This vast semi-desert runs from the foothills of Mount Kenya, Africa's second highest mountain, north into the deserts of Ethiopia and Sudan. The terrain and possibilities are varied, ranging from trekking up the lower slopes of Mount Kenya, with its excellent game viewing, to watching conservation at work in the family run Lewa Downs Wildlife Conservancy.

In the east lies Kenya's forgotten park, Meru, an endless desert striped with lush river valleys, while in the centre is Samburu, from where we run camel treks. Although the region supports a unique wildlife system, much of its charm comes from the indigenous population, the beautiful Samburu, who are one of the last truly nomadic peoples in Africa.

Meru
Meru National Park achieved worldwide fame with its association to Joy Adamson's Born Free. The film chronicled the rehabilitation of Elsa the lioness as she was re-introduced to the Kenyan wilderness. Despite the fact that it's one of Kenya's major national parks, this destination is still overlooked by the majority of tourists and to this day there are only 3 options for accommodation. The park has a wide range of wildlife including elephant, hippopotamus, lion, leopard, cheetah, reticulated giraffe, and zebra. The birdlife is also impressive and there are roughly 280 recorded species.

Samburu
The Ewaso Nyiro river flows through three great northern reserves, Samburu, Buffalo Springs and Shaba. This is spectacular country, set against a backdrop of the mighty Mountain Ol Olokwe. The verdant riverine forest is a stark contrast to the arid thorn studded plains. Samburu is visited by large herds of elephants, drawn by the promise of water. In the dry season, the elephants use their tusks to dig deep into the dry river beds, unearthing precious water and minerals. These waterholes then become a focal point for other game. The Samburu region is the best place to find several endemic Northern species, including Gerenuk, the Reticulated Giraffe, and Grevy's Zebra. The forests along the river banks are home to many birds, including local species such as the Palm Nut Vulture and the Vinaceous Dove. These forests are also home to many Leopards, often seen at dusk. Lions are also frequently seen on the riverbanks, and cheetah can be found on the open plains. On rare occasion, packs of African Hunting Dogs are sighted passing through the reserve. The Ewaso Nyiro is also an important water source for the Samburu villages surrounding the reserves and the Samburu culture is a truly fascinating one, sharing a great deal of ancestral and linguistic ties to the Maasai. They are herders of camels and goats, and if you choose to stay at one of the properties outside of the reserve then you will no doubt have the chance to meet some local Samburu in a very unique and uncommercial setting and find out much more about their culture. This is one of the highlights of visiting this area.

Laikipia
The Laikipia district in Kenya is vast - some 20,000 km2 - and is situated to the north-west of Mount Kenya. The ecosystem is home to the second largest population of elephant in Kenya (3,000) and hosts the highest populations of endangered species such as rhino (over half Kenya's total population), Grevy's zebra, and reticulated giraffe in the country, as well as the only viable population of Jackson's hartebeest and an expanding population of wild dog. As you will see, there is a range of fantastic properties to choose from here depending on your specific requirements. As well as offering some different wildlife from that found elsewhere, there is also a wide variety of activities to enjoy incuding horse-riding, camel riding, fishing, quad-biking, sleep outs under the stars, game drives and walks being the most popular.