Kenya is well-known for its national parks Amboseli, Lake Nakuru and the famous Masai Mara Game Reserve. On safari adventures around the country, you will experience East Africa’s wildlife as if the animals had just walked out of a picture book.
Lesser-known but equally if not more exciting for wildlife-enthusiasts are Kenya’s private conservancies. The majority of Kenya’s wildlife outside the state national parks lives here. Conservation is conducted in close collaboration with the local communities. The result is a paradise for unique wildlife sightings.
The strategy developed by Ol Pejeta, Lewa, Kalama & Co is straightforward:
1. Thanks to financial means for and focus on research and conservation, many private conservancies are successful in the fight for the survival of endangered species such as the rhino and the African Wild Dog.
2. Local communities benefit because they get involved in conservation efforts and tourism initiatives. While wild animals are often considered a threat to life and crops amongst local communities, the equation is a different one in private conservancies: more wildlife means more tourists, mean more jobs and infrastructure for the community. The animals’ standing changes, communities deem them worthy of protection.
3. Only a limited number of lodges and tented camps is allowed in the private conservancies, making it a very private and intimate safari experience, far away from the crowds.
And where will you find these paradises for unforgettable safaris?
North of the Samburu district, you will find the Kalama Wildlife Conservancy; the Ol Jogi Wildlife Conservancy is located in northern Laikipia, but even at the outskirts of the famous Masai Mara a few private conservancies have been established.
The area around Mount Kenya is especially well-known for successful initiatives: Lewa Wildife Conservancy is one of these unique conservation areas. And less than 100 kilometres from Lewa, you will find Ol Pejeta Conservancy, celebrating great success stories in rhino conservation.
- Pejeta Conservancy – home to rhinos and African Wild Dogs
- Pejeta at the foots of the Aberdare mountain range is one of the best examples for successful conservation in Kenya. Elephants continuously destroyed the former cattle farm’s fences. Instead of fighting against the wildlife, against their natural migration routes, the owners saw a unique opportunity and changed their focus from cattle to conservation.
Today, Ol Pejeta Conservancy is one of the best-known areas to see the rare black rhino. Even African Wild Dogs call this area home. They share their space with lions, leopards, elephants and buffaloes which means you can see the Big Five at Ol Pejeta. Another advantage: you can spot many different species in a comparably small space. And all of this in very private moments, far away from the crowds.
Curious?
Breathtakingly beautiful landscapes, many and rare wild animals, and humans who live at peace with nature – all of this is the Ol Pejeta Conservancy. Join us on our camping and lodge safaris and we’ll stop by. Let’s go!
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