Reviews of Kicheche Laikipia
Wildlife sightings and reviews
76 independent comments and wildlife information from our travellers who have visited Kicheche Laikipia and kindly agreed to share their thoughts. They do not necessarily represent the views of Expert Africa
100% success
12% success
67% success
20% success
100% success
100% success
100% success
100% success
100% success
100% success
100% success
89% success
23% success
19% success
2% success
0% success
"Kicheche Laikipia review"
There were a lot of rhinos. both black and white, and the efforts being made by the conservancy (and elsewhere) to improve the rhinos' lot are to be admired, Sadly there was not a lot else to see." See all these reviews: 13n in Kenya
"Senior Africa Specialist | East Africa"
Black Rhino
10 sightings
Buffalo
10 sightings
Cheetah
1 sighting
Eland
10 sightings
Elephant
3 sightings
Giraffe
5 sightings
Lion
2 sightings
Spotted Hyena
5 sightings
White Rhino
10 sightings
Zebra
10 sightings
"Kicheche Laikipia review"
Black Rhino
8 sightings
Buffalo
5 sightings
Cheetah
1 sighting
Elephant
4 sightings
Giraffe
4 sightings
Lion
4 sightings
Spotted Hyena
5 sightings
White Rhino
4 sightings
Zebra
10 sightings
"Kicheche Laikipia review"
The Camp was amazing, room was excellent, service very good, and the animal drives were a true joy.
Food was top class." See all these reviews: 11n in Kenya
Black Rhino
Multiple sightings
Buffalo
Multiple sightings
Cheetah
1 sighting
Eland
Multiple sightings
Elephant
Multiple sightings
Giraffe
Multiple sightings
Lion
Multiple sightings
Pangolin
Multiple sightings
Spotted Hyena
Multiple sightings
Striped Hyena
Multiple sightings
White Rhino
Multiple sightings
Wild dog
Multiple sightings
Zebra
Multiple sightings
"Kicheche Laikipia review"
Our guide, Dickson, was fun, responsive, well-informed, helpful in arranging good photo opportunities, and knowledgable about birds, a particular interest of one of our group. The staff was excellent, especially Vivienne in her native dress and her eagerness to become a guide in the future.
Besides the main animals, listed below, we also saw a couple bat-eared foxes, along with jackals and rabbits. And our experience with a cheetah was right after a kill of an eland, so we spent almost an hour watching her devour her dinner and roll over on her enlarged belly" See all these reviews: 13n in Kenya
Black Rhino
1 sighting
Buffalo
10 sightings
Cheetah
1 sighting
Eland
10 sightings
Elephant
10 sightings
Giraffe
10 sightings
Lion
1 sighting
Spotted Hyena
4 sightings
White Rhino
1 sighting
Zebra
10 sightings
"Kicheche Laikipia review"
Black Rhino
Multiple sightings
Buffalo
Multiple sightings
Cheetah
Multiple sightings
Eland
Multiple sightings
Elephant
Multiple sightings
Giraffe
Multiple sightings
Lion
Multiple sightings
Spotted Hyena
Multiple sightings
Zebra
Multiple sightings
"Kicheche Laikipia review"
The tents and common areas are set around a watering hole, at which it seemed Anita the camp manager managed to schedule daily lunch performances by herds of elephants each day. Uncannily, just as we sat to eat each day, here came the elephants. And the staff were just as excited and interested in them as we were.
Anita brings her years of experience to the camp and fosters positivity among the staff which results in a positive guest experience. I felt she really cares for the team and they respect her enormously. As a solo traveler, I was honored to eat with her for a few meals (this camp did not do communal dining while I was there…I could go either way on that) and learned quite a bit about the camp, the area and her history, all of which was enormously entertaining.
The game drives here were simply wonderful. I came here to see the rhinos as I’d only had experience with them in Nairobi National Park before. We found them and in very good numbers and they were always so relaxed and calm, which was good to see. Peter is an outstanding guide. He was born and raised locally and is so proud of Ol Pejeta. His knowledge of the wildlife, the particular individuals and their histories adds to the experience. I’d been warned not to expect either cheetah or leopards in Ol Pejeta, “they’re just not seen” everyone told me. Yet, somehow Peter and I found them both within 2 days! First a big male leopard after our sundowners casually strolling the road and then a male cheetah, all on our own. What was notable though is Peter was just as excited about it as I was, maybe more so! That’s the kind of guide I want to be with, every single time! Kicheche has a gem in Peter!
One significant point about game driving here is I saw almost no other vehicles the entire time we were out. For the cheetah, we notified another Kicheche vehicle, and that was it. It is so peaceful and relaxing, especially if you are used to the craziness found at other places. It also allows you to just sit at a sighting and take it in, without feeling like you’re crowding or otherwise disturbing the wildlife.
The tents are very comfortable and spacious, as all Kicheche tents are. I enjoyed my view of the watering hole. It’s a bonus to have in-tent charging for phone and batteries 24x7 as well as potable water all the time in reusable bottles.
I will most definitely return, it was a most memorable three days." See all these reviews: 11n in Kenya
Black Rhino
7 sightings
Buffalo
10 sightings
Cheetah
1 sighting
Eland
10 sightings
Elephant
8 sightings
Giraffe
3 sightings
Leopard
1 sighting
Lion
3 sightings
Spotted Hyena
5 sightings
White Rhino
10 sightings
Zebra
10 sightings
"Kicheche Laikipia review"
Lots of nice touches such has hot water bottles for mornig and evening safari and in bed. Would recommend.
Staff were amazing: welcoming and very helpful. Guides very knowledgeable. If you have specialist interests e.g. birds, then it is best to have a solo car." See all these reviews: 7n in Kenya
Black Rhino
Multiple sightings
Buffalo
Multiple sightings
Cheetah
Multiple sightings
Eland
Multiple sightings
Elephant
Multiple sightings
Giraffe
Multiple sightings
Hippo
1 sighting
Lion
Multiple sightings
Spotted Hyena
Multiple sightings
Striped Hyena
1 sighting
White Rhino
Multiple sightings
Zebra
Multiple sightings
"Kicheche Laikipia review"
This was my first time staying at a Kicheche property and their standards are evident. From a wonderful, welcome, to exceptional accommodation, vehicles, guiding and hospitality this and their other properties are superb.
The conservancy is amazing and very beautiful. Rhinos are the main draw, but there are many other amazing opportunities and beautiful scenery. I enjoyed amazing time with the Norther White Rhinos, Black and White Rhinos, Lions, Elephants, Cheetahs, birds, antelope species, etc. The guides are superb and game drives are immensely enjoyable.
Kicheche properties are also fantastically welcoming for solo travelers." See all these reviews: 17n in Kenya
Black Rhino
10 sightings
Buffalo
10 sightings
Cheetah
2 sightings
Eland
10 sightings
Elephant
10 sightings
Giraffe
10 sightings
Lion
7 sightings
Spotted Hyena
10 sightings
White Rhino
10 sightings
Zebra
Multiple sightings
"Kicheche Laikipia review"
We couldn't have even imagined how great Kicheche Laikipia was until we arrived and were greeted by Anita, Naftalie and the rest of the camp staff. We were greeted with a beautiful drink that looked like a sunset and given a brief intro to what we had to look forward to at the camp. We followed a staff member with our bags to our tent (Sendayo) and continued to just be in awe as we saw our beautiful accommodations overlooking a water hole with a hammock hanging in front, beautiful ferns and a card on our beds. We felt such a warm welcome.
Our flight in was delayed but they still had a late and tasty lunch spread for us. It was the start of what would be the most incredible meals, snacks, desserts, drinks and everything else we consumed under the watch of Chef Leonard "Lenny". Unbelievable from the freshness to the tastiness it was delicious.
Simon was an amazing guide who really knew everything from animal to plant/flower to bird and could make the calls and recognize the calls of any bird we came across. I have pages of notes on all of the facts we learned about all the gems of Laikipia. We also learned how well kept and looked after the rhinos are there that are Laikipia's true jewels.
A few special things we did were a bush walk where Simon was joined for this walk about by his ranger friend who has been partnering for years with Simon to show us by foot the many special gems you miss from riding in the vehicle that you get to experience by foot. From the praying mantis to the smallest blooms on the hillside this dynamic duo gave us a special experience. Simon also took us to the chimpanzee rescue where we got to hear about another group of special animal advocates focused on rescuing helpless chimpanzees from all over the world in danger. Rewarding work and learned a lot. The final special extra we did was a night ride. At first we weren't sure we'd have the energy but as soon as we got to witness a pride of lions playing and getting ready to go hunt at night we knew it was all worth it. We saw bush babies and also had the warmth of what the camp called our personal bush babies (hot water bottles wrapped in a soft exterior) to put in our laps on this night ride and every early morning drive. What a treat to also have these soft, warm surprises in our beds each night as part of their turn down service to keep us nice and warm each night of sleep.
We loved having bush breakfasts and sundowners out on each of our rides and found ourselves so happy and grateful for the time we had there." See all these reviews: 7n in Kenya
Black Rhino
Multiple sightings
Buffalo
Multiple sightings
Eland
Multiple sightings
Elephant
Multiple sightings
Giraffe
Multiple sightings
Hippo
1 sighting
Lion
Multiple sightings
Spotted Hyena
Multiple sightings
White Rhino
Multiple sightings
Wild dog
1 sighting
Zebra
Multiple sightings
"Kicheche Laikipia review"
Unfortunately we didn't get a glimpse of Mount Kenya, which was a pity as I climbed it back in 1989.
Again the game drives were fantastic, maybe a touch too long. Breakfast out on the plains was lovely but too much food ( we did worry about wastage - we hope there wasn't any!)
Peter was a superb guide. We unfortunately couldn't do a night drive because of the rains." See all these reviews: 12n in Kenya
Black Rhino
10 sightings
Buffalo
10 sightings
Eland
1 sighting
Elephant
10 sightings
Giraffe
Multiple sightings
Hippo
1 sighting
Lion
1 sighting
Spotted Hyena
1 sighting
White Rhino
4 sightings
Zebra
10 sightings
Holiday styles & special interests in Kenya
From birdwatching breaks to walking holidays, find great ideas for your trip in Kenya.
Other lodges in Laikipia
Alternative places to stay in this same area.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Sirikoi
Sirikoi is a small, very high-quality safari camp with excellent service and food and a wide selection of activities.
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.
Porini Rhino Camp
Porini Rhino Camp is a small, simple, well established tented camp, with a keen focus on sustainable and low-impact tourism.
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.
Kifaru House
Kifaru House is a small, stylish safari lodge in the Lewa Conservancy, with beautiful views across the landscape.
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.
Sandai
Sandai is a pretty, owner-run homestay, set between the Aberdare Range and Mount Kenya, offering a range of activities at extra cost.
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.
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.
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.
