Kicheche Laikipia

Kicheche Laikipia is a small, eco‑award‑winning tented camp in Ol Pejeta Conservancy, offering an intimate, wildlife‑rich safari with strong conservation credentials and varied activities. It is one of Laikipia’s best options for guests who want serious game viewing in a relaxed, low‑impact camp.

Location & Setting

The camp lies in the wilderness zone of Ol Pejeta Conservancy, beneath the peaks of Mount Kenya and close to lakes and woodland that attract abundant wildlife. Ol Pejeta is famous for its rhinos, big cats, and rare northern species, and Kicheche sits in a prime area for both day and night drives. Although it is on the Equator, the altitude of about 6,000 feet keeps the climate pleasantly cool.

Accommodation & Style

Kicheche Laikipia is a classic tented camp with just six large safari tents, one of which can be configured as a family unit. The look is “safari chic”: canvas exteriors with polished, comfortable interiors, wooden furniture, and warm textiles, all designed to blend with the bush. It feels understated and tasteful rather than flashy.

Rooms & Comfort

Each tent is mosquito‑proof and en‑suite, with full bathrooms including flush toilets, hot running water, and fixed showers rather than bucket systems. Tents have private verandas and seating areas, with views across plains and toward Mount Kenya in some directions. One tent converts to a four‑bed family unit, making the camp workable for both couples and families.

Facilities & Dining

Facilities are focused on comfort and simplicity: a central lounge and dining tent, fire pit, 24‑hour solar power, and a charging station for cameras. There is telephone signal but no Wi‑Fi, which keeps the camp feeling more unplugged. Food is served on a full‑board basis, with home‑cooked meals, bush breakfasts, picnic lunches, afternoon tea, and three‑course dinners—plus sundowners with canapés on evening drives.

Experience & Activities

Activities centre on Ol Pejeta’s wildlife and conservation: day and night game drives, guided walks, lion tracking with telemetry, canoeing, hiking, and mountain biking. Guests can visit the chimpanzee sanctuary, the endangered species enclosure with the last remaining northern white rhinos, and anti‑poaching dog units. Wildlife includes lion, leopard, cheetah, elephant, wild dog, Grevy’s zebra, Beisa oryx, and many other species.

Atmosphere & Service

The camp has a laid‑back, friendly atmosphere, with guiding and hosting often highlighted as major strengths. Kicheche Laikipia holds a Gold eco‑rating and works closely with the local community, which adds purpose to the stay. It feels like a camp for serious wildlife enthusiasts who value conservation and small‑scale, personal hospitality.

Ideal For

Kicheche Laikipia is ideal for wildlife enthusiasts, photographers, and conservation‑minded travelers who want big game, rhinos, and varied activities from a small camp. It suits couples and families (generally over age six) who prefer authentic tented living over large lodges. For an active, high‑impact yet low‑footprint safari in Ol Pejeta, it is an excellent choice.