Wildlife Conservancies in Kenya | Conservancies in Kenya

A Guide to Sustainable Safari Adventures

Kenya is renowned for its abundant wildlife and breathtaking landscapes, and its wildlife conservancies play a pivotal role in protecting this natural heritage. These conservancies offer a unique safari experience, allowing visitors to explore Kenya’s wildlife in more private, eco-friendly settings while supporting conservation and local communities. Here’s a guide to some of the top wildlife conservancies in Kenya, perfect for a sustainable safari adventure.

Ol Pejeta Conservancy

Location: Laikipia County, near Nanyuki
Size: 90,000 acres

Highlights:

Big Five: Ol Pejeta is home to all of the Big Five (elephants, lions, leopards, buffaloes, and rhinos).
Rhino Sanctuary: The conservancy houses the largest black rhino sanctuary in East Africa and is home to the last two remaining northern white rhinos.
Chimpanzee Sanctuary: It is the only place in Kenya where you can see chimpanzees, rescued from illegal trade and now rehabilitated in a sanctuary.
Conservation Model: Ol Pejeta supports local communities and conservation through eco-tourism, providing a sustainable balance between wildlife protection and human livelihood.Read More »

Lumo Community Wildlife Conservancy

Location: Near Tsavo West National Park
Size: 48,000 acres

Highlights:

Elephants and Big Cats: Lumo is part of the larger Tsavo ecosystem, known for its large elephant populations and predators such as lions and leopards.
Community Ownership: Managed by local communities, Lumo focuses on eco-tourism as a way to promote wildlife conservation and provide economic benefits to residents.
Spectacular Scenery: Visitors can enjoy sweeping views of the savannah and rolling hills, especially from the Rukinga Hills within the conservancy.Read More »

Ol Kinyei Conservancy

Location: Adjacent to the Maasai Mara National Reserve
Size: 18,700 acres

Highlights:

Exclusive Wilderness: Ol Kinyei is home to a pristine and untouched wilderness, offering visitors a private and secluded safari experience.
Big Five and Cheetahs: The conservancy is known for its healthy populations of elephants, lions, and cheetahs.
Maasai Community Partnership: The land is owned by the Maasai, and their involvement ensures sustainable conservation and community benefits.Read More »

Mara North Conservancy

Location: Adjacent to the Maasai Mara National Reserve
Size: 74,000 acres

Highlights:

Great Migration: Shares borders with the Maasai Mara, so visitors can witness the famous Wildebeest Migration.
Low-Density Tourism: Mara North offers exclusive and private game viewing experiences, with limited lodges ensuring fewer crowds.
Big Cats: Known for its high population of lions, cheetahs, and leopards.
Community Engagement: Managed by a partnership between local Maasai landowners and tourism operators, ensuring that revenue from tourism benefits the community directly.Read More »

Taita Hills Wildlife Sanctuary

Location: Near Tsavo West National Park
Size: 28,000 acres

Highlights:

Elephants and Lions: The sanctuary is home to large populations of elephants, lions, and other wildlife.
Lodges: The sanctuary offers some of the most unique accommodations, such as Salt Lick Lodge, which is raised on stilts to allow for incredible views of animals gathering at the nearby watering holes.
Scenic Beauty: The sanctuary offers a diverse landscape of rolling hills, grasslands, and acacia woodlands.Read More »

Naboisho Conservancy

Location: Adjacent to the Maasai Mara National Reserve
Size: 50,000 acres

Highlights:

Big Cat Territory: Naboisho is renowned for its large populations of lions, cheetahs, and leopards, offering excellent opportunities for wildlife enthusiasts.
Cultural Interaction: The conservancy is co-managed with local Maasai landowners, providing insights into Maasai culture.
Conservation Success: It has been praised for reducing human-wildlife conflict through sustainable tourism and community development.
Low-Impact Tourism: Naboisho follows strict policies to minimize environmental impact, with limited lodges and camps.Read More »

Selenkay Conservancy

Location: Near Amboseli National Park
Size: 15,000 acres

Highlights:

Elephant Migration Corridor: Selenkay lies on an important elephant migration route between Amboseli and other parts of Kenya.
Cultural Tourism: Guests can engage in cultural experiences with the local Maasai communities.
Exclusive Game Viewing: The conservancy offers private safaris with a focus on minimizing tourist impact and protecting the ecosystem.
Eco-Lodges: Accommodations in Selenkay are eco-friendly and built to blend into the natural environment.Read More »

Borana Conservancy

Location: Laikipia Plateau
Size: 32,000 acres

Highlights:

Rhino Conservation: Borana is a key player in rhino conservation, having successfully reintroduced black rhinos to the area.
Diverse Wildlife: Home to elephants, lions, buffaloes, giraffes, and more.
Conservation Efforts: Borana is dedicated to protecting endangered species and promoting habitat restoration through eco-friendly tourism.
Luxury Safari Lodges: The conservancy is known for its luxurious accommodations, providing exclusive experiences for guests.Read More »

Lewa Wildlife Conservancy

Location: Northern Kenya, at the foothills of Mount Kenya
Size: 62,000 acres

Highlights:

UNESCO World Heritage Site: Lewa is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a globally recognized model for community conservation.
Rhino Conservation: The conservancy is known for its successful efforts in protecting black and white rhinos.
Diverse Wildlife: Home to Grevy’s zebras, elephants, lions, and many more species.
Cultural Integration: Lewa works closely with neighboring communities, promoting conservation, education, and sustainable development.Read More »

Why Choose a Wildlife Conservancy in Kenya?

Kenya’s wildlife conservancies offer a more exclusive and sustainable way to experience the country’s world-famous wildlife. By visiting a conservancy, you’ll enjoy:

Private and Exclusive Safaris: Avoid crowded national parks with more personalized game drives and wildlife experiences.
Sustainable Tourism: Conservancies focus on low-impact tourism to protect ecosystems and minimize environmental impact.
Support for Local Communities: Your visit directly contributes to local Maasai and other communities, providing livelihoods and improving education, healthcare, and infrastructure.
Conservation Impact: Conservancies are at the forefront of protecting endangered species, such as rhinos and cheetahs, and play a vital role in maintaining Kenya’s biodiversity.

Discover Kenya’s wildlife conservancies for an eco-friendly and unforgettable safari adventure. Whether you’re interested in rhino conservation, bird watching, or big cat sightings, these conservancies offer something for every nature lover while promoting sustainability and community engagement.

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