The conservation work carried out here is truly praiseworthy. An abundance of free-roaming wildlife share the lands with indigenous communities including the Laikipia Maasai and Samburu. After Masai Mara, Laikipia has the biggest and most diverse mammal populations in Kenya. Rarities such as the African wild dog, aquatic Sitatunga antelope, black rhino, Grevy’s zebra, Jackson’s hartebeest and Somali ostrich can be found here along with impressive numbers of cheetah, leopard and lion that prey on impala and Grant’s gazelle. Beisa oryx, gerenuk, greater and lesser kudu and reticulated giraffe are but a few of the other wild jewels that call Laikipia home. Activities on offer include expertly guided game drives, night drives, walks and horseback excursions. Laikipia operates as Kenya’s second-largest conservancy, overseen by the non-profit Laikipia Wildlife Foundation. Although it is a jointly-managed ecological entity, all the ranches and lodges operate as self-contained tourist destinations.