The Black Leopards of Laikipia and Beyond
Kenya
August 5 to 20, 2028
Private Trip Available Safari Overview
Join this epic and exclusive Kenyan safari specially designed for the wildlife photographer and/or wildlife lover searching for something truly unique and out of the ordinary from the standard African safari. From the sweeping soda flats of the Rift Valley to the vast private conservancy of Laikipia and the lion-rich savannas of Tsavo, this sixteen-day Kenya journey moves through three of East Africa’s most iconic landscapes. We begin at the remote and stunning Shompole Wilderness Camp, tucked at the edge of the Rift Valley near the Tanzanian border, renowned amongst wildlife photographers and animal lovers for its professionally designed nighttime animal viewing hides. Then we fly north to Laikipia’s Sosian Ranch — one of the only places on earth where extremely rare melanistic leopards have been documented in the wild. These extraordinary black leopards, an animal phenomenon so rare they were barely believed by science to exist until local camera traps confirmed their presence in this very region, roam the rocky hillsides and dense thickets of the conservancy alongside more familiar predators. Five nights here gives us an exceptional chance to find and photograph them. The adventure closes in style aboard Kenya’s modern SGR railway, rolling through classic Tsavo country to Lumo Conservancy and the clifftop perch of Soroi Lions Bluff Lodge. With private safaris, expert guiding, super unique wildlife photography opportunities and intimate camps well off the beaten path and far from the crowds, this is Kenya few travelers will ever experience.
Why Choose This Trip?
- Rare Wildlife, Legendary Sightings: Search for Giza, Laikipia’s famous resident black leopard, and track African wild dogs on one of Kenya’s most wildlife-rich private ranches.
- Three Ecosystems, Zero Crowds: Maasai-owned Rift Valley wilderness, rugged Laikipia ranchland, and the sweeping plains of Tsavo — all well off the standard tourist circuit.
- Exclusive-Use Safari at Shompole: Complete freedom from park rules, schedules, and other vehicles in one of Kenya’s most remote and privately operated wilderness camps.
- A Journey by Rail: Trade the final flight for Kenya’s modern SGR express train, rolling through classic Tsavo country with Kilimanjaro on the horizon.
- Community Conservation at Every Stop: From Maasai-managed Shompole to the Lumo Community Wildlife Sanctuary, every camp on this itinerary puts local conservation front and center.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ “One of the best adventure travel experiences we’ve ever had.” – Susan Mann |
TRIP MAP
NOTABLE EXPERIENCES
Itinerary Updated: July 2026
FAQ
| Date | Description | Lodge | Meals |
|---|---|---|---|
| Aug 5 | Aug 5 ~ Travel to Nairobi. Travel to Nairobi, Kenya from home. | ||
| Aug 6 | Aug 6 ~ Arrive in Nairobi. Arrive in Nairobi from our Tanzania trip or from home. You'll be greeted and transferred to the charming Karen Blixen Coffee Garden & Cottages, where the rest of the day is yours to relax and settle in after your journey. | Karen Blixen Garden, Nairobi | |
| Aug 7 | Aug 7 ~ Transfer to Shompole. After breakfast, transfer by 4x4 Safari Land Cruiser down into the southern Rift Valley, crossing the soda flats of Lake Magadi en route to Shompole Wilderness Camp — a scenic four-hour drive. | Shompole Wilderness Camp, Shompole Conservancy | B, L, D |
| Aug 8-10 | Aug 8–10 ~ Shompole Wilderness Camp. Three full days of game drives, guided walks, the photographic hide, kayaking, and sundowners with the Rift Valley escarpment as a backdrop. Our group has exclusive access to the camp. | Shompole Wilderness Camp, Shompole Conservancy | B, L, D |
| Aug 11 | Aug 11 ~ Fly to Laikipia. Scenic 45-minute charter flight north from Nairobi's Wilson Airport over the Rift Valley to Laikipia, touching down at a bush airstrip in time for afternoon activities on the ranch. | Laikipia Wilderness Palm Camp, Laikipia | B, L, D |
| Aug 12-15 | Aug 12–15 ~ Laikipia Wilderness Palm Camp. Four full days tracking African wild dogs, searching for the resident black leopard Giza, and exploring a vast landscape of rocky escarpments, riverine woodland, and open grassland. | Laikipia Wilderness Palm Camp, Laikipia | B, L, D |
| Aug 16 | Aug 16 ~ Fly to Nairobi, train to Soroi Lions Bluff. After a final morning game drive, fly back to Nairobi and board the SGR express train to Voi, rolling through classic Tsavo country. Transfer to Soroi Lions Bluff Lodge at sunset, with sundowners on the terrace as Kilimanjaro glows on the horizon. | Soroi Lions Bluff Lodge, Tsavo | B, L, D |
| Aug 17-18 | Aug 17–18 ~ Lumo Wildlife Sanctuary. Two full days of game drives and bush walks in the Lumo Community Wildlife Sanctuary, with Kilimanjaro views and night drives in this little-visited corner of Tsavo. | Soroi Lions Bluff Lodge, Tsavo | B, L, D |
| Aug 19 | Aug 19 ~ Transfer to Nairobi. After a final breakfast, board the morning SGR train back to Nairobi, arriving in the early afternoon, then transfer directly to the airport for onward flights home. | B | |
| Aug 20 | Aug 20 ~ Arrive home. |
Get the Full Daily Itinerary
Our Trip Leaders
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Scott Davis
Scott DavisScott, co-owner and co-CEO of Cheesemans’ Ecology Safaris, is an expert wildlife, nature, and travel photographer. Trained as a wildlife and marine biologist, he's explored all seven continents for research and photography. National Geographic, BBC, Animal Planet, NY Times, and other prestigious publications have featured his inspiring work. Scott's passion for teaching and talent for capturing the essence of his subjects make him a highly sought-after tour leader.
- Cost & Payments
- Included
- Not Included
- FAQ
- Climate
- Fitness Level
- Transportation
- Motion Sickness
- Flights
Conservation
Cost & Payments
Costs (in US$)
| Type | Cost Per Person |
|---|---|
| Trip Cost, double occupancy | $18,200 |
| Single Supplement | Contact us |
Costs are per person, double occupancy, not including airfare (except for two one-way flights), singles extra. See Included and Not Included sections for more details.
Single rooms cost extra and are subject to availability.
Payments are due based on the schedule above. All bookings require a deposit to confirm reservation of your space.
Cancellations
Until the Final Payment due date, deposits are refundable except for a cancellation fee of $150 per person, which can be applied toward another trip if reserved within six months of the canceled trip’s departure date. Cancellations are non-transferable. No refunds are given after the Final Payment due date.
Included
- Carbon offsets for the duration of this trip.
- All leaders, transport, park entry fees, landing fees, and permits for all activities unless described as optional.
- One-way flights from Loisaba to Wilson and from Rangers to Sosian.
- Accommodations (double occupancy) for the nights of August 6 through August 18.
- Meals from breakfast on August 7 through breakfast on August 19, except meals listed in Not Included section.
- Transfer between Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (NBO) and Karen Blixen Garden and Cottages regardless of arrival day.
- Transfer between Nairobi’s SGR terminus and Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (NBO) on August 19.
- Premium Class rail journey from Nairobi to Voi aboard the Standard Gauge Railway.
- Premium Class rail journey from Voi to Nairobi aboard the Standard Gauge Railway.
- Laundry at the lodges.
- Non-premium drinks, local beer, soft drinks, select spirits and house wines.
- Trip Planning Materials – information about entry requirements, flights, packing, gratuities, etc.
- AMREF Flying Doctor emergency evacuation insurance, which provides rapid air evacuation to the nearest appropriate hospital in the event of a medical emergency. This does not include hospital or treatment costs.
Not Included
- Carbon offsets for your flights to/from this trip.
- All airfare (except flights listed as included), airport and departure taxes, and excess baggage fees.
- Passport and visa fees.
- Additional hotel nights and transfers beyond Karen Blixen Garden and Cottages are not included.
- Meals on August 6.
- Gratuities.
- Optional Emergency evacuation insurance and trip cancellation insurance.
- Items of a personal nature such as telephone calls, medical costs or hospitalization, room service, some alcoholic and other beverages, items not on the regular menu, etc. If you have special dietary needs, please indicate them on your Traveler Form.
Climate
August falls during Kenya’s cool dry season, making it one of the finest times to visit. Across all three regions, expect clear skies, low humidity, and minimal rainfall, ideal conditions for game viewing. At Shompole in the southern Rift Valley, days are warm and sunny, typically in the mid-80s°F, with cool evenings as the altitude moderates the heat. Laikipia Plateau sits at roughly 6,000 feet. Come prepared for crisp mornings and evenings that can dip into the 50s°F, with pleasant daytime temperatures in the 70s°F. Soroi Lions Bluff in the Taita Hills enjoys similarly dry, clear weather with warm days perfect for game drives and spectacular views across Tsavo.
Fitness Level
This safari is designed to be accessible to a wide range of fitness levels, making it an excellent choice for guests who are in generally good health but not necessarily avid athletes. Game drives are the primary activity across all three camps, conducted from comfortable safari vehicles with minimal physical exertion required. That said, guests should be prepared for early morning starts, occasional walks on uneven terrain, and the stamina needed to make the most of full days in the field. At Laikipia, optional bush walks offer a more active way to explore the landscape, and a reasonable level of fitness will enhance that experience. The heat at Shompole and the higher elevation at Laikipia can be more tiring than guests expect, so arriving well-rested and well-hydrated is always advisable. Guests with significant mobility limitations should contact us in advance so we can work with the camps to ensure the best possible experience. Please contact us if you have any health concerns that may make this trip challenging.
Flights
Detailed logistical information will be included in your Trip Planning Materials. We strongly recommend purchasing flight cancellation insurance to protect your investment.
Flights you book
- Arrive in Nairobi, Kenya (NBO) by 11:59pm on August 6. If you are arriving from our Tanzania trip, see the Flights section in its itinerary for arrival information.
- Depart from Nairobi, Kenya (NBO) after 8:00pm on August 19.
Flights we book for you
- Two internal flights are included in the trip cost. Important: the flights within Kenya have a very strict luggage weight allowance of 15kg (33lbs) total. This means that you will need to pack light.
FAQ
How likely are we to see the black leopard, Giza?
Giza is a wild, free-roaming animal, so no sighting can ever be guaranteed. That said, five nights at Laikipia Wilderness Palm Camp gives our guides, who know her territory intimately, an excellent window to track her, along with the camp's resident African wild dog pack.
What should I know about packing for the internal flights?
The light aircraft connecting Laikipia and Nairobi enforce a strict 15kg (33lbs) total luggage limit, including hand luggage, and require soft-sided duffel bags rather than hard-shell suitcases. A full packing list will be provided in your Trip Planning Materials.
Will I have WiFi and phone signal during the trip?
All three camps offer WiFi in common areas, though connectivity can be intermittent given the remote locations. We recommend informing family or colleagues that you may be difficult to reach at times during the safari.
Accommodations
Motion Sickness
Don’t let a fear of motion sickness keep you away! Even those who have experienced motion sickness reported that the incredible wildlife and overall experience were well worth the temporary discomfort. If you are susceptible to motion sickness from winding roads, trains, and/or small planes or are concerned that you might be, please come prepared! The key to avoiding motion sickness is to act before you experience nausea. Do your own research and consult your doctor before taking any medications. A good night of sleep, eating well, limiting alcohol, and using your favorite seasickness remedy is sufficient for most travelers. Find more information on our Coping with Seasickness webpage (this information is applicable to any form of motion sickness) and contact us if you have any questions.
Transportation
Getting around on this safari is part of the adventure itself, with a varied mix of transportation that showcases Kenya from multiple vantage points. Game drives and transfers between camps are conducted in classic 4×4 Land Cruisers, offering elevated seating, open-sided viewing, and the capability to navigate rough bush tracks with ease. One of the highlights of the journey is a leg aboard the SGR (Standard Gauge Railway), Kenya’s modern high-speed rail line connecting Nairobi to Mombasa. This scenic and comfortable train ride offers a unique perspective on the landscape and a welcome change of pace from road and air travel. Two internal flights on light aircraft connect the more remote camps, whisking guests over sweeping savannahs, escarpments, and wilderness areas that would take hours to reach by road, offering stunning aerial views and maximizing time on the ground where it matters most.
Conservation
Our company ethos has always regarded conservation as inseparable from responsible tourism. We struggle with the dilemma that traveling worldwide expends climate-changing carbon. However, we wholeheartedly believe that traveling with us will cultivate your passion for conserving our beautiful world while stimulating each destination’s local economy. We encourage you to explore the various ways in which Cheesemans’ operates within this context:
- Cheesemans’ Trips are Carbon Neutral.
- Offsetting our Journey Together: From the moment you arrive to the day you depart; we take responsibility for offsetting the carbon footprint of your on-the-ground experience. For your travel to and from the destination, we encourage a shared commitment to reducing impact—whether through airline programs, our carbon calculator and donating to Sustainable Travel International, or an offsetting partner that aligns with your values.
- Local Conservation: Check out our Conservation pages to learn how we support conservation efforts through meaningful partnerships and responsible tourism practices.
Together, we can continue exploring and cherishing this planet while working toward its long-term protection. Thank you for being part of this important journey with us.