In central Kenya, far from the Masai Mara, lies the Laikipia Plateau, a vast, arid bushland set at 6,500 feet. Dotted with ranches and private conservancies, it is often overlooked by camera-toting visitors chasing the Great Migration. And as one of the last strongholds of the African wild dog and the Grévy’s zebra, it remains among the country’s most compelling safari destinations.
The place to stay is Sosian Lodge, a working cattle ranch comprising 24,000 acres, several hours northwest of Mount Kenya. Getting there is an adventure in itself: after a flight into Nairobi and a transfer to a regional hub, a small plane drops you at the Loisaba Airstrip. From there, a series of dirt roads takes you to the lodge. Like other operators in the region, Sosian offers traditional game drives, fishing, fly camping, and walking safaris. But its true distinction is that it hosts one of the finest horseback safaris in the world.
