Although Kenya will always be known for its incredible Masai Mara region, several new destinations are entering the spotlight. One of these is the Laikipia region, a safari destination that offers a captivating alternative to the well-trodden paths of the Masai Mara.
Recognizing the potential of this incredible region, luxury experiential travel company AndBeyond recently made a significant investment in Laikipia by securing an Exclusive Tourism Concession over the Suyian Conservancy. This multidecade partnership with Space for Giants, a global conservation charity, grants AndBeyond exclusive access to nearly 45,000 acres of pristine wilderness.
"Our expansion into Laikipia is the culmination of a long-held desire to increase our impact and lodge operating footprint in Kenya," said Joss Kent, AndBeyond's CEO and executive chairman. "Laikipia is a prime wilderness area that is home to a greater population of wildlife than anywhere else in Kenya outside of the Masai Mara. This includes a large number of globally threatened mammals that make it particularly important from a conservation perspective."
A captivating conservancy
The Suyian Conservancy has been transformed from a place of pure cattle ranching to land managed for conservation with a limited number of cattle. Iis a haven for an impressive array of species, from rare black leopards and the endangered African wild dogs it was named for to iconic northern Kenyan wildlife like Grevy's zebras and reticulated giraffes.
Suyian also boasts a variety of landscapes, including grassland; savanna; rocky outcrops or kopjes; dense vechellia woodland; and more than 10 miles of river frontage, all of which provide unforgettable views and sightings.
As the sole luxury lodge and tented camp operator on the conservancy, AndBeyond is able to create a circuit of luxury lodges, tented camps, sky beds and mobile camping experiences. The first camp in the pipeline is AndBeyond Suyian Lodge slated to open on July 1, 2025.
The AndBeyond Suyian Lodge, slated to open on July 1, 2025, overlooks the Rock Sanctuary in the the Suyian Conservancy. Photo Credit: Courtesy of AndBeyond
Nestled within a 44,000-acre wilderness, the new lodge overlooks the Rock Sanctuary, a landscape of 'granite kopjes' (rocky outcrops) steeped in history, including ancient rock art. With only 14 rooms, the lodge promises exceptional privacy amidst expansive plains and dramatic boulders. The lodge's sculptural architecture seamlessly blends with the natural surroundings and its design is inspired by the granite kopjes and resilient plant life growing among them.
What is expected to set Suyian Lodge apart, however, are its experiences. Guests can immerse themselves in the rhythm of the land by participating in active ranching. Travelers can spend the morning alongside local herders as they guide 2,500 to 3,000 cattle on rotational grazing rounds.
Travelers can also explore the diverse landscapes on guided camelback safaris or venture into the bush on foot for wildlife encounters. The region's rich cultural heritage can be absorbed through interactions with the Samburu and Pokot tribes, while conservation enthusiasts can contribute to research and preservation efforts.
Elsewhere in the Laikipia
Beyond the conservancy, in the wider Laikipia region, other operators are also exploring new and experiences for travelers. The Governors' Mugie House, a luxury safari lodge on the Mugie Conservancy in Laikipia, recently announced the addition of e-biking to its list of signature experiences. E-bikes offer an opportunity to embark on an ecofriendly adventure along a scenic route in the conservancy, with plenty of close-up wildlife encounters along the way.
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Mugie House is an eight-cottage property that promises seclusion, comfort and breathtaking views of the surrounding wilderness, including the "Mugie Five," five endangered species found in the area: the Grevy's zebras, reticulated giraffes, common beisa oryx, Jackson's hartebeests and striped hyenas. Guests can enjoy game drives, lion tracking, canoeing, guided bush walks and even explore the landscape on sustainably powered mountain bikes.
Conservation is deeply ingrained in Laikipia's safari experience. Many conservancies, including Mugie and Suyian, operate as low-impact cattle ranches while actively protecting their ecosystems. Community engagement and empowerment initiatives are key to the region's conservation success.