&Beyond Expands Lodge and Impact Footprint in Kenya’s Laikipia Region

The multi-decade long-term lease and partnership gives &Beyond exclusive access to over 44 000 acres of prime wilderness land on Suyian Conservancy in north-western Laikipia. As the sole luxury lodge and tented camp operator on the conservancy, the lease enables &Beyond to use its extensive lodge operating experience to build and develop, over time, the finest lodge, tented camp, sky beds and mobile camping experience in Kenya on this pristine and private wildlife conservancy.

&Beyond Suyian Lodge

Set to open in July 2025, Suyian Lodge offers an exclusive retreat within 17,806 hectares of exclusive wilderness. The property’s 14 elegant Suites, including a dedicated Family Suite, echo the grandeur of the landscape. Inspired by the ancient rock formations that define the region, the lodge seamlessly blends into its natural surroundings, embracing a unique sense of place.

Drawing inspiration from the surrounding granite kopjes and the ever-resilient plant life that grows in between, the lodge’s location and curved appearance, with plant growth atop, mirrors the opposite undulating ridge blending naturally into the environment. Set to capture the spirit of the area’s nature and culture, the lodge interior reflects the Afro Wabi-Sabi sentiment of taking pleasure in the transient nature of earthly things. Subtle

cultural touches inspired by the local semi-nomadic Samburu tribe infuse with modest luxury while mottled undertones pay homage to the region’s most cherished wildlife.

Guests can savor Laikipia’s finest local produce across multiple dining venues, from intimate chef’s table experiences to starlit dinners on your private deck. Meals feature homegrown produce from the local shamba (kitchen herb garden) or locally sourced ingredients with a key focus on sustainable and seasonal produce.

The sunken firepit offers sweeping views of the plains – perfect for sundowners and sunrise moments, while the courtyard features traditional Samburu-inspired grills for authentic outdoor dining. The circular Samburu Bar serves as the lodge’s social hub, offering signature cocktails in both indoor and outdoor settings. For quieter moments, guests can retreat to the library – which doubles as an interpretive center – or explore the interactive map room. The sitting room’s built-in fireplace provides a cozy space for sharing stories with guides and fellow guests.

The compact state-of-the-art gym is situated close to the main guest area and features both cardio and strength training fitness equipment. Connected to the gym is a spacious outdoor shaded yoga studio offering twice daily yoga sessions for groups or individuals.

Located on the edge of the escarpment, tucked away from the guest suites and nestled between the rocky outcrops, sits the lodge’s wellness centre. There are two treatment rooms boasting striking views of the conservancy, each with a private shower, changing area and veranda, plus an additional steam room with a cold plunge pool.

An array of unique adventures empowers guests to craft their ideal day amidst the iconic landscapes of this conservation haven. Activities vary from day and night game drives, walking safaris, camel and horseback safaris, active ranching tours, catch-and-release fishing trips, visits to the community village, outdoor yoga, scenic helicopter flights, wellness treatments, and picnics by the river.

Wildlife and Conservation

Forming part of a vital wildlife movement corridor and home to a huge diversity of wildlife, including a significant number of endangered species, Suyian boasts a variety of compelling landscapes that include grassland, savanna, rocky outcrops or kopjes, dense vechellia woodland and more than 16 km (10 miles) of river frontage alongside the Ewaso Narok River. A thriving wildlife population includes rarities such as the melanistic, or black, leopard and African wild dog, as well as northern Kenyan species like Grevy’s zebra, reticulated giraffe, gerenuk, desert warthog and more. Elephant and buffalo are present in healthy numbers, as are lion, leopard and cheetah, in addition to both striped and spotted hyena. General game includes dik dik, giraffe, Laikipia hartebeest, Beisa oryx and lesser kudu.

With its remarkable wildlife and varying landscapes, Suyian is the ideal destination not only for an exclusive safari experience but also less commonly found activities such as walking safaris, camel safaris and horse-riding safaris on a neighbouring conservancy. The diversity of flora lends itself to engaging botany walks and the rich cultural history includes evidence of cave paintings and artefacts from as far back as the Stone Age. Guests will also be able to interact with local pastoral tribes such as the Samburu and Pokot, as well as participate in conservation and research activities.

Easily accessed by air or road from Nairobi, Suyian is also a gateway to more remote adventures, such as helicopter safaris and visits to the Northern Frontier region of Kenya, including Samburu, the Matthews Range and the Endoto Range, Lake Turkana and the fabled Suguta Valley. The conservancy not only offers magnificent views of Mount Kenya but can also be used as a base for scenic flights or even fishing trips to this majestic and beautiful mountain.

The &Beyond ethos of Care of the Land, Wildlife and People is directly aligned with the existing aims of Suyian Conservancy, which include land stewardship, wildlife protection and security, as well as community support for schools, health programmes and education. Being contiguous with other nature conservancies such as Loisaba and Sosian provides the opportunity to work on shared conservation projects, as well as the possibility of creating a larger ‘super conservancy’ at some time in the future. Suyian also shares borders with the research conservancy of Mpala, which is run by Princeton University and offers the option for &Beyond guests to learn about and become involved in a multitude of conservation topics.