Kenya Safaris: Loisaba 

Loisaba (Kenya - Laikipia - Central Highlands 5 )

A new one hundred and fifty square kilometre private wildlife conservancy, situated on the edge of the Laikipia Plateau, Loisaba Wilderness lies seventy kilometres north of Mount Kenya. The grassy plains of the northern plateau break into valleys, cliffs and escarpments that frame astounding views of snow-capped Mount Kenya in the south.

At their base lies a riverine ecosystem fed by two major rivers - the Ewaso Ng'iro and the Engare Narak. This variety of terrain makes the wilderness a haven for more than two hundred and fifty species of bird and fifty species of wildlife. Elephant, buffalo, Grevy zebra and greater kudu abound, and big cat sightings are rapidly becoming more and more common. Even wild dog, thought once to be extinct here, are now regularly sighted. Situated in the very heartland of the nomadic Samburu and Laikipia Masai people, Loisaba offers a window on their cultures and traditions that is fascinating for many visitors. All profits from tourism here are dedicated to both conservation and the support of community education, health and enterprise programmes with the neighbouring Samburu and Laikipia Masai.

The lodge is constructed from stone, cedar and thatch. Perched high on the edge of the plateau looking south towards Mount Kenya, the vistas are breathtaking. Each room has large wooden french windows that open onto a private deck cantilevered off the escarpment to make the most of wonderful views. A thousand feet below a water hole draws continuous wild life visitors. All the rustic furniture is hand made at Loisaba. The lodge was chosen as the venue for the Dutch royal family to celebrate the sixtieth wedding anniversary of Prince Bernhard and Princess Juliana.

Loisaba also offers another unique experience. Star beds - raised wooden platforms sculpted high into a kopje of rocks and semi-covered with a thatched roof - enable travellers to venture out on foot, horse or camel safari and then stay the night on futon beds under the twinkling stars. Two star bed sites each accommodate eight people on four platforms. Loisaba connects you to the real Africa.