Lumo Community Wildlife Conservancy is a hidden gem located in the Taita-Taveta region of Kenya, near the more well-known Tsavo West National Park. This conservancy is a community-driven initiative focused on wildlife conservation and sustainable tourism, making it a prime destination for travelers seeking an authentic, off-the-beaten-path safari experience.
About Lumo Community Wildlife Conservancy
The Lumo Conservancy covers about 48,000 acres of land and is part of the larger Tsavo ecosystem, which is home to a wide range of wildlife, including elephants, lions, leopards, buffaloes, giraffes, zebras, and various antelope species. The conservancy is managed by three local communities—Lualenyi, Mramba, and Oza—whose primary goal is to conserve the area’s biodiversity while benefiting from eco-tourism.
By visiting Lumo, tourists directly contribute to the economic well-being of the local community and support ongoing conservation efforts.
Wildlife and Scenery
Lumo Conservancy offers diverse landscapes, from open grasslands and acacia woodlands to scenic hills and waterholes that attract large herds of wildlife. The area is known for its healthy populations of African elephants, which are often spotted during game drives. Predators such as lions, cheetahs, and leopards are also common, making Lumo a great location for wildlife photography.
The Rukinga Hills, located within the conservancy, provide stunning panoramic views of the surrounding savannah and Tsavo plains, offering breathtaking sunsets.
Activities in Lumo Conservancy
Game Drives: The conservancy offers morning, afternoon, and even night game drives, allowing visitors to experience the diverse wildlife at different times of the day.
Guided Nature Walks: Walk with experienced guides through the conservancy to learn about the flora, fauna, and traditional uses of plants by local communities.
Bird Watching: With over 400 species of birds recorded in the area, Lumo is a birdwatcher’s paradise. Look out for raptors, weavers, kingfishers, and more.
Cultural Visits: Gain insight into the local Taita culture by visiting nearby villages, where you can meet community members, learn about their way of life, and experience traditional dances.
Hiking and Bush Walks: For the more adventurous, Lumo offers opportunities to hike up the Rukinga Hills, where you can enjoy spectacular views of the landscape and possibly spot wildlife along the way.
Night Safaris: Experience the African bush at night with guided night drives that offer the chance to spot nocturnal wildlife, such as hyenas, leopards, and bush babies.
Sustainability and Community Impact
Lumo Conservancy is a model of community-led conservation. The revenue generated from tourism activities is reinvested into local projects, such as education, healthcare, and infrastructure development, thereby improving the quality of life for local residents. In addition, the conservancy helps mitigate human-wildlife conflict by providing a buffer zone between wildlife and farming communities.
By visiting Lumo, you are supporting sustainable tourism practices that protect wildlife habitats while directly benefiting the surrounding communities.
Accommodation Options
Visitors to Lumo Conservancy can stay at Lion’s Bluff Lodge, a luxurious eco-lodge perched on a cliff with panoramic views of the plains. The lodge offers comfortable accommodations, exceptional dining, and an intimate safari experience, with game drives included as part of your stay. The lodge is designed with sustainability in mind, blending with the natural environment and using eco-friendly practices.
How to Get There
Book a safari with Nova Afrika Kenya Safaris, Lumo Community Wildlife Conservancy is easily accessible from Mombasa, taking about 2-3 hours by road. It is also a convenient stop for travelers coming from Nairobi or other nearby parks, such as Tsavo East and Tsavo West National Parks.
Lumo Community Wildlife Conservancy offers a unique safari experience that combines wildlife conservation, cultural immersion, and eco-friendly tourism. For travelers looking to explore a lesser-known yet rewarding destination in Kenya, Lumo is an excellent choice.