Laikipia Plateau

The Laikipia Plateau is Kenya's second-largest wildlife region after the Masai Mara-Serengeti ecosystem, a vast highland area stretching between Mount Kenya and the Great Rift Valley escarpment. Unlike government-managed parks, Laikipia's conservation success is driven by a mosaic of private ranches, community conservancies, and wildlife sanctuaries working together. Covering approximately 9,500 square kilometres, the plateau supports Kenya's largest elephant population and the highest density of black rhinos outside a national park. The region is home to rare species including wild dog, Grevy's zebra, and Jackson's hartebeest. Laikipia's conservancy model — where livestock, wildlife, and local communities coexist — is considered one of Africa's most innovative conservation approaches.