At a Glance
- andBeyond debuts Suyian Lodge in Kenya’s Laikipia Plateau.
- Features rare black leopard sightings and Samburu-guided cultural experiences.
- Offers night drives, camel treks, and immersive conservation tourism.
Luxury travel brand andBeyond has opened its latest high-end property—Suyian Lodge—in Kenya’s remote Laikipia region, known for its rugged terrain, rich biodiversity, and sightings of the elusive black leopard.
The ultra-rare melanistic leopards, often called “black panthers,” are among the many species in this 44,000-acre private conservancy set on the eastern edge of the Great Rift Valley.
The lodge officially opened July 1, marking andBeyond’s first foray beyond Kenya’s popular Maasai Mara.
It joins the company’s global portfolio of nearly 30 safari lodges, camps, and yachts across Africa, Asia, and South America.
Design rooted in culture and conservation
andBeyond Suyian Lodge is designed by acclaimed architecture firm Michaelis Boyd to blend with Laikipia’s dramatic landscape of granite kopjes, acacia woodlands, and rivers.
Interiors pay homage to Samburu craftsmanship, with custom furniture and décor by Kenyan artisans reflecting the region’s earthy tones and wildlife, including the African wild dog and reticulated giraffe.
“Laikipia hosts more endangered species than any other part of Kenya outside the Mara,” said andBeyond Executive Chairman Joss Kent.
The area is home to over 55 mammal species and 260 bird varieties—including Grévy’s zebra, black rhino, and aardwolf—making it one of Africa’s most critical conservation zones.
A cultural safari beyond the ordinary
Suyian Lodge offers exclusive safari experiences not available in national parks—such as night game drives, off-road excursions, and camel treks.
Guests can also engage in botany walks, horseback safaris, and explore prehistoric cave paintings.
More than 70 percent of the lodge staff hail from surrounding Samburu and Pokot communities. “Local culture is woven into every element of the guest experience,” said Greg Davies-Coleman, andBeyond’s regional manager for Kenya.
From community visits to storytelling by the fire, guests engage directly with the custodians of the land.
The property is also deeply involved in wildlife research, offering visitors opportunities to participate in conservation efforts during their stay.
