Loisaba Tented Camp
Highlights
- Superb wildlife destination with a diversity of species
- In a vast, private conservancy with beautiful scenery
- Incredible views from the camp atop a high escarpment
- Game drives, walking, horse & camel riding, biking, fishing, culture
Location
- Loisaba Conservancy
- Northern Laikipia Region
- Central Kenya
Loisaba Tented Camp is perched along the edge of an escarpment within a private conservancy in the vast northern Laikipia wilderness.
The Loisaba Conservancy covers 89 square miles (231 sq kms) of wilderness on the western side of the great Ewaso Ng'iro River in the Northern Laikipia region. The conservancy is managed by the Loisaba Community Trust and its main focus is the successful merging of livestock farming, ecotourism, and conservation of the wildlife and land. Read more about the Loisaba Conservancy below.

Main area lounge and view at Loisaba Tented Camp.
Guests staying at Loisaba Tented Camp can design their days around a variety of exciting activities, including day and night game drives in custom Land Rovers to see the area's diverse wildlife, guided bush walks, horseback riding, camel riding, fishing in the river, mountain biking, visits to a local Samburu village, and interaction with the conservancy's anti-poaching team and their sniffer dogs.
The camp and tented guest suites are comprised of spacious and airy canvas-tented structures sited along a high escarpment that offers panoramic views of the diverse Laikipia Plains all the way to Mount Kenya in the far distance.
There are two main tented structures, one for dining and the other with a lounge and bar. An expansive deck is perfect for outdoor dining and enjoying the views. A spectacular infinity swimming pool in the main area is a great place to relax between activities.

Main area viewing deck and view at Loisaba Tented Camp.
The camp offers 6 contemporary-style, tented suites, 2 two-bedroom suites that are designed for families, and a two-suite private complex located separately from the other suites that includes a private infinity swimming pool, private drive-up entrance, and a dedicated guide and safari vehicle.
Children of any age are welcome at the camp and there are plenty of activities specially-designed for families with children, as well as children's menus for meals.
Wildlife in Loisaba is diverse and relatively abundant for a normally dry ecosystem. Laikipia has the second largest population of elephant in Kenya and Loisaba is an important breeding area and along the route of a vital 'elephant corridor'. The conservancy also plays a key role in supporting one of Kenya's largest and most stable lion populations. Loisaba is home to several critically endangered large mammals, including Grevy’s zebra, African wild dog, leopard, cheetah, and beisa oryx.
The Nature Conservancy operates numerous conservation initiatives at Loisaba, including research programs involving Space For Giants Elephant Foundation, the San Diego Zoo Global Reticulated Giraffe Research Program, and Lion Landscapes. A visit to the Conservancy Headquarters offers an opportunity to learn about these and other research and conservation projects underway at Loisaba.

Guest suite at Loisaba Tented Camp.
About Laikipia
Laikipia is a middle-altitude plateau that lies northwest from the central Highlands of Kenya and covers over 3 700 square miles (9 500 sq kms). The region is a transitional zone between the lush and mountainous highlands of Mount Kenya and the Aberdare Mountains to the southeast, the Rift Valley to the south and west, and the arid, semi-desert Samburu region to the north. The plateau ranges in elevation from 5 600-8 300 feet (1 700-2 550 meters).
The Laikipia region has historically been used by humans for cattle ranching going back to the colonial era and there is still ranching in Laikipia. There are no national parks or reserves in Laikipia; instead, there is an assortment of private conservancies and group-ranches which together protect land and wildlife even to a higher degree than Kenya's national parks and offer some of the best wildlife experiences in the country.

A leopard in the Loisaba Conservancy in Northern Laikipia.
The private and community-managed conservancies in Laikipia mostly operate as dual-use properties, with eco-tourism, research, and conservation co-existing with livestock ranching. Some of the original colonial ranches in Laikipia now operate as safari lodges, while still maintaining their ranching operations. In addition to traditional safari drives to look for wildlife, these ranches usually offer guests an opportunity to experience ranching activities and horseback riding.
Wildlife in Laikipia is diverse and abundant, particularly within the refuges, including Lewa, Ol Pejeta, and Borana. Animals that can be seen include healthy populations of plains species like black rhino, white rhino, elephant, reticulated giraffe, Grevy's zebra, plains zebra, buffalo, Grant's gazelle, Thomson's gazelle, Jackson's hartebeest, and others.
Laikipia's predators include cheetah, lion, leopard, African wild dog, black-backed jackal, and other small species.

Horseback riding in the Loisaba Conservancy, Northern Laikipia.
The Laikipia Wildlife Foundation (LWF), a non-profit organization formed in 1992, oversees the region as a whole. Membership in LWF includes all private ranches and conservancies in Laikipia, as well as the community groups representing the diverse local tribes such as the Maasai, Kikuyu, Samburu, and Pokot.
The three main wildlife conservancies in Laikipia are Lewa, Borana and Ol Pejeta. All are located in central or southern Laikipia and each offers a superb safari experience and excellent accommodation. Visitors are able to see the diverse wildlife and learn about the conservation initiatives at each of the reserves
Northern Laikipia is remote and wild and the land becomes more arid. The ranches in the north offer a diversity of activities, from camel riding, mountain biking, hot-air balloon rides, rafting on the Ewaso Ng'iro River, walking safaris, and nature drives. Wildlife in the north is more sparse, but the experience of being in this wilderness is special. Ranches in the north include Loisaba, Mugie, Ol Lentil, Ol Malo, and others.

Elephants in the Loisaba Conservancy, Northern Laikipia.
About Loisaba Conservancy
Loisaba is a 89-square-mile (231-sq-km) working cattle ranch and wildlife sanctuary lying west of the Ewaso Ng'iro River in Northern Laikipia. The ranch provides a critical link connecting Laikipia to the Samburu region to the east, helping to ensure that a well-used wildlife (particularly elephants) and livestock movement corridor is protected.
The ranch has a herd of over 2 000 Boran cattle. Loisaba offers diverse activities including walking safaris, horseback safaris, tracking wildlife, mountain biking, camel rides, quad-biking, ballooning, and river rafting. An elevated "star bed" accommodation offers guests the option to sleep under the stars.
The land was purchased by the Ancilotto family in the 1970s, who managed it as a low-impact cattle ranch and tourist destination with a vision of protecting the land as a wilderness for the native wildlife and future generations.
In 1997, the land was leased to a group of Kenyans and an American investor, who created the Loisaba brand and managed it as a successful ranching, conservation, and tourism business until 2014, when the land was transferred to the Loisaba Community Trust. The transfer was facilitated by The Nature Conservancy, Space for Giants, and generous donors.
Today, the Loisaba Community Trust continues to ensure that Loisaba remains a world-class conservation and ecotourism destination, as well as a hub for wildlife research.
Loisaba's stated mission is to protect and enhance critical wildlife diversity, abundance, and habitat in the Loisaba landscape, while concurrently supporting sustainable livestock production and improving the lives of neighboring communities. Both tourism and livestock bring revenue to the land and offer over 300 jobs to local communities.
ROOMS INCLUDES & EXCLUDES CHILDREN FACILITIES ACTIVITIES
Accommodation
9 guest accommodations in total comprising:
- 6 tented-suites, 3 of which are set up with a double bed and the other 3 with twin beds (convertible to a double).
- 2 two-bedroom tented suites. One of the bedrooms has a double bed and the other has two twin beds. The bedrooms are connected and share an indoor lounge space and outdoor verandah with seating.
- 1 private complex consisting of two separate, but closely located tented suites located separately from the rest of the tents. This private, two-suite complex has its own drive-up entrance, a large infinity swimming pool with pool house and a sun deck. This private complex is designed for a family a small group traveling together.
All of the suites are constructed with wood-beam supports and canvas sides and coverings on beautiful hardwood floors. The en-suite facilities include a double-basin vanity, indoor rainfall shower, and flush toilet.
The guest suites are accessed via wood-plank footpaths on the ground leading to the main guest area.

Guest suite interior at Loisaba Tented Camp.
The spacious and airy guest suites are situated along the edge of a high escarpment, giving panoramic vistas across the Laikipia plains and all the way to Mount Kenya in the far distance. The interiors are furnished in a contemporary style using natural blonde wood and an artistic, natural-toned palette.
The suites are spacious, covering 527 square feet (49 sq meters) and feature high ceilings and lots of amenities.
Other items and features in the guest suites include:
- Outdoor veranda with spectacular views to the plains below.
- Writing desk and chair.
- Comfortable lounge chairs.
- Minibar.
- Wardrobe.
- The camp is 100% solar-powered and the suites cannot support hairdryers, but they are available in the main guest area.
- Bathrobes.
- Safe.
- 24-hour electric power in the suites for lighting and charging electronics.
- Wi-Fi available in the guest suites and main areas.
- Mobile phone signal available, but limited.
Loisaba Tented Camp can accommodate a maximum of 24 guests in total: 2 persons in each of the 6 standard suites and 2 persons in both family suites, and 4 persons in the private complex.
Includes & Excludes
Includes:
- All meals and local beverages including soft drinks, house wines, local brand spirits and beers, teas, and coffees.
- Safari experiences (twice-daily game drives, walking safaris, mountain biking, camel riding, horse riding, fishing depending on water levels in the river, and birding) accompanied by an experienced guide.
- Exclusive use of a safari vehicle when booking the private complex.
- Sundowners and bush breakfasts.
- Sniffer dog experience.
- Laundry services are provided on a daily basis (weather permitting, items will be returned on the same day). Laundry is dried by the sun and on most days any laundry placed out in the morning will be returned by the evening.
- Wi-Fi access (in the main areas and guest suites).
- Loisaba Airstrip transfers.
- Tourism Levy & VAT.
Excludes:
- Champagne, cognacs, fine wines, and premium brand spirits.
- Samburu village visits (3 hours).
- Longer guided walks (4 hours).
- Massage and spa treatments.
- Any applicable wildlife fee, park fee, reserve fee, concession fee, other land-use fee.
Single Supplement
A single supplement may apply for any room booked by a single traveler; please ask us for pricing.
Children
Children of any age are accommodated at Loisaba Tented Camp:
- There are two family suites and a two-suite private complex that are designed for families.
- Ask us about reduced rates for children sharing with adults or children 12-17 in their own suite.
- Child-friendly activities are offered.
- Children's menu available.
Some of the children's activities include:
- Swimming pool.
- Warrior training - Learning how to make a fire, throw a spear and make a bow & arrow.
- Guided bush walks around camp.
- Horse riding and camel riding for older, experienced children.
- Visit to sniffer dogs, with anti-poaching demonstration.
- Mountain biking (over 12 years old).
- Visit to a Samburu village.
Facilities
The camp is perched along the edge of a high escarpment and enjoys breathtaking, panoramic views across the Laikipia plains all the way to Mount Kenya.
The airy and spacious main guest area includes a large, open dining area, a separate open lounge and bar, and an expansive outdoor wooden deck for dining and enjoying the views. A spectacular infinity pool, and partially shaded deck are an inviting way to relax between activities.
Main guest area facilities include:
- Two open tented areas, one for dining and the other with a bar and lounge.
- Large infinity swimming pool, sun deck, and shaded lounger area.
- A second private infinity pool is available for guests booking out the private two-suite complex.
- Campfire area.
- Gift shop.
- Complimentary Wi-Fi access.
- Electronics charging facilities.
- Purified drinking water is provided free of charge. It is sourced, filtered and treated on site and available at dispenser points in main areas. Water is provided during meals and in rooms. Guests are issued with a refillable bottle. Bottled mineral water is also available free of charge.
- The camp is 100% powered using solar energy, but a generator is available for backup on cloudy day, which gives 24-hour electricity to the guest areas and suites.
Activities
Activities included in the rate:
- Morning and afternoon/evening game drives in the conservancy using open 4x4 Land Rovers.
- Guided bush walks. Children under 16 years of age may be restricted. All bush walks are subject to the discretion of the lead guide due to the nature of the activity.
- Horse riding (reasonable degree of riding skill required). The camp has a stable of 20 horses (shared with the other two Loisaba properties) and can accommodate a range of abilities.
- Camel riding (no experience required).
- Mountain biking (children must be at least 12 years of age).
- Fishing (seasonal and dependent on water levels in the river). Equipment, both modern and traditional, can be supplied.
- Visits to the conservancy headquarters and the anti-poaching unit with sniffer dogs demonstration.
- Bush breakfasts and sundowners.
- Birding.
- Child-friendly activities.
- All game drive vehicles are fitted with inverters for battery charging on game drives.
Optional activities at additional cost:
- Private activities are on offer (subject to vehicle availability, which needs to be booked in advance).
- Night game drives.
- Visits to a Samburu village.
- Massage and spa treatments.
Example of a typical day:
- Early morning wake-up call. Morning wake-up and activity times vary according to the seasons, activities on offer, and wildlife sightings.
- Light breakfast before departing on the morning activity or food packed for a bush breakfast.
- Return to the camp for a meal and rest period.
- Meet for afternoon tea and snacks (savory and sweet choices) before departing on the activity.
- Return to the camp - freshen up or meet for drinks, followed by dinner.
- Enjoy a nightcap and/or discussion at the bar or around the fireplace before retiring.
Great Good Fair Poor
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When to Visit
Laikipia is generally a year-round destination, but the best time to visit is during the relatively dry season from June thru September. As with most of Kenya, the short rains on the Laikipia Plateau occur for about a month sometime between mid-October and mid-December. The longer and heavier rains occur from March thru May.
No period is completely without rain, but the wettest months are April, May, and November and the driest months are January, February, and September.
Temperatures are also fairly constant year-round, as the equator is located very close (just to the south). Temperatures during the day average 77-83°F (25-28°C), but to cools down quite a bit overnight and dressing in layers is a must for the morning activity.
Loisaba Tented Camp is open year-round. Minimum 2-night stay during high season.
Winter
June through September are the winter month and relatively dry, but rain is still quite possible. June and July experience static temperatures, averaging 77-79°F (25-26°C) during the day and dropping to around 48-50°F (9-10°C) overnight.
Temperatures increase slightly in August and September, averaging 80-82°F (26-28°C) during the day and 50-52°F (10-11°C) during the night. Some rains do fall in August and September.
Most days during the winter are clear to partly cloudy.
Summer
The runner months are October through May, which includes the short rains, which fall for about a month between October and December and the longer, heavier rains from March through May. April is the rainiest month.
October and November experience daytime temperatures averaging 74-76°F (23-24°C) and overnight lows of 54-55°F (12-13°C).
Mid-December through February is a period of low rainfall, which separates the previous short rains from the coming long rains. There are still some days with rain. Daytime temperatures reach 76-79°F (24-26°C) and overnight lows are 52-54°F (11-12°C). Days can be clear or overcast.
March through May are the long rain months, with April being the rainiest month. This is a period to avoid, as the rains can be heavy and persistent, although all-day rains are uncommon. The road conditions can become muddy and slippery. Daytime temperatures average 78-81°F (25-27°C) and overnights average a comfortable 54-55°F (12-13°C).