In several areas groups of rural communities have given over their tribal lands as private wildlife reserves working with safari companies to build small exclusive lodges for which they provide staff and derive and income. Laikipia, covering 950,000 hectares is a spectacular success story where thousands of endangered animals such as rhinoceros roam free.
In many respects Kenya is leading the way in wildlife conservation. The growing population and the existence of large commercial ranches and areas of tribal land close to national parks has presented a challenge and an opportunity. Your willingness to pay to see wild animals in their natural habitat is the key that unlocks the door to take these opportunities. Laikipia in northern Kenya is a prime example where hundreds of thousands of acres of tribal and commercial land is now a gigantic private wildlife reserve with a growing number of safari lodges.
The Lewa Private Reserve started in 1984 with 12 black rhinoceros. Now there are 72 and 20 others have been moved to populate other private reserves. On these beautiful hills, river valleys and plains tens of thousands of animals roam free and can be appreciated by visitors to Sirikoi and other superb lodges. Thousands of people in neighbouring Samburu communities benefit through working together with Lewa especially in the education of the children through new schools. If you would like to find out more about wildlife conservation in Kenya call us now.