Visit Sosian Lodge, Kenya

Sosian is a 24,000-acre working ranch in the centre of the vast Laikipia Plateau.

The scenery is beautiful, with views to the snow-capped peaks of Mount Kenya, the Aberdares to the south and the cedar-clad Karisia Hills to the north. The Ewaso Narok River, running through the southern section of the ranch, has lovely waterfalls.

Wildlife of Sosian

It supports a wide diversity of wildlife and birds and is home to lion, leopard, elephant and buffalo as well as a host of other large mammals. The area supports a number of rare northern species such as the endemic Jackson's hartebeest, Grévy's zebra, and reticulated giraffe. Even the endangered wild dog, thought to be extinct in Laikipia, have returned to the area in healthy numbers and are occasionally seen on Sosian. Grassy plains covering the central part of the ranch abound with herds of gazelle, oryx, hartebeest and eland. Riverine vegetation along the Ewaso Narok, and the swamp on the southern boundary of the ranch, offer excellent birding.

Restoration of Sosian Lodge

Sosian had been gently crumbling, until 2001 when it was bought with the aim of restoring the ranch back to its original state of health and sharing it with visitors. The ranch now raises a variety of livestock, including boran cattle, Maasai red sheep, and galla goats. It is leading the way in reducing human-predator conflict and livestock losses by building innovative predator-resistant bomas. Other ventures include biltong and honey production for the lodge.

Sosian works closely with the local Laikipiak Maasai and Samburu tribes by providing employment and allowing grazing during times of drought. In addition, the lodge has formed a water association with the local communities to save the river and swamp on the ranch and has started a tree nursery.