Last updated: May 2026
Loisaba Conservancy is the dramatic landscape conservancy of northern Laikipia — 58,000 acres of escarpment, rolling savanna, riverine forest and rocky kopjes, set against the backdrop of Mount Kenya to the south and the Karisia Hills to the north. The conservancy is jointly owned by The Nature Conservancy and the Loisaba Community Trust (formed in 2014 in a landmark conservation purchase that took the property out of private hands and into perpetual conservation trust). It hosts the famous Loisaba Star Beds — wheeled four-poster beds rolled out onto raised platforms under the African sky — plus three other distinctive lodges, a strong predator population including resident wild dog, exceptional birding, and one of the most photogenic landscapes anywhere in Kenya. This Loisaba Conservancy guide covers everything you need to plan a visit.
Loisaba in Brief
Location: Northern Laikipia, between the Suguta Marmar and the Ewaso Ng’iro river. Closest town: Nanyuki, 2.5 hours by road or 30 minutes by charter flight.
Size: 58,000 acres / 230 km².
Governance: Owned by Loisaba Community Trust in partnership with The Nature Conservancy (TNC) and the Kenya Wildlife Service. Operates as a not-for-profit with strong community partnerships. Acquired in 2014 by TNC and partners, removing the property from private commercial ownership and placing it permanently in conservation.
Wildlife highlights: Big Five including high-density elephant population; resident wild dog packs; significant Grevy’s zebra population; reticulated giraffe; vulturine guineafowl; aridity-zone specials; over 260 bird species.
Distinctive features: The Star Beds (Africa’s first); the dramatic escarpment landscape; strong community-partnership model with surrounding Maasai and Samburu communities; resident wild dog packs.
The Property’s Story
Loisaba began as a colonial-era cattle ranch (one of the original Italian-owned properties of the 1930s) and operated as a working ranch and luxury safari property under various owners through the 20th century. The decisive moment came in 2014 when The Nature Conservancy, in partnership with the local community trust and several major donors, acquired the property to ensure permanent protection. The transition from private commercial to conservation-trust ownership is one of the most significant Laikipia conservation events of the last decade.
Since 2014, Loisaba has substantially expanded its community partnership programmes, refined its tourism offering through the Elewana Collection (which manages the lodges), and become a model for community-financed conservation across northern Kenya. The conservancy now anchors a 56,000-acre wildlife landscape with formal partnerships across surrounding group ranches, supporting healthcare, schools, water infrastructure and managed-grazing access for community livestock during droughts.
The Wildlife
Elephants
One of Loisaba’s most reliable encounters. Significant resident elephant population plus seasonal migrants moving through the broader landscape. Family groups visible at water year-round; bull elephants frequently encountered near the lodges.
Wild Dog
Multiple resident wild dog packs use Loisaba. Encounters are not guaranteed but happen regularly — particularly during denning season when packs are localised to specific den sites. Loisaba is one of the better Laikipia conservancies for serious wild dog enthusiasts.
Big Cats
Resident lion prides; healthy leopard population (the escarpment country provides excellent leopard habitat); cheetah present in smaller numbers. Night drives produce regular leopard sightings.
Grevy’s Zebra
Substantial Grevy’s zebra population — Loisaba’s drier northern aspect supports the species’ preferred habitat. Side-by-side encounters with the more common Burchell’s zebra are common.
Reticulated Giraffe
Healthy reticulated giraffe population; replaces the Masai giraffe of southern Kenya. Reliable sightings on most game drives.
Aridity-Zone Specials
Loisaba’s drier northern country produces species rare or absent on the southern Laikipia conservancies: vulturine guineafowl (the cobalt-blue-headed gamebird that’s a Northern Frontier signature), Beisa oryx, gerenuk, Donaldson-Smith’s nightjar, sandgrouse coming to water at dusk.
Birds
Over 260 documented species including major raptor populations (the escarpment supports nest sites for Verreaux’s eagle, multiple eagle-owl species, and the dense bushland holds Pringle’s puffback, Donaldson-Smith’s sparrow-weaver, and a long list of arid-country specials).
The Lodges
Loisaba has three distinctive lodges plus the famous Star Beds, all managed by the Elewana Collection.
Loisaba Tented Camp
The flagship property. Twelve large tents perched on the edge of the escarpment with panoramic views toward Mount Kenya. Family-friendly setup with adjoining-walkway family configurations. Infinity pool, contemporary African design, full bar and dining. Rate: USD 800–1,500 per person per night all-inclusive.
Loisaba Lodo Springs
The luxury sister property. Eight private cottages with their own plunge pools and decks, set in dramatic boulder country. More intimate scale than the Tented Camp, more luxurious finish. Particularly strong for couples and small groups. Rate: USD 1,000–1,800 per person per night.
Loisaba Star Beds
The signature experience. Five wheeled four-poster beds on raised wooden platforms, individually built into the natural landscape. Each platform has a sitting area and open-plan bathroom; the beds are wheeled out onto the open air at night for sleeping under the stars above an active waterhole. The Star Beds are typically combined with a stay at one of the other Loisaba lodges (rather than a stand-alone visit) and remain one of the most photographed Laikipia experiences. Rate: USD 950–1,400 per person per night.
Loisaba Camping
For self-sufficient travellers — designated campsite with basic infrastructure for vehicle-based camping. Permit and fees apply.
Activities
Game Drives
Standard morning and afternoon drives in 4×4 safari vehicles. Off-road driving permitted within the conservancy. Private vehicles included at most lodge rates.
Walking Safaris
Half-day to full-day guided walks with armed rangers. The escarpment country provides dramatic walking terrain. Multi-day walking extensions available.
Horseback Safaris
Loisaba has a stable of well-schooled safari horses. Rides through wildlife are some of the most distinctive Laikipia experiences. Multi-day mobile horse safaris available.
Mountain Biking
Off-road biking on graded conservancy trails. Suitable for confident riders; family options available.
Camel Trekking
Short rides through the bush; longer multi-day camel-supported expeditions arranged through specialist operators.
Star Beds Sleep-Outs
The signature experience — a night on a Star Bed platform with sundowners, dinner and breakfast all delivered to the platform. Memorable wildlife encounters at the waterhole below throughout the night.
Helicopter Excursions
Tropic Air helicopters operate from Loisaba airstrip. Day excursions to Mount Kenya glaciers, the Suguta Valley, or Lake Turkana. Costs USD 2,500–6,000 per flight depending on duration.
Cultural Visits
Visits to neighbouring Maasai and Samburu communities through Loisaba’s community partnership programme. The community-managed manyattas offer authentic cultural exchange rather than performance.
Conservation Engagement
Behind-the-scenes visits with the conservancy’s wildlife monitoring team, anti-poaching units, and the community partnership programmes. Includes wild dog tracking when packs are present.
Getting to Loisaba
By Air
Fly Nairobi (Wilson Airport) to Loisaba Airstrip on SafariLink or AirKenya — 1 hour, USD 280–350 one-way per person. Lodge transfers handle the short distance from airstrip to camp.
By Road
From Nanyuki: 2.5 hours via the road through Doldol. From Nairobi: 6 hours via the A2 highway through Nyahururu. Lodge transfers can be arranged. Self-driving feasible but the road becomes rough beyond Doldol.
From Other Laikipia Conservancies
Lewa: 2.5 hours by road or 30-minute charter. Borana: 2.5 hours by road. Ol Pejeta: 3 hours by road or 30-minute charter.
Best Time to Visit
Year-round destination. Optimal windows:
July–October: Long dry season. Wildlife concentrates around water; reliable predator sightings; comfortable cool nights. Peak season pricing.
January–February: Short dry season. Excellent conditions, slightly fewer crowds.
November and March–April: Shoulder seasons. Migrants present; wild dog denning season often peaks; lower lodge rates.
The Conservation Story
Loisaba’s transition from private ranch to conservation trust in 2014 is one of the most significant African conservation events of the past decade. The property is now permanently protected from commercial development and operates with a long-term conservation mandate.
The conservancy works with surrounding communities through formal partnership programmes:
- Community schools: Multiple primary schools supported through Loisaba revenue.
- Healthcare clinic: Loisaba operates a community healthcare facility serving tens of thousands of people in surrounding communities.
- Water infrastructure: Boreholes and piped water systems for both wildlife and community use.
- Managed grazing access: Community livestock allowed access to conservancy grazing during drought periods — a critical safety valve during the increasingly frequent severe droughts.
- Direct employment: Over 200 community members employed across the conservancy operations.
The Northern Rangelands Trust coordinates community-based conservation across the broader landscape, with Loisaba as a key anchor property.
How to Combine Loisaba
Loisaba Alone (3–5 nights)
Spend 2 nights at Loisaba Tented Camp + 1 night at the Star Beds + 1–2 nights at Lodo Springs. Full Loisaba immersion with all three lodge styles experienced.
Loisaba + Lewa (5–7 nights)
Strong landscape contrast — Lewa’s UNESCO conservancy plus Loisaba’s escarpment country. Different wildlife emphasis (Lewa’s Grevy’s zebra plus Loisaba’s wild dog focus).
Loisaba + Samburu (5–7 nights)
The Northern Frontier circuit. Both destinations are dry-country specialist landscapes. Easy 30-minute charter flight between them.
Loisaba + Mara (7–10 nights)
The classic Kenya combination — Loisaba’s exclusivity plus the Mara migration. Fly between via Nairobi.
Practical Tips
Length of Stay
Minimum 2 nights. 3–4 nights is the practical sweet spot to experience the Star Beds plus the standard activities.
What to Pack
Standard safari kit (layers for cool evenings, sun protection, walking shoes). For Star Beds: a warm fleece for night air, a flashlight for the bathroom, and extra blankets are typically provided.
Children
Family-friendly. Loisaba Tented Camp has family configurations. Star Beds suitable for older children (8+). Game drives and walks have age-appropriate options.
Conservation Engagement
Build a behind-the-scenes conservation visit into your stay. The community programme visits and wild dog monitoring are particularly powerful.
Booking
9–12 months ahead for high season; 4–6 months for shoulder seasons. Star Beds in particular book early because availability is limited.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the Loisaba Star Beds?
Wheeled four-poster wooden beds set on raised platforms with sitting areas and open-plan bathrooms. The beds are rolled out onto the open platform at night so guests can sleep under the African sky above an active waterhole. One of Africa’s most distinctive accommodation experiences.
Can I stay only at the Star Beds?
Possible but typically not recommended. Most Loisaba itineraries combine 1–2 nights at the Star Beds with several nights at the Tented Camp or Lodo Springs for a complete experience.
Is Loisaba good for wild dog?
Yes — one of the better Laikipia conservancies for wild dog encounters, particularly during denning season. Sightings not guaranteed but more likely than most other Laikipia properties.
How does Loisaba compare to Lewa or Borana?
Different landscapes and emphases. Lewa for rhino-focused experience plus the Mount Kenya backdrop; Borana for high leopard density and rhino tracking; Loisaba for escarpment landscape, wild dog and the Star Beds.
Are there any rhinos at Loisaba?
Loisaba does not have a major rhino population at present. For rhino-focused trips, combine Loisaba with Lewa, Borana, Ol Pejeta or Solio.
Can I do helicopter excursions from Loisaba?
Yes. Tropic Air operates from Loisaba airstrip with day excursions to Mount Kenya glaciers, the Suguta Valley and Lake Turkana. Costs scale with helicopter time.
Is Loisaba family-friendly?
Yes. Loisaba Tented Camp has family configurations; the Star Beds suit older children; game drives and walks have age-appropriate options.
Is Loisaba safe given the broader Laikipia security history?
Yes. Loisaba has comprehensive security and decades of safe operation. The 2017 land-conflict events affected specific areas in the broader region; Loisaba operations have not been disrupted in recent years.
The Bottom Line
Loisaba Conservancy delivers some of the most distinctive Laikipia experiences — the famous Star Beds, the dramatic escarpment landscape, resident wild dog packs, the Northern Frontier wildlife (Grevy’s zebra, reticulated giraffe, vulturine guineafowl), and a transparent conservation funding model anchored by The Nature Conservancy ownership. Three nights gives you the basic experience; 4–5 nights with Star Beds plus Lodo Springs plus the standard Tented Camp delivers the complete Loisaba immersion. For travellers wanting one of the most photogenic and conservation-credible Laikipia stays, Loisaba is at the top of the list.
