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Ol Pejeta Conservancy is a 90,000
acre wildlife reserve situated between the foothills
of the Aberdares and Mt Kenya. ol Pejeta Conservancy
boasts an astounding variety of animals including chimpanzees
and the big five (the endangered black rhino, leopard,
elephant, buffalo
and lion).
In 1988, the Sweetwaters Game Reserve
(24,000 acres) was opened as a sanctuary for the endangered
black rhino. The existing sweetwaters Game Reserve now
encompasses the entire ranching area to create the “ol
Pejeta Conservancy”, approximately 90,000 acres
in extent. This is the largest black rhino sanctuary
in East Africa and it generates profit from wildlife
tourism for reinvestment into wildlife conservation
and community development in the local area. The combination
of amazing wildlife and stunning views across the open
plains of ol Pejeta guarantees an unforgettable safari
experience.
Laikipia
The laikipia plateau in central Kenya consists of vast
open ranches, shadowed by snow-capped Mt Kenya, home
to ethnically diverse communities including the Mukogodo,
Maasai and samburu.
Fed by the Ewaso Nyiro and Ewaso Narok rivers, laikipia’s
abundant plains offer exceptional diversity, with traditional
resources still very much the mainstay of the community:
from wheat and livestock ranching to wildlife conservation
and now tourism.
Laikipia offers something for everyone as a tourist
destination, from wildlife conservation, sporting activity,
interacting with local communities, to romantic retreats.
Lewa Downs located between Mt. Kenya
and samburu National Reserve, the privately owned, scenic
45,000 acre lewa Wildlife Conservancy has a variety
of wildlife, adapted to the semi-arid environment, including
a large black and white rhino population (lewa is a
rhino sanctuary), elephant, lion, leopard, cheetah,
reticulated giraffe, Grevy’s zebra, buffalo, hartebeest,
bushbuck, gerenuk, Gunther’s dikdik and somali
ostrich. lewa is one of the few places in Kenya where
the rare, semi-aquatic sitatunga antelope and African
wild dog are sometimes seen.
For the sporty traveller the annual lewa Downs marathon
is one of the most spectacular and, at an altitude of
around 3000 metres, amongst the most gruelling challenges
for runners from all over the world. Horseback riding,
hiking, camel riding, day and night game drives in open
four wheel drive vehicles and a cultural visit to the
nearby Il N’gwesi community are offered. The lewa
Wildlife Conservancy is a unique example that wildlife
conservation and community development works. It is
a not-for-profit organisation.
Namunyak is a vast samburu community
wilderness area, administered by the Namunyak Wildlife
Conservation Trust in close conjunction with the lewa
Wildlife Conservancy. The conservation area is an un-spoilt
wilderness with few roads. Walking excursions in the
area are a popular activity, with local samburu game
scouts as guides. However, game drives are also available,
for people to enjoy the adventure going in search of
the lions, elephants and crocodiles in the river.
Meru National Park
This lesser known and visited reserve was where George
and Joy Adamson released several hand-reared animals,
including the son of the famous lioness Elsa (immortalised
in the book Born Free) and their cheetah Pippa. The
key attractions at the park are the former home of Joy
and George Adamson and Elsa the lioness, scenic views
of Mt. Kenya, the Tana River and Adamson Falls. There
are several prominent inselbergs of basement rock, notably
Mughwango and leopard rock.
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