From a safari perspective, the most interesting parts of this region lie around the margins the north and east, where the rivers of the central highlands flow out into the surrounding semi-desert.
Laikipia East includes the popular reserves of Lewa, Samburu and Shaba, as well as some more remote safari options in the rangelands in between.
Laikipia North is an area where huge old cattle stations have been converted back into wildlife areas. Here we find several of the country's finest lodges, plus interesting activities such as camel, horse and balloon safaris.
Far off to the east,
Meru is a relatively remote, little visited and highly attractive game reserve.
Central areas are higher, better watered and considerably more populous, industrial in parts.
Mount Kenya and the
Aberdares tend to be of rather peripheral interest to the majority of visitors these days.