Beyond the Mara: Kenya’s Other Wildlife Regions Explained

December 4, 2025
Look beyond the Mara for Kenya's spectacular, diverse landscapes. This guide explores the best of Laikipia (rhino/camel safaris), Samburu (big cats/giraffe), and the volcanic Chyulu Hills.
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Introduction

While the Masai Mara is Kenya’s crown jewel, the country’s diversity of landscapes is extraordinary: deserts, mountains, volcanoes, rainforests, and lakes. These regions deliver unique wildlife, cultures, and photographic opportunities that complement a Mara safari beautifully.

Here is your guide to Kenya’s other wildlife areas—and why many Wild Atlas Explorations itineraries combine the Mara with one or more of them.

1. Laikipia Plateau

A vast, high-altitude wilderness stretching across central Kenya.

Why It’s Special

  • Strong rhino conservation (black & white rhino)
  • Introduced Northern species: Grevy’s zebra, reticulated giraffe
  • Top-tier conservancies (Lewa, Ol Pejeta)
  • Camel safaris
  • Horseback riding
  • Night drives

Who It’s Best For

  • Families
  • Conservation-focused travelers
  • Repeat safari-goers
  • Travelers wanting diversity beyond big cats

2. Samburu & The Northern Frontier

Where the desert meets the river.

Why It’s Special

  • The Samburu Special Five:
    • Reticulated giraffe
    • Grevy’s zebra
    • Somali ostrich
    • Beisa oryx
    • Gerenuk
  • Strong Samburu culture
  • Dramatic landscapes of red earth + rocky outcrops
  • Excellent leopard sightings

Who It’s Best For

  • Photographers
  • Adventure travelers
  • Cultural travelers
  • Wildlife collectors (unique species)

3. Chyulu Hills

The green volcanic hills beneath Mt. Kilimanjaro.

Why It’s Special

  • Breathtaking views of Kilimanjaro
  • Horseback safaris
  • Walking safaris
  • Lava tube caves
  • High-end eco-luxury (ol Donyo Lodge)

Who It’s Best For

  • Honeymooners
  • Horseback riders
  • Travelers wanting exclusivity and open space

4. Ol Pejeta Conservancy

One of East Africa’s most important conservation sites.

Why It’s Special

  • World-leading rhino conservation
  • Home of the last northern white rhinos
  • High wildlife density
  • Wide variety of activities

Who It’s Best For

  • Conservation-focused travelers
  • Families
  • Travelers wanting an educational component

5. Amboseli National Park

The best place in Africa to photograph elephants with Mount Kilimanjaro as a backdrop.

Why It’s Special

  • Large elephant herds
  • Incredible Kili views
  • Salt pans & swamps
  • Great for a shorter safari extension

Who It’s Best For

  • Photographers
  • Families
  • First-time safari travelers

Conclusion

Kenya offers far more than the Mara. For travelers seeking diversity—rhinos, desert-adapted wildlife, horseback safaris, volcanic landscapes, or world-class conservation—these regions elevate any itinerary.

At Wild Atlas Explorations, we often combine the Mara with one or two of these areas for a safari that is richer, more varied, and more personal.

Let us plan the perfect trip for you!

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