Sosian

an unusually historic and characterful outpost

Sosian is located in the Laikipia North area of northcentral Kenya.

Sosian Ranch was granted by the British colonial administration to Major Gerald Edwards just after the First World War. In those days Laikipia was several days’ travel from Nairobi, communications were virtually non-existent, and cattle ranching here was a seriously adventurous occupation. However the Major managed to make a success out of the ranch, building a grand manor house above the Ewaso Narok River in 1940, where he lived until his death in 1977.

Sosian opened to the public in 2001 and now employs over 100 local people, in hospitality, ranching, wildlife management and anti-poaching. It has been a significant success story from a conservation perspective, with wildlife returning in large numbers.

The lodge is centred on a wonderfully authentic old ranch house. In the grounds there is a swimming pool with an outside dining area to one side and a tennis court beyond.

Rooms

Guest accommodation at Sosian is in seven rooms, arranged in three units in the gardens to one side, each with a private indoor bathroom.

Activities

Sosian provides the following guided activities, not all of which are necessarily included in the room rate …

• Vehicle safari
• Horse-back safari
• Camel safari
• Walking safari
• Hiking
• Bush meals
• Rock-climbing
• River swimming
• River tubing
• Ranch tours
• Cultural interaction
• Night vehicle safari
• Bivouac camping

Laikipia North tends to feature in trips where guests are specifically trying to experience more remote areas.

The usual stay duration is 3-4 nights in one lodge, occasionally 4-8 nights in two lodges.

Seasonality

The best time of year to visit Laikipia North is generally considered to be the Jun-Oct dry season, but there are very good reasons to visit during other months.

Getting there

Laikipia North is usually accessed by light aircraft from Nairobi. 

The area is most commonly combined in trips with the Maasai Mara, far off to the southwest of the country.

a more remote and unusual safari location