The Laikipia Plateau spans across over 9,500 square kilometers of wilderness, featuring private ranches, conservancies, and indigenous communities. The landscape is varied, with open savannahs, rolling hills, and thick forests, making it a prime destination for safaris, cultural experiences, and business travel with a bleisure twist.
- Wildlife: The Laikipia region is home to an abundance of wildlife, including elephants, lions, leopards, cheetahs, and some of the last remaining populations of Grevy’s zebras and wild dogs. Laikipia’s conservancies focus on community-led conservation, making it a key destination for those interested in sustainable tourism and eco-friendly safaris.
- Cultural Encounters: Laikipia offers visitors the opportunity to engage with indigenous communities such as the Maasai, Samburu, and Pokot. These cultural interactions provide rich insights into traditional ways of life, ideal for business travelers seeking unique, immersive experiences.
- Luxury Safari Lodges: Laikipia is home to several exclusive lodges and tented camps that provide luxury accommodation and high-end service. These venues are perfect for corporate retreats, offering conference facilities with views of Mount Kenya and vast wildlife-filled plains.
Ol Pejeta Conservancy
Located within Laikipia, the Ol Pejeta Conservancy is a 90,000-acre wildlife sanctuary and one of Kenya’s leading conservancies, particularly known for its successful rhino conservation efforts. The conservancy is the largest black rhino sanctuary in East Africa and home to the last two remaining northern white rhinos in the world, making it a must-visit for those interested in wildlife preservation.
- Wildlife and Conservation: In addition to being a rhino sanctuary, Ol Pejeta hosts all members of the Big Five, including a significant population of elephants, lions, and leopards. The conservancy also offers exceptional opportunities for safari experiences, with game drives, guided bush walks, and even night safaris that provide a unique way to experience Kenya’s wildlife after dark.
- Endangered Species Boma: One of Ol Pejeta’s key attractions is the Endangered Species Boma, where visitors can observe the last remaining northern white rhinos up close. This unique conservation experience is both educational and inspiring, making it an ideal activity for business travelers looking to incorporate leisure with purpose.
- Chimpanzee Sanctuary: Ol Pejeta is also home to the only chimpanzee sanctuary in Kenya, providing refuge to rescued chimpanzees from Central Africa. A visit to the sanctuary offers a fascinating insight into primate conservation and makes for an excellent bleisure excursion.
Why Laikipia and Ol Pejeta are Perfect for MICE and Business Travel
Laikipia and Ol Pejeta offer an outstanding blend of conservation, luxury, and adventure, ideal for business travelers and MICE groups. With a focus on sustainability and unique safari experiences, these destinations provide an exceptional backdrop for corporate events, retreats, and bleisure trips.
- Corporate Retreats and Team Building: Laikipia’s high-end lodges and conservancies provide excellent venues for corporate retreats, where business travelers can engage in team-building activities such as bushwalks, wildlife tracking, and community projects.
- Exclusive Conference Facilities: Several luxury lodges in the region, including those within Ol Pejeta, offer conference facilities set against the backdrop of Mount Kenya. This creates an inspiring environment for productive meetings, workshops, and networking events.
- Luxury Safari Experiences: For bleisure travelers, the mix of game drives, walking safaris, and night safaris ensures a well-rounded experience. Whether it’s spotting the Big Five or learning about the region’s conservation efforts, Laikipia and Ol Pejeta provide ample opportunities to relax and enjoy Kenya’s stunning wildlife.
- Bleisure Activities: The wide range of activities, including cultural visits to Maasai villages, conservation tours, and visits to the Chimpanzee Sanctuary and Endangered Species Boma, offer a meaningful way for business travelers to unwind after meetings or conferences.
Accommodation in Laikipia and Ol Pejeta
The Laikipia region and Ol Pejeta Conservancy offer a range of exclusive accommodations suitable for MICE delegates, business travelers, and bleisure visitors. These accommodations combine luxury with eco-conscious designs, ensuring a comfortable stay that’s also mindful of the environment.
- Kicheche Laikipia Camp: Nestled in the Ol Pejeta Conservancy, this intimate, luxury tented camp offers stunning views of Mount Kenya and personalized service. It is ideal for small corporate retreats or individual business travelers seeking a peaceful and immersive safari experience.
- Ol Pejeta Bush Camp: This eco-friendly camp, located along the Ewaso Nyiro River, provides guests with a true wilderness experience. It’s perfect for bleisure visitors who want a close-to-nature experience while still enjoying the comforts of a well-equipped camp.
- Solio Lodge: Located in the private Solio Conservancy, just outside Laikipia, this lodge offers high-end accommodation with modern amenities and exclusive access to the conservancy, renowned for its successful rhino breeding program.
- Lewa House: Set within the Lewa Conservancy, this lodge offers luxury and privacy with stunning views of the surrounding landscapes. It’s perfect for business travelers looking to unwind in nature without sacrificing comfort.
Things to Do in Laikipia and Ol Pejeta
There are numerous activities for MICE delegates, business travelers, and bleisure visitors in Laikipia and Ol Pejeta that provide a mix of relaxation, adventure, and cultural enrichment.
- Game Drives: Enjoy morning and evening game drives in Ol Pejeta and the surrounding conservancies, where you can spot the Big Five and other rare species such as wild dogs and Grevy’s zebra.
- Conservation Tours: Participate in conservation-focused tours, including visits to the Endangered Species Boma, rhino tracking experiences, and guided tours of the Chimpanzee Sanctuary.
- Cultural Visits: Explore the vibrant culture of Laikipia by visiting nearby Maasai and Samburu villages, where you can experience traditional dances, learn about local customs, and purchase authentic handicrafts.
- Walking Safaris: Laikipia is one of the best regions in Kenya for walking safaris. Accompanied by experienced guides, business travelers can explore the wilderness on foot, offering an intimate connection with nature.
- Helicopter Safaris: For an unforgettable experience, take a scenic helicopter safari over the Laikipia Plateau and Mount Kenya. These aerial tours provide a bird’s-eye view of the breathtaking landscapes, making them ideal for bleisure travelers or as a special treat for MICE groups.
Getting Around Laikipia and Ol Pejeta
Laikipia and Ol Pejeta are easily accessible for business travelers and MICE delegates traveling from Nairobi or other parts of Kenya.
- By Air: The region is well-served by daily scheduled flights from Nairobi’s Wilson Airport to airstrips in Nanyuki, Ol Pejeta, and other parts of Laikipia. Private charter flights can also be arranged for business travelers on a tight schedule.
- By Road: Laikipia is approximately a 4-5 hour drive from Nairobi. The well-maintained roads make it accessible for those who prefer to drive or arrange ground transfers.
Why Laikipia and Ol Pejeta are Ideal for MICE and Bleisure Travel
With its stunning landscapes, rich wildlife, and commitment to conservation, Laikipia and Ol Pejeta offer a unique destination for MICE events and bleisure experiences. Whether you’re looking to plan a corporate retreat, a team-building event, or a personalized safari itinerary, the region provides the perfect balance of luxury, adventure, and sustainability.
At Unique World Destinations International, we tailor MICE and business travel packages to include everything from luxury accommodation to guided safaris, ensuring that your time in Laikipia and Ol Pejeta is productive, enjoyable, and unforgettable.