Northern Kenya is a huge expanse of scrub desert, bisected by a few life saving rivers. A true wilderness, this area of Kenya is very sparsely populated; game patterns have been little affected by humans.

The Laikipia area is part of an ancient lava plain covered with red dirt, thorn scrub, broken volcanic rock, dried riverbeds, steep hills and rocky outcroppings. Unusual for this arid area of Northern Kenya, Laikipia has a permanent water supply, the Ewaso Ngiro or "brown river".

This permanent water flow provides an oasis for the many elephant, hippo, and crocodile that abound in this area. The region is also home to the rare Grevvy zebra, Somali ostrich with its distinctive blue legs, the shy Beisa Oryx and the largest African antelope, the Eland. The Laikipia area is famous for its leopards. One of the most reliable areas in Kenya for spotting leopard, lion and cheetah, Laikipia proves very popular with the big cat researchers.

The mix of woodland and grassland with riverine forest and swampland creates a home to a wide variety of bird life as well as mammals.

The Buffalo Springs Park records over 365 bird species!

The perfect place for an introduction to the harsh, yet stunningly beautiful landscapes of northern Kenya, Laikipia is a vital part of a safari itinerary.

Copyright Melinda Rees of Eco-resorts