who want a private guide throughout the safari

By Air from Nairobi

Scheduled flights operate from Wilson Airport to the Nanyuki and Ol Pejeta area.

Kamok Airstrip transfers are included in the camp package. Flight schedules and the selected airstrip should be confirmed before the accommodation booking is finalised.

Light-aircraft baggage limits apply. Guests should use soft-sided bags rather than rigid suitcases.

Best Time to Visit Kicheche Laikipia

Kicheche Laikipia offers good wildlife viewing throughout its operating season.

January to February

These months are generally warm and relatively dry. Wildlife may gather around permanent water sources, and clear mornings can provide good views of Mount Kenya.

March to Early April

The landscape may begin to turn greener as seasonal rainfall approaches. Rates are lower than during the peak season.

Late May to June

The camp reopens on 23 May. The conservancy is usually green, with fresh vegetation, dramatic skies and fewer visitors.

July to October

This is the peak safari season. Days are generally dry, mornings can be cold and wildlife viewing is excellent. Rates are highest, and early booking is recommended.

November to Mid-December

Short rains can produce green landscapes, fewer vehicles and strong birdwatching. Rain usually falls in showers rather than continuously throughout the day.

Christmas and New Year

This is another peak period. Higher rates apply, and availability is limited.

The camp closes from 10 April until 22 May 2026, subject to operational changes.

Advantages and Points to Consider

Why Choose Kicheche Laikipia?

• Only six luxury tents
• Located inside Ol Pejeta Conservancy
• Waterhole directly in front of camp
• Excellent day and night game drives
• Flexible safari schedules
• Strong focus on professional guiding
• Guided walks included
• Mountain biking included
• Good photography opportunities
• Photography vehicle available
• Family Suite with private vehicle
• Easy combination with Kicheche’s Masai Mara camps
• Strong conservation and community focus
• Full-board package includes drinks and laundry

Points to Consider Before Booking

• Conservancy fees are charged separately
• The camp closes for part of April and May
• It does not provide large resort facilities
• Standard game drives are shared
• Private vehicle use costs extra for smaller parties
• Specialist conservation activities cost extra
• The camp may not be suitable for infants
• Canvas tents allow guests to hear natural bush sounds
• Some charging facilities may be in the main lounge
• Wildlife may move close to camp
• Guests must be escorted after dark

Kicheche Laikipia Reviews

Kicheche Laikipia receives consistently strong reviews for its guides, food, staff, wildlife viewing and intimate atmosphere.

Commonly praised features include:

• Knowledgeable safari guides
• Flexible game-drive schedules
• Excellent wildlife sightings
• Comfortable and clean tents
• High-quality meals
• Friendly and attentive camp staff
• Waterhole views
• Small number of guests
• Picnic breakfasts and sundowners
• Night game drives
• Personalised hosting
• Strong conservation focus

Guests often describe Kicheche Laikipia as a comfortable but authentic safari camp rather than a hotel in the bush.

Kicheche Laikipia Camp Contacts

For rates, availability, transfers and complete safari packages, contact us with your dates and number of guests.

Reservations and WhatsApp: +254 799 863 970

When enquiring, include:

• Travel dates
• Number of adults
• Ages of children
• Residency
• Number of tents required
• Road or flying safari preference
• Private vehicle requirement
• Other destinations in your itinerary

Frequently Asked Questions

Where is Kicheche Laikipia Camp?

Kicheche Laikipia is inside Ol Pejeta Conservancy, near Nanyuki in Laikipia County, Kenya.

Is Kicheche Laikipia inside Ol Pejeta Conservancy?

Yes. The camp is inside the conservancy, overlooking a waterhole at the edge of an indigenous forest.

How much does Kicheche Laikipia cost?

Published 2026 non-resident rates range from approximately USD 570 to USD 860 per adult per night sharing, excluding conservancy fees. Resident rates start from approximately KES 36,600 per person sharing per night during selected periods.

Are Kicheche Laikipia rates per person or per room?

Standard rates are per person per night. The Family Suite is priced per suite per night for up to the permitted number of guests.

What does PPS mean?

PPS means per person sharing. Each adult pays the listed amount when two adults share one tent.

What is included in the rate?

The standard package includes full-board accommodation, selected drinks, Kamok Airstrip transfers, shared game drives, night drives, guided walks, mountain biking, picnic meals, sundowners and laundry.

Are Ol Pejeta fees included?

No. Mandatory Ol Pejeta Conservancy fees are normally charged separately.

How many tents does Kicheche Laikipia have?

Kicheche Laikipia is an intimate camp with six luxury tented accommodation units.

Does Kicheche Laikipia have a Family Suite?

Yes. The Family Suite has two en-suite bedrooms connected by a private lounge. It accommodates up to five guests and includes an exclusive safari vehicle.

Are children allowed?

Yes. Children are accepted, although the camp is not considered ideal for infants. Age restrictions apply to some walking and specialist activities.

Does Kicheche Laikipia have a swimming pool?

Kicheche Laikipia is a traditional safari camp and is not primarily designed around resort facilities. Guests choosing a camp specifically for a swimming pool should confirm the latest facilities before booking.

Does the camp have electricity?

Yes. Solar-generated power and lighting are available around the clock. Charging facilities are provided in the main lounge.

Does Kicheche Laikipia have Wi-Fi?

Connectivity may be available in designated areas, but the camp encourages a wilderness experience. Internet speed and availability should be reconfirmed if continuous access is essential.

Are drinks included?

Selected alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks are included. Premium beverages and champagne may cost extra.

Are game drives included?

Yes. Shared day and night game drives are included in the standard package.

Can I book a private vehicle?

Yes. Standard and specialist photography vehicles can be booked for exclusive use. The Family Suite includes a private vehicle, while groups of four to six may qualify for exclusive vehicle use under selected conditions.

Are guided walks included?

Yes. Guided bush walks are included, subject to age restrictions, weather, wildlife movements and safety conditions.

Can dietary requirements be accommodated?

Yes. Vegetarian, vegan and other dietary requirements can normally be accommodated with advance notice.

Can I fly to Kicheche Laikipia?

Yes. Guests can fly from Wilson Airport to the Nanyuki or Ol Pejeta area. Kamok Airstrip transfers are included in the camp package.

Can I drive to the camp?

Yes. Kicheche Laikipia can be reached by road from Nairobi and Nanyuki. A 4×4 vehicle is recommended.

When does Kicheche Laikipia close?

The camp is scheduled to close on 10 April and reopen on 23 May 2026. Closure dates are subject to operational changes.

What wildlife can I see?

Ol Pejeta supports the Big Five, black and southern white rhinos, cheetahs, African wild dogs, Grevy’s zebras, Beisa oryx, Jackson’s hartebeests, giraffes, hyenas and numerous other species.

How many nights should I stay?

Two nights are suitable for a short Ol Pejeta safari. Three nights provide more time for night drives, walks, conservation visits and relaxed wildlife viewing.

Can Kicheche Laikipia be combined with the Masai Mara?

Yes. Kicheche Laikipia combines particularly well with Kicheche Mara North, Kicheche Bush Olare or Kicheche Valley Naboisho. A six-for-five offer may be available.

Book Kicheche Laikipia Camp

We can arrange your complete Kicheche Laikipia safari, including accommodation, private road transport or scheduled flights, Ol Pejeta Conservancy fees and optional conservation experiences.

Tell us your dates, number of guests, residency and preferred transport. We will check availability and provide a clear quotation showing all inclusions and exclusions.

WhatsApp: +254 799 863 970

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