Reviews of safaris to Laikipia
230 holiday reviews from our travellers of holidays which include Laikipia.
"My Sep 2024 trip"
We have used ExpertAfrica for many trips to Africa and each has been very good. The company understands the types of accommodation and activities we enjoy so can recommend the best camps for us. They delivered again this time. Communication was good and recommendations spot on.
The camp managers all commented on how much they value their relationships with Expert Africa.
One of the managers noted "they have chosen their name well - they are Experts".
Suggestions to help us improve our trips or our service:
No suggestions - keep up the good work and your staff well informed on each country/camp." Read full review: 15 nights in Africa; 14 on a Kenya safari
"Our Sep 2024 trip"
When we embarked on this journey, we reached out to several outfitters with written questions. Richard stood out as the only one who replied in writing, addressing each of our queries. We appreciated that, as it showed he was willing to take the time to provide thorough answers instead of opting for a quick phone call. Through our exchange of preferences, we eventually set up a phone call to finalize the country and initial park selections. It was clear that Richard was truly listening when he suggested swapping Amboseli for Samburu to enhance our animal encounters. His recommendation, based on the unique features of each park, convinced us that the switch was the right choice. Additionally, we decided to include another park and lodge based on our combined ideas.
As our travel date approached, we both felt a bit anxious, being detail-oriented individuals who thrive on precision. Richard managed to provide some additional details, but he urged us to trust him with the finer points. He assured us that from the moment we landed in Nairobi until our return flight home, we would be well taken care of. Although this level of trust was outside our comfort zone, we agreed. Now that we're back, we can confidently say Richard was right—every detail was meticulously handled. Wahoo! Everywhere we went, people were expecting us, from the pilots to the lodges and guides, seamlessly coordinating our journey at each transfer point.
Our trip as a whole met our expectations and went way beyond. We have done nothing but rave about it since we returned home. We have told everyone we have talked to about the trip what a great experience it was and how great it was to work with Richard. Given the opportunity to plan another trip like this, we would certainly be comfortable working with Richard and would highly recommend him and Expert Africa to friends.
Suggestions to help us improve our trips or our service:
On our trip, we experienced both communal and solitary dining. We thoroughly enjoyed the communal meals with the General Manager, Assistant General Manager, and other lodge guests. These gatherings offered us a valuable opportunity to learn about each person's culture and experiences. We believe that offering a communal dining option could enhance the overall experience, making it more enriching and engaging." Read full review: 24 nights in Africa; 15 on a Kenya safari
"Our last Safari. Age has caught up"
We deliberately wanted to go to Camps which were unspoilt and/or rustic as they used to be when we started and also in areas with few vehicles and unspoilt countryside. Hence our choice of Laikipia and Tangulia and they both met our our wishes. The highlight of the safari has to be the migration particularly as it was unexpected as we thought the dates were not right for this sighting.
We will miss the sights and sounds of Africa (and the cuts and bruises!!) all of which we experienced on this safari.
Our thanks must be given to all the staff at Expert Africa who we have dealt with over the many years without whom we would not have had our African Adventures.
Suggestions to help us improve our trips or our service
A simple NO." Read full review: 12 nights in Africa; 11 on a Kenya safari
"My Sep 2024 trip to Kenya"
Suggestions to help us improve our trips or our service:
Lyndsey has put together several safaris over the years. There is nothing to improve upon! My only concern is that Lyndsey might leave Expert Africa!" Read full review: 15 nights in Africa; 14 on a Kenya safari
"Our Sep 2024 trip to Kenya. "
Game viewing wise, this wasn't perhaps the most exciting safari we've ever had - no leopards, no wild dogs, only one dozy cheetah - but, as always, there were some unique moments that will remain long in the memory. Just three examples: two giraffe families together, each with a baby no more than a few weeks old. Also, a single male lion, early morning, trying to find his mate from the previous night. We spent about an hour with him as he sniffed the air and the ground, scent marked and peed on our and the other three or four vehicles that were present with him ... all in beautiful dawn light: magical. Thirdly, a rare, good sighting of a serval, initially hidden in the grass but then walking out into the open.
Waterlovers hotel on Diani beach is a great place to stay for a few days to recover from a safari. It's small enough (~ 30 guests max?) for the service to be personal, just five minutes from Diani airport, has very good rooms and decent food. The Indian ocean is a few metres away if you want it.
Final comment re the Wildlife Survey: please note that the numbers given for some sightings are "there or thereabouts" ... we sometimes saw a rhino or a giraffe or a ... in the far distance and therefore have no photos to stimulate the memory: I suspect we saw more than listed. Apologies for my lack of scientific rigour (CSL)." Read full review: 13 nights in Africa; 12 on a Kenya safari
"My Sep 2024 trip"
Both were luxurious yet intimate, feeling like you were in the heart of the African bush. Both were a little away from most other camps, meaning that many viewings were on our own. Both provided an excellent service and dedicated and knowledgable guide to show us around. The food was excellent at both camps as was the camaraderie around the fires in the evening.
However, the main reason you come is for animal sightings and we were not disappointed. The two camps offer slightly different landscapes. Laikipia is more bush and has a proliferation of rhinos. Mara is more classic African plains where the big cats are a bit easier to find.
Over the seven days we saw plenty of black and white rhino (all in Laikipia), 3 cheetahs (2 Mara, 1 Laikipia) and 2 leopards (1 each). Lions were too many to count - well in excess of 20, along with numerous elephants, giraffes and hippos.
It was an exceptional trip in all regards and will live forever in the memory." Read full review: 9 nights in Africa; 8 on a Kenya safari
"My Aug 2024 trip - Kenya"
We were very happy dealing with them, as well as with the quality of their partner companies and staff on the ground, and would highly recommend them to anyone wishing to undertake a safari trip in Africa." Read full review: 15 nights in Africa; 8 on a Kenya safari
"My Jul 2024 trip"
I didn't have the opportunity to work directly with Chris McIntyre but couldn't be happier with the support we received EA and from our Lyndsey and Parita
Not sure how to rate the value for money above but we knew going into this once in a life time vacation that was not going to be cheap so therefore didn't do a lot of comparison pricing. We went with our friend's recommendation and worked closely with Lyndsey and Parita on the details. Our entire group agreed that this was a perfect vacation and couldn't have been better." Read full review: 12 nights in Africa; 7 on a Kenya safari
"My Jul 2024 trip"
I first went to Kenya in the seventies and have since done many, many trips to Africa, mostly holidays but also school sports tours. I can honestly say that, despite the rain, this has been the most enjoyable and rewarding of all!
Of course Steve Carey had a lot to do suggesting the itinerary but Kicheche was the perfect climax. All the arrangements worked seamlessly and you have helped make us very privileged. For Hannah it was a first trip to Africa and she has had the most incredible experience.
We will all be back......" Read full review: 17 nights in Africa; 10 on a Kenya safari
"Extraordinary trip…..perfect in every way"
Lyndsey Marris was both incredibly knowledgeable and patient as she guided us through the various options and alternatives. We were not disappointed. We stayed at 2 wonderful camps in Rwanda ((Magashi and Sabyinyo Lodge). Both were exceptional. Wonderful accommodations and food. Staff attentive but yet fun. We saw the Big 5 at Magashi and marveled at the golden monkeys and silverback gorillas at Volcanoes National Park.
Then we traveled to Sirikoi Camp (Lewa Conservancy) and Naboisho (Naboisho Conservancy) in Kenya. Both camps were terrific. I could not pick a favorite. And abundant wildlife….lions, rhinos, elephants, giraffes, hyenas, and many,, many more…..H
ighly recommend working with Lyndsey and these particular camps.
We do a couple of international trips each year. This was one of the very best in every aspect.
This was our 2nd trip with Expert Africa. You do everything…..everything….very well. Happy to recommend EA to all of our friends." Read full review: 19 nights in Africa; 9 on a Kenya safari
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Inspire meWhere to stay in Laikipia
Our suggestions for safari camps in Laikipia
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.
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.
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.
Solio Lodge
Solio Lodge is an exclusive and luxurious bush lodge set in the private Solio Game Ranch in southern Laikipia.
Lewa House
Lewa House is a very comfortable, boutique safari lodge located on the Lewa Conservancy, north of Mount Kenya.
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 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Ekorian's Mugie Camp
Ekorian's Mugie Camp is a pleasant, family-friendly safari camp in a remote location in northwestern Laikipia.
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.
