Kenia reizen | Laikipia | dansende Samburu
The breathtaking Laikipia Plateau, which owes its fame to the novel I dreamed of Africa by Kuki Gallmann, is located between the deserts of northern Kenya and the Aberdare Mountains. It is approximately as large as Wales. Leopards, cheetahs and lions live alongside Beisa oryx and Grevy's zebra in this variegated area of grasslands, rock formations and olive trees. Many of the ranches in the surrounding area have Borana cattle, goats and camels; and it's amazing to see how these all live in harmony with the game that roam freely in this immense region.
In Laikipia the conservation of nature and small-scale tourism is taken care of by the local Masai, Samburu and white population. A balance has been found here between offering visitors beautiful safaris and making sure the bush is preserved. This makes Laikipia an excellent example for future tourism. An increasing amount of Africans are slowly starting to realise that they can gain a better return from their land through tourism than through agriculture and cattle breeding, which means that their interest now lies more in looking after the bush and wild animals. This interest transcends the age-old conflict between animals of prey, the environment and the steadily increasing population of Kenya. It has also led to various small reserves being privately run.
Day and evening safaris usually take place in open Land Rovers. Horseback and camel are also available here, but according to the experts walking safaris are the best way to experience Africa. Taking a few days to enjoy a walking safari will really allow you to 'reconnect' with the earth and see the world through African eyes. The magnificence of this incredible land is even more visible on foot than in a 4x4. The views and the wildlife in Laikipia are worth every footstep.
