Accommodations in Laikipia Plateau

• Hotel rating: HR3

Sabuk Lodge is located on the banks of the Ewaso Nyiro River in the Northern Frontier District, overlooking the Laikipia Plateau and Samburu land. The main lodge and five cottages are all open fronted to make the most of the spectacular views. The cottages feature twisted hardwood and stone boulders as part of the décor, and have giant hand carved beds and en-suite bathrooms. Activities include night and day game drives and walking safaris.

• Hotel rating: HR3

Sosian, the Samburu word for the wild date palm, combines the tame with the wild. Over 24,000 acres of wild bush are here to explore. Originally built in the 1940s by Italian artisans, the newly renovated ranch house sits at the heart of the ranch, surrounded by seven double cottages that can accommodate up to fourteen people. A comfortable sitting and dining area overlooks the garden with views of the wide Ewaso Narok River basin. The lodge's large swimming pool surrounded by gnarled silver-barked boscia trees is only a few steps away, offering a refreshing and relaxing way to spend the afternoon.

• Hotel rating: HR3

Kicheche Laikipia Camp in located in the Ol Pejeta Conservancy is 90,000 acres of wilderness. The Conservancy is home to Kenya's largest population of black rhino, large numbers of cheetah, lion, leopard, elephant and plentiful plains game. The camp consists of six luxurious tents. The tents are custom designed and are insect-proof with en-suite bathrooms equipped with a dresser, flushing toilet and hot showers. There are comfortable chairs on each verandah overlooking the plains.

• Hotel rating: HR3

Old Malo House is a six-bedroom house built by the Francombe family to accommodate exclusive groups or families. The hub of the house is a large and beautiful sitting and dining room with open fireplaces encircled by three en suite double bedrooms. Separate cottages create a further three double bedrooms: each private and comfortable cottage has arch windows and doors, en suite bathrooms and decor inspired by the area's wild landscape, local flora and the life and culture of the Samburu people. A flagstone path leads to a large open area overlooking the infinity pool, fringed by Drasina palms and wide-open vistas - perfect for alfresco dining.

Ol Malo House is situated on what was once an overgrazed cattle ranch, now transformed into a beautiful conservation site. There is endless fun to be had from wildlife drives (with a roof seat available on top of the 4x4 vehicle) and picnics to riding, walking, fishing, medicinal plant walks and learning how to survive like a Samburu. Ol Malo works closely with the Samburu tribe through the Samburu Trust. In return for this, visitors are invited to see some of their traditional ways: visit a 'manyatta,' to see their way of life and, if you're lucky, watch warriors gather to dance.The Samburu Trust beading workshop gives the Samburu Mamas a way to support their families and develop their artwork. Ol Malo is also home to the Samburu Trust's first Nomad school. Take a peek at the Waldorf education system and join the children on their walk to school.

Features: Six-bedroom house, sitting room, dining room, open fireplaces, infinity pool, barbecue area.
Room amenities: Unique wooden furniture and decor, large baths, double vanity basins.