Location

Laikipia plateau
Samburuland
Northern Frontier District
wildlife sanctuary

Laikipia, her Land and Wildlife

Ol Malo sits in Northern Kenya. The northernmost ranch and conservation area in Laikipia. The scenery is nothing short of dramatic; perched on the edge of the ‘Laikipia plateau’ a lava flow that once crept from the Great Rift Valley, bordering the expanse of Samburuland and the Northern Frontier District to the north, and the dramatic Ewaso river valley to the east with Mt Kenya in the backdrop – the landscape lends itself to adventure.

Ol Malo has over 340 species of birds and over 60 species of mammals, some of which like the Grevy’s Zebra, Reticulated Giraffe and Greater Kudu are only found in these northern areas of Kenya. Like people of the land, the Samburu Nomads, the wildlife itself follows ancient migration routes for seasonal grazing and water. Ol Malo forms an important corridor for wildlife moving between community rangelands to the north and wildlife conservancies to the south.

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Laikipia's People

Kenya has 42 tribes. At Ol Malo, we employ over 10 tribes, with team members from all corners of the country, though the Samburu are the dominant tribe in Northern Laikipia. The Samburu are a colourful Nilotic people known for their rich cultural heritage and semi-nomadic lifestyle. They speak Samburu, a Nilo-Saharan language closely related to Maasai. Samburu society is organised into clans and age-sets, with elders holding significant authority for decision-making and conflict resolution.

Primarily pastoralists, they rely on cattle, goats, and sheep, with livestock central to their economy, culture, and social status. They practise transhumance, moving with their herds in search of water and pasture. The Samburu have a vibrant cultural identity, with women known for intricate beadwork and men, especially warriors, for their colourful dress and headgear.

Northern Kenya is a gateway to some of Africa’s last great nomadic cultures. Across this vast and untamed landscape, ancient traditions continue to thrive, offering a rare opportunity to connect with communities whose way of life has remained deeply intertwined with the land for generations.

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How to get to Ol Malo

Private charters (fixed wing) can land directly at Ol Malo’s bush airstrip, just 5 minutes from the property. Alternatively, scheduled flights land at Loisaba, followed by a 1-hour transfer. This scenic drive doubles as a game drive through the bush. Flights from Nairobi Wilson take approximately 1 hour.

Safarilink / Air Kenya operate regular scheduled flights (minimum 2 passengers typically required)
Luggage is limited to 15kg in soft bags (complimentary laundry provided)
Driving is not recommended unless travelling from a nearby property
Road transfers: ±7 hrs from Nairobi, 5–6 hrs from Lewa/Borana, ±3 hrs from Nanyuki (conditions dependent)

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