Sosian Ranch, Laikipia, Kenya

Sosian is a privately owned 24,000 acres game ranch, located on the Laikipia Plateau, an area historically known for its wildlife and ranching traditions. The Plateau has one of the finest climates in the world sitting at an average elevation of 6000 feet, the temperature rises to the high 80's Fahrenheit, 30 centigrade, during the day, with cool clear evenings dropping down to the low 50's, 10 centigrade. The humidity is always low and there is usually a cool breeze at the height of the dry/hot season while higher humidity during the wet season is tempered by cooler temperatures. The old ranch house was built in the 1940s by Italian artisans, but has recently been beautifully renovated to accommodate 14 guests in 7 double cottages. Guests can dine on large open verandas looking out across the savannah or relax on comfortable sofas in the large sitting room. The guest cottages are all set in the tropical garden which is home to an array of exotic plants. Each cottage has large double or twin beds and en-suite bathrooms. A wide variety of ecosystems are present on Sosian. The northern half of the ranch is dominated by open grass plains dotted with acacia trees. Herds of the rare Grevy's zebra, Grant's gazelle, oryx and other antelope congregate here. The southern part of Sosian is mostly acacia woodland and inhabited by elephant, buffalo, reticulated giraffe and impala. Lion and leopard are seen or heard regularly around Sosian. Even endangered wild dogs, thought to be extinct in Laikipia, have returned to the area in healthy numbers. Bisecting the southern portion of Sosian is the Ewaso Narok River which provides the perfect habitat for hippo, otter and prolific birdlife. Sosian offers walking safaris, horse riding around the ranch, day and night game drives, camel safaris, and the chance to involve oneself in the daily life of the ranch. Equally one might choose to relax by the large swimming pool, play croquet or just admire the stunning scenery of Laikipia and the snow capped peaks of Mount Kenya on the horizon. One particular highlight for many guests is the glorious walk up to the waterfalls on the Ewaso Narok River. Sosian is dedicated to the conservation of wildlife and is a member of the Laikipia Wildlife Forum, working to protect Laikipia's wildlife through sustainable land uses such as eco-tourism. The lodge's unique swimming pool is but a few steps away across the lawns, offering a refreshing and relaxing way to spend the afternoon. Spectacular waterfalls offer alternative swimming along the Ewaso Narok river. From the ranch house you can watch the sun rise on the pale blue outline of jagged Mount Kenya or enjoy sundowners on the verandah while swifts dart over the lawn in the soft light of the African dusk. More than 250 species of birdlife and an abundance of game species including four of the big five lion,elephant.rhino, buffalo and leopard  - can be found on Sosian Ranch, including rare species such as Jackson's hartebeest, Grevy's zebra and reticulated giraffe. A lovely place and highly recommended by us. Walking Safaris Sosian's walking safaris in north-west Laikipia use a light-weight but comfortable mobile camp which is moved each day. The camp provides hot showers, long drop loos, a fully stocked bar and freshly cooked meals around the campfire. Tents are custom made gauze tents with comfortable bedrolls with fresh linen allowing you to lie under the stars at night listening to the nocturnal sounds of the bush. You cannot get closer to nature than by being on foot amongst it and walking enables you to see so much more detail. Tracks on the ground, scratch marks on trees, droppings, a fresh kill, birds calling in alarm at the sound of a nearby snake, baboons shouting as they catch sight of a leopard. The smell of an acacia in blossom, the scent of long, dry grass underfoot on an early morning walk. Walking is a completely different experience and a wonderful way to see the bush. Steve Carey who together with his wife Annabelle runs Sosian, is running the walking safaris together with a team of Turkana and Samburu staff and has 18 years walking experience behind him. Itineraries are flexible depending on the movement of the wildlife at the time. Elephant, lion, leopard, cheetah, hyena, buffalo, wild dog, zebra, warthog, hippo and many different antelope species are all common sightings on safari at Sosian as well as some unusual species such as Grevy’s zebra, Striped hyena, Beisa Oryx and aardwolf are often seen. The birdlife on Sosian is particularly good and there is a huge diversity of habitats from open plains, to riverines and cliff faces. Safety is of great importance and Steve carries a radio and a rifle for protection and one of his Samburu or Turkana trackers always accompanies him providing an extra pair of experienced eyes and ears. These safaris are backed up by a team of Kenyan staff who use camels or a vehicle to move the camp each day. Please call us for further details. Sister properties are Offbeat Meru Camp and Offbeat Mara Camp. This combination makes an excellent and varied safari circuit. See suggested Offbeat Safari Itinerary Style Ranch style safari lodge Air/Con No Dining Yes Swimming pool Yes Children Yes No. of Bedrooms 7 -  3 doubles and 4 twins Activities Game drives, bush walks, riding, camel rides, bird walks, camp outs, large swimming pool, tennis court, archery, billiard room, picnics, clay pigeon shooting and fishing, local excursions.   Price Range From £300.00 per person per night full board