Loisaba Conservancy – A Place of Wide Horizons

Loisaba Conservancy is a private wildlife sanctuary located in northern Kenya's Laikipia County, approximately 265 kilometres north of Nairobi. Spanning 56,000 acres (227 square kilometres) of pristine savannah, acacia woodlands, and dramatic escarpments, Loisaba is one of Kenya's most iconic and visually stunning conservancies. Perched on the edge of the Laikipia Plateau, the conservancy offers breathtaking views of Mount Kenya to the south and the Matthews Range to the north. The landscape is a mosaic of open plains, rocky hills, and riverine forests, creating a haven for wildlife and an unforgettable backdrop for safari adventures. Established in the 1990s, Loisaba has evolved into a model of sustainable conservation, combining world‑class wildlife viewing with community development and innovative tourism experiences.

Loisaba is perhaps best known for its famous star beds – open‑air platforms that allow guests to sleep under the African sky, gazing at the Milky Way. The conservancy also offers camel safaris, horseback riding, and mountain biking, making it a destination for active travellers seeking a deeper connection with the wilderness. With its private, exclusive atmosphere and commitment to conservation, Loisaba offers a safari experience that is both luxurious and deeply meaningful.

Loisaba is where the sky meets the earth – a place of boundless horizons, star‑filled nights, and wildlife that roams free.

Features of Loisaba Conservancy

Loisaba Conservancy offers a unique combination of world‑class wildlife viewing, innovative accommodation, and active safari experiences. The conservancy is home to the Big Five, with healthy populations of elephant, lion, leopard, buffalo, and rhino. It also hosts significant populations of Grevy's zebra, reticulated giraffe, cheetah, African wild dog, and over 350 bird species. The conservancy's famous star beds offer an unforgettable overnight experience, with open‑air platforms that provide uninterrupted views of the night sky. Loisaba also offers a range of active experiences, including camel safaris, horseback riding, and mountain biking, allowing guests to explore the wilderness in unique and intimate ways. The conservancy is committed to community engagement, with programmes supporting local education, healthcare, and sustainable livelihoods.

Location and Geography

Loisaba Conservancy is situated in Laikipia County, approximately 265 kilometres north of Nairobi, on the edge of the Laikipia Plateau. The conservancy sits at an altitude of approximately 1,800 metres above sea level, offering stunning views of Mount Kenya to the south and the Matthews Range to the north. The landscape is diverse, ranging from open savannah plains and acacia woodlands to rocky hills, riverine forests, and dramatic escarpments. The Ewaso Nyiro River flows through the conservancy, providing a vital water source for wildlife. The conservancy's location on the edge of the plateau offers spectacular panoramic views, making it one of the most visually stunning destinations in Kenya.

Wildlife of Loisaba Conservancy

Loisaba Conservancy supports a rich diversity of wildlife, including all members of the Big Five. Elephant herds are frequently seen, often moving between Loisaba and neighbouring conservancies. Lions are resident and regularly sighted, particularly near water sources. Leopards are present, often spotted in the acacia trees and rocky areas. Buffalo and rhino are also present, with the rhino population growing thanks to dedicated anti‑poaching efforts. The conservancy also hosts significant populations of Grevy's zebra, reticulated giraffe, cheetah, and African wild dog.

Herbivores are abundant, with large herds of plains zebra, impala, eland, Grant's gazelle, and waterbuck. The conservancy is also a birdwatcher's paradise, with over 350 bird species recorded, including raptors, kingfishers, and migratory species. The Ewaso Nyiro River attracts a variety of wildlife, providing excellent opportunities for game viewing.

Activities and Experiences

Loisaba Conservancy offers a wide range of immersive safari activities, with a particular emphasis on active and innovative experiences. The star beds are a signature feature – open‑air platforms on raised decks, allowing guests to sleep under the stars while surrounded by the sounds of the African night. This is an unforgettable experience that connects guests with the wilderness in a unique and intimate way. Morning and afternoon game drives in open 4x4 vehicles with expert guides provide opportunities to spot the Big Five, Grevy's zebras, and the diverse wildlife of Laikipia.

Camel safaris offer a slow, rhythmic journey through the bush, allowing guests to explore areas inaccessible by vehicle and to connect with the land in a traditional manner. Horseback safaris provide an intimate way to approach wildlife, with experienced guides leading rides across the savannah. Mountain biking excursions offer an adventurous way to explore the conservancy's diverse terrain. Guided walking safaris, accompanied by armed rangers, provide a ground‑level perspective on the ecosystem, where you can track wildlife and learn about smaller fauna and flora. Cultural visits to local communities provide insight into traditional Maasai and Samburu cultures.

Accommodation in Loisaba Conservancy

Loisaba Conservancy offers a range of exceptional accommodation options, from luxury lodges to the iconic star beds. Loisaba Lodge is the main property, offering ten elegant cottages with panoramic views of Mount Kenya and the surrounding plains. The lodge features a swimming pool, a spa, and a restaurant serving gourmet cuisine. Loisaba Tented Camp offers eight luxury tents set along the Ewaso Nyiro River, each with en‑suite bathrooms and private verandas. The famous star beds are available at both the lodge and the tented camp, offering an unforgettable overnight experience under the African sky. All accommodation options are designed to minimise environmental impact while providing guests with comfort and a deep connection to the wilderness.

Additional options include private villas and mobile camps for those seeking exclusivity and flexibility. All properties are staffed by trained local guides and support community development initiatives.

Getting There

Scheduled and charter flights operate daily from Nairobi's Wilson Airport to Loisaba's private airstrip, approximately 45 minutes' flight. Most lodges and camps arrange airstrip transfers as part of their packages. By road, the conservancy is approximately 265 kilometres north of Nairobi. The drive takes approximately four hours along the A2 highway. A four‑wheel drive vehicle is recommended for the final approach to the camps.

Best Time to Visit

Loisaba Conservancy offers excellent wildlife viewing year‑round. The dry season from June to October is the peak period, with wildlife concentrated around water sources and excellent visibility. The weather is sunny and dry, with daytime temperatures averaging 24 degrees Celsius. The wet season from November to May offers lush green landscapes, lower rates, and fewer visitors. Birdwatching is particularly rewarding during this period. The short rains fall in November, while the long rains occur between March and early May. During the wet season, roads can become muddy, but the scenery is spectacular and the wildlife remains abundant.

Practical Information

Visitors are advised to carry neutral‑coloured clothing, a warm jacket for early morning game drives, a sun hat, sunscreen, insect repellent, binoculars, a camera with a telephoto lens, a power bank, and comfortable walking shoes for walking safaris. Each guest staying in Loisaba Conservancy pays a daily conservation fee that directly supports wildlife protection, habitat restoration, and community development initiatives.

Conservation and Community Impact

Loisaba Conservancy is a model of sustainable conservation, demonstrating that tourism can drive wildlife protection and community development. The conservancy employs a dedicated team of rangers and trackers who monitor wildlife populations and combat poaching. Loisaba has been instrumental in the recovery of rhino and Grevy's zebra populations in the region. Community engagement is a cornerstone of Loisaba's mission, with support for local schools, healthcare, and water projects. The conservancy also promotes sustainable land use practices and supports local pastoralists.

Loisaba has recently been involved in the transfer of elephants between conservancies, demonstrating the importance of interconnected landscapes for wildlife conservation. By visiting Loisaba, travellers directly contribute to conservation and community development, ensuring that wildlife and people can thrive together.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Loisaba Conservancy worth visiting? Absolutely. It offers a unique combination of world‑class wildlife viewing, innovative accommodation such as the star beds, and active experiences like camel and horseback safaris. It is one of the most visually stunning conservancies in Kenya.

Can I see the Big Five in Loisaba? Yes, the conservancy is home to all members of the Big Five – lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo, and rhino.

What are the star beds? The star beds are open‑air platforms on raised decks that allow guests to sleep under the stars, surrounded by the sounds of the African night. They are a signature experience of Loisaba Conservancy.

Do I need a four‑wheel drive vehicle? Most lodges and camps provide four‑wheel drive vehicles for game drives and transfers. If you are driving yourself, a four‑wheel drive vehicle is recommended due to the rough roads.

What is the best time to visit Loisaba? The dry season from June to October is the best time for wildlife viewing, while the wet season from November to May offers lush landscapes and excellent birdwatching.

How do I get to Loisaba Conservancy? By air: scheduled flights from Nairobi's Wilson Airport to Loisaba's private airstrip, approximately 45 minutes. By road: approximately four hours from Nairobi.

Plan Your Loisaba Safari Adventure

Loisaba Conservancy offers a safari experience that is exclusive, active, and deeply connected to the land, its wildlife, and its people. Whether you are a seasoned safari‑goer or a first‑time visitor, this private sanctuary promises unforgettable encounters with the Big Five, breathtaking views of Mount Kenya, and the magic of sleeping under the African sky. From the thrill of a camel safari to the adventure of mountain biking through the bush, every moment in Loisaba is crafted to leave you with memories that will last a lifetime.

Contact us for custom itineraries, group rates, and expert guidance for your Loisaba Conservancy safari.