Did you know the best conservancies in Kenya conserve the rarest natural resources? In this Naicef ultimate guide, we will give the list of conservancies in Kenya. Moreover, we will touch on private conservancies in Kenya that are also wildlife conservancies in Kenya.
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Naicef is the best safari company for engaging with the best conservancies in Kenya. Enjoy the best guide to conservancies in Kenya.
What is a conservancy?
A conservancy is an area set apart to conserve and protect wildlife and the environment.
What is the difference between a conservancy and a sanctuary?
A conservancy is an area set apart to conserve and protect wildlife and the environment. A sanctuary is a haven for wild animals where they are cared for.
In Kenya, there are over 100 conservancies. Naicef is giving the list of all wildlife best conservancies in Kenya.
In the list below, we have segmented all the conservancies based on their significance, location, and the wildlife they conserve.
List of All Wildlife Best Conservancies in Kenya
1. Ol Pejeta Conservancy
In the list of conservancies in Kenya, this conservancy is well known for its conservation efforts and educative programs. It is located in Nanyuki, Kenya.
Ol Pejeta Conservancy in Kenya cares for the black and white rhinos and chimpanzees. Chimpanzees are cared for at the SweetWaters Camp. This is the only place in Kenya where you will see chimpanzees.
Additionally, the conservancy is a research and innovation hub for interested researchers who come to perform research on the conservancy.
Moreover, there are awards to prove the conservancy’s work and dedication to conservation.
Read more on Ol Pejeta Conservancy in Kenya
2. Lewa Wildlife Conservancy
Lewa Wildlife Conservancy is the sister to the top national park in Kenya, Mount Kenya National Park. It is located in Meru County, north of Mount Kenya.
The Conservancy has made significant strides in protecting the Grevy’s Zebra, Sitatungas and the black rhino.
The Conservancy was established for the survival of rhinos in Kenya. This reflected a dedicated response to safeguard these magnificent creatures for future generations. This was due to excessive poaching for their horns.
Since 1955, it has successfully housed a large part of the black rhino population in Kenya.
3. Taita Hills Conservancy
This conservancy is a collaboration of seven ranches which make up 100,000 ha to improve conservation. The conservancy is located in Taita-Taveta County. The seven ranches include
- Amaka
- Bachuma
- Kambanga
- Taita
- Wanagalla
- Rukinga
- Dawida
This conservancy forms a wildlife corridor, allowing the animals to roam freely between the two parks that surround the conservancy.
They are Tsavo East National Park and Tsavo West National Parks.
4. Borana Conservancy
This 32,000-acre conservancy is home to the Black and White Rhino and other species. This conservancy is located in Laikipia County.
In 2013, 21 Black Rhinos were introduced in the conservancy. Lewa Conservancy was integrated with Borana Conservancy to create one landscape.
Together, they form a thriving conservancy of over 200 black and white rhinos. This makes it one of East Africa’s largest continuous rhino habitats.
Below is a more comprehensive to Borana conservancy with the help of Naicef.
Best 24 Conservancies in The Masai Mara EcosystemÂ
Masai Mara National Reserve has conservancies where the community and wildlife coexist sustainably for the prosperity of all. They are managed by the Masai Mara Wildlife Conservancies.
Here is a list of conservancies in Kenya found in Masai Mara National Reserve;
1. Mara North Conservancy
It is located northwest of the famous Masai Mara National Reserve and covers an area of around 72,080 acres. it is among the best conservancies in the Mara region, that offers world-class game views.
2. Olare Motorogi Conservancy
It is home to over 50 different wild species and is strategically located, as a key migratory corridor of different large mammals. It covers an area of 33,386 acres just adjacent to the Masai Mara National Reserve.
3. Mara Naboisho Conservancy
Covering an area of more than 52000 acres, the conservancy is among the best and famous spots to encounter high numbers of Lions. It is also home to a wide variety of wild species such as elephants, nocturnal species, and different bird species among others.
4. Ol Kinyei Conservancy
This pristine protected area is usually one of the best spots for bush walks offering diverse wild animals such as the Elephant, Lion, leopard, and Giraffe. It covers an area of 18,641 acres and is a rewarding conservancy in the Mara region.
5. Lemek Conservancy
It is among the first established conservancies in East Africa in 1991 and the only Mara conservancy protecting two Southern White Rhinos under 24-hour surveillance.
It covers an area of about 17,350 acres and offers scenic highlights of different wildlife especially the Big Cats (Lion, Leopard, and Cheetah), and several Antelope species among others.
6. Mara Triangle Conservancy
It is located between the Maasai Mara-Serengeti ecosystem with scenic views over the rolling hills and thrilling landscapes. It harbours majorly the Big Cats especially high numbers of Lions and Cheetahs.
7. Enonkishu Conservancy
It is located in the northernmost end of the Mara Ecosystem offering scenic views of game views. Some of the animals that are best spotted in the conservancy are especially lions, giraffes, Buffalo, hippos and Crocodiles found in the Mara River.
8. Mara Siana Conservancy
It is located on the eastern border of Maasai Mara Reserve and offers a significant ecosystem for various wildlife.
9. Olarro Conservancy
It is located in the southern Mara region and is a private conservancy offering amazing game views such as Lion, Elephants, and Buffaloes.
10. Olderski Wildlife Conservancy
The conservancy plays a significant in protecting wildlife and is located just adjacent to Masai Mara National Reserve.
11. Ol Choro Oiroua Conservancy
It is located on the east side of Mara River and aims to support the Maasai community.
12. Nashulai Maasai Conservancy
It is a community-based conservancy located in the northern part of the Mara region and is among the ideal conservancies to experience the Maasai culture.
13. Pardamat Conservation Area
It is located in the eastern region of the Mara region and is among the migratory corridors for different wildlife such as the Elephant.
14. Mbokishi Mara Conservation Area
It is known for its rich and epic game views and is located in the southern part of the Mara region.
15.Olerai Conservancy
It is a community-owned conservancy located in the heart of Mara and an ideal place to see various wildlife such as the Elephant, Lion, and Leopard.
16. Mara Ripoi Conservancy
It covers an area of 24,500 acres and is endowed for its thrilling landscapes and game encounters such as the Big Five members.
17.Oloisukut Conservancy
It is located in the northern parts of Mara along the Sirai escarpment giving breathtaking game views.
18. Mount Suswa Conservancy
The conservancy is known to also entail Mount Suswa, an ideal place for hiking apart from supporting different wildlife. It is located west of Maasai Mara National Reserve, along the Maai Mahiu-Narok Highway. It is considered as a gateway conservancy to Mara region.
Read more about Mount Suswa Conservancy here.
19. Enarau Conservancy
It is a community-based conservancy located in the southeastern region of the Mara ecosystem. It offers once-in-a-lifetime game views and authentic Maasai culture as it is run by the local people.
20. Nyekweri Kimintet conservancy
It offers vibrant game views of animals such as the Big Five members, Wildebeests among others. It is located east of the famous Maasai Mara National Reserve and harbours diverse ecosystems.
21. Isaaten Conservancy
It is a protected area located in the northern region of the Mara ecosystem and it focuses on wildlife preservation.
22. Orpua Conservancy
It is located in the heart of the Mara region and offers stunning landscapes and epic game views of different wildlife.
23. Maasai Moran Conservancy
Just from the name, the conservancy is managed by the local Maasai people and is located in the western part of the Mara region.
24. Nyekweri Oloirien Conservancy
Located adjacent to Maasai Mara National Reserve, the conservancy is known for its diverse game views and scenic landscapes such as the acacia woodlands.
Best Conservancies in Kenya in the Great Rift Valley Region
Below is a continuation of conservancies, but at the Great Rift Valley region.
1. Hippo-Point Naivasha Conservancy
This is one of the private conservancies in Kenya between Lake Naivasha and Lake Oloidien. It is one of the conservancies in Kenya that is very relaxing to go for a getaway.
There are over 350 bird species. and animals over 1,200.
2. Soysambu Conservancy
This conservancy borders Lake Elementaita World Heritage Site. Here, you can mostly enjoy horse riding tours. This conservancy upholds sustainable conservation and enjoyment as a national treasure in Kenya.
3. Kigio Wildlife Conservancy
This conservancy is managed by the local community. The conservancy once started as a cattle ranch and was later turned into a conservancy by the local community.
The funding for its establishment came from Tusk Trust, Born Free Foundation and Lewa Wildlife Conservancy.
4. Mount Kenya Wildlife Conservancy
The conservancy was established to prevent the extinction of the unique wildlife of Mount Kenya. For 20 years, this conservancy has served as a beacon of conservation, preserving and protecting nature’s beauty and wildlife for present and future generations.
Through its rewilding program, the conservancy has restored the Mountain Bongo. Thus, increasing The Bongo population in Mount Kenya.
5. Loisaba Conservancy
Sitting on a 58,000-acre piece of land, this is one of the conservancies in Kenya with an interesting piece of land.
At Loisaba, get ready to revive your mind, rejuvenate your body and refresh your soul.
6. Solio Conservancy/ Ranch
This is a private conservancy in Kenya. It is also the world’s first private Rhino sanctuary. Moreover, it is one of the most successful private rhino breeding reserves in Kenya.
It sits on a 17,500-acre reserve, north of Nyeri Town.
7. Laikipia Conservancy
It is located on the edge of the Great Rift Valley. It is one of the largest private reserves in Kenya.
The conservancy is an important water catchment area for Lake Bogoria and Lake Baringo.
Other List of Conservancies in Kenya
1. Swara Plains Conservancy
It is situated in the southern part of Kenya and is home to various wild species and open plains with riverine forests among others.It is strategically positioned near Amboseli and Tsavo National Parks.
2. Kipini Conservancy
the conservancy is situated along Kenya’s coastal line and it is so special that it is a home to both land and marine life. It offers activities such as birdwatching and snorkelling in its pristine beaches and mangrove environments.
3. Ol Lentille Conservancy
It is a community-based conservancy located in the Laikipia region and covers over 15000 acres. Its comparison ranges from epic rugged terrains to scenic game views of wild animals such as Buffaloes, Antelopes, and Zebras.
4. Athi Kapiti Conservancy
The conservancy is located near Nairobi, the Green City and is home to a variety of wild species such as the Lion, Giraffe, Elephant and numerous bird species.
5. Rimpa Estate Wildlife Conservancy
The conservancy is located near Naivasha and offers eco-friendly experiences such as epic game views and guided nature walks.
6. Shompole Conservancy
The Conservancy is renowned for its thrilling landscapes and amazing game views. Some of the animals one may spot in the conservancy are such as Giraffes, Antelopes, Gerenuk, Oryx, and Elephant among others. It is located between Lake Magadi to the north and Lake Natron to the south.
7. Sidai Oleng Conservancy
The conservancy is located near Maasai Mara National Reserve and offers community-guided tours and wildlife game views.
8. Olkirimatian Conservancy
The conservancy is a perfect place to spot and watch different kinds of bird species and also do game drives. It is nestled in the Maasai Mara ecosystem and supports conservation efforts.
9. Selenkay Conservancy
It is located near one of Kenya’s premium parks, Amboseli National Park a home to the free-ranging mighty Elephants. The Conservancy also harbours different wild species and eco-friendly accommodations.
10. Chebulu Conservancy
This conservancy is located in the Laikipia region and offers opportunities for different game views and cultural experiences.
11. Il Ngwesi Conservancy
The Conservancy was among the first established community-based conservation areas. This was influenced by the successful story of Lewa Conservancy and hence it was established. It is situated in Laikipia County and neighbors other epic conservancies such as Lewa and Borana.
12. Kanyanyoo Conservancy
It focuses on the protection of different wild species and acts as a migratory corridor for many wild animals such as Elephants, Buffalos among others.
13. Naibunga Conservancy
The conservancy is home to various wildlife such as Elephants, Lions, and numerous Antelope species among others. It is located in the Laikipia region and is community run.
14. Lekurruki Conservancy
The conservancy is community-based and is located in northern parts of Kenya, bordering Laikipia. It harbours a variety of wild species such as the endangered Wild Dog and highlights the cultural heritage of the Maasai people.
15. Ol jogi Conservancy
This private conservancy covers an area of more than 58000 acres and is located in the northern parts of Laikipia County. Some of its protected wildlife species include Grevy Zebra, Buffalo, and endangered Rhino among others.
16. Galana Conservancy
It is located near Tsavo East National Park in Taita Taveta County and is home to diverse wild species such as different types of birds, and large mammals.
17. Ragati Conservancy
The conservancy is renowned for its stunning lush landscape, hiking trails and epic game views. It is located in the Nyandarua region and contributes to conservation efforts.
18. Ol ari Nyiro Conservancy
It offers exquisite safari experiences such as game drives and horseback riding through the amazing landscapes. It is home to a variety of wild species such as Antelopes, Zebras, and Giraffes.
19. Irong Conservancy
This conservancy is located in Baringo County. It is northeast of Lake Bogoria National Reserve. This conservancy was established to conserve the Greater Kudu and provide a favorable environment for their growth.
It is also an archaeological site. There are scenic views of Lake Bogoria and Kormoson Hill
20. The Chuine Conservancy
Chuince conservancy is in Sandai, Baringo County. A community of 30,000 people surrounded by the Kurruche and Baboon cliffs in the conservancy ensures that their ancestral land is preserved.
Moreover, there are minerals like rich minerals in the conservancy.
21. Ruko Conservancy
It is located in Baringo County and was started in 2008. The Njemps and Pokot communities formed the conservancy. The conservancy was birthed from the idea of conserving for peace.
In addition to that, it is home to the Rothschild Giraffe
22. Kaptuya conservancy
It is located in Baringo County and was formed in 2003. The forming of this conservancy was a result of high levels of poaching, habitat degradation and cattle rustling.
23. Kabarion Conservancy
It is located in Baringo County. This conservancy in Kenya is rich in minerals like Red Rubies, garnets and Flouspar.
24. Kimn’gochoch Conservancy
This conservancy is located in Baringo County. The conservancy features indigenous species of red cider and white colobus monkey. Moreover, there is a Royal Camping site named after Queen Elizabeth.
25. Morop Tarambas Conservancy
It is located in Baringo County. The Morop hill is used as a religious shrine. There are threatened species including endangered sandalwood and red cedar.
There is an artificial dam for supplying water to Kabarnet Town and for fishing.
26. Ishaqbini Hirola Conservancy
It’s located in Garissa County Conservancy and was established in 2007. It is managed by the local Abdulla tribe of Somali ethnicity.
They are pastoralists residing in semi-arid areas.
27. Leparua Conservancy
It is located in Isiolo County in the Burat region. It was established to conserve land, peacebuilding and wildlife conservation.
28. Biliqo Bulesa Community
This conservancy was established in 2007 and was the first conservancy to be established in Isiolo County. It was formed by two communities, Biliqo and Bulesa.
It was formed so that other communities in Boranaland could initiate conservation.
29. Oldonyiro Conservancy
It is located in Isiolo County and was formed in 2007. It is contiguous with Ol Lentille Conservancy, bordering Samburu and Laikipia counties.
There have been spells of insecurity, poaching and atrophying rangelands. It has helped foster conservation and develop tourism.
30. Nasuulu Conservancy
It is located in Isiolo County. Nasuulu Conservancy is one of the conservancies in Kenya where conservation and tradition thrive together.
31. Nakuprat Conservancy
This conservancy in Kenya is located in Isiolo County in Kenya. The conservancy works to protect the endangered Beisa Oryx.
This conservancy has also partnered with IUCN to protect biodiversity. Moreover, they have partnered with Northern Rangelands Trust to improve community awareness and economic opportunities.
List of conservancies in Kenya- Marsabit County
- Jaldessa Community Conservancy
- Shurr Conservancy Conservancy
- Songa Conservancy
- Melako Conservancy
Conservancies in Kenya- Mandera County
- Dandu Hills Conservancy
- Chachabole Conservancy
- Rhamu Conservancy
Conservancies in Kenya- Samburu County
1. Kalama Conservancy
This conservancy was established in 2002 and is a member of the Northern Rangelands Trust (NRT).
This conservancy is a wildlife corridor enabling the free movement of large herds of elephants and other wildlife migrating between Samburu and Marsabit.
2. Namunyak Conservancy
It is a community owned conservancy established in 1995 to support wildlife and the local livelihoods. It is located at the foothills of Mathews Ranges and is famously renowned to be the first ever community run conservancy to have a sanctuary for Elephants in Africa.
Do you know about the hidden gem Reteti Elephant Sanctuary? For a comprehensive guide, read more on the Namunyak Wildlife Conservation Trust and its epic entailments.
3. Meibai Conservancy
This conservancy is comprised of Ngaroni, Lpus and Barsalinga ranches. The conservancy involves land-use planning and new grazing methods.
4. Sera Conservancy
The conservancy started in 2001. The Conservancy was born from the need to foster peace and collaboration in an area marked by ethnic rivalry.
The Sera Rhino Sanctuary, at the core of the conservancy, aimed to reintroduce endangered black rhinos to Northern Kenya.
5. Ndera Conservancy
This conservancy is a community conservancy located in Tana River County, Kenya. It was established in 2010 to conserve wildlife, and forests and improve access to water, health and education.
It is home to the Red Colobus and Tana River Mangabey, which are endangered primate species in the world.
6. Bura East Conservancy
It was started in 2016 by the community of Ijara. The major focus is a strive for diminution and resolution of human-wildlife conflict, livestock management, water security, general peace and wildlife safeguard.
7. The Kaimosi Mission Wildlife Conservancy
It is a conservancy in Vihiga County, Kenya, and was started in 2011 by the Kaimosi Friends Mission.
8. Subuli Wildlife Conservancy
It was started in 2018. Moreover, it was founded to mitigate and minimize the occurrences of human-wildlife conflict by providing critical conservation programs.
9. Westgate Conservancy
This conservancy was established in August 2004. This is one of the most successful Northern Rangelands Trust (NRT) conservancies. This is because it practices sustainable land use.
Conservancies in Kenya- Uasin Gishu County
- Cheborowa Conservancy
- Ndalat Hill Conservancy
Role of Conservancies in Kenya
1. Conservation
Conservancies in Kenya ensure safe habitats for endangered species and support biodiversity by protecting ecosystems.
Moreover, they put into action sustainability practices while engaging in research and monitoring.
2. Community Engagement
Conservancies provide opportunities for local community conservancies in Kenya to thrive. The benefits include educational programs in the local community.
Creation of job opportunities by the conservancies. This improves the living standards of the local communities. Moreover, these opportunities reduce communities’ reliance on activities that harm wildlife.
3. EcoTourism
Conservancies encourage responsible tourism attracting visitors interested in wildlife and conservation.
Funds from visitors can be invested in community projects and community development movements. Therefore, this creates a sustainable funding model.
Conservancies provide a ground for cultural exchange making tourists respect local community traditions as they engage in cultural experiences.
Types of Conservancies in Kenya
1. Community Conservancies
These conservancies were formed by local communities in jointly owned community land.
Local communities and the Kenya Wildlife Service primarily manage them. Group Conservancies
These conservancies in Kenya are established by combining private land to form a large piece of land. This land is suitable for wildlife conservation.
2. Group Conservancies
These conservancies in Kenya are established by combining private land to form a large piece of land. This land is suitable for wildlife conservation.
3. Private Conservancies
These conservancies are established by private ranches owned by individuals to conserve wildlife. Most private wildlife conservancies in Kenya are found in Laikipia County.
Conclusion
In conclusion, wildlife conservancies in Kenya are grouped into counties and the best conservancies in Kenya.
Some of the best conservancies include
- Ol Pejeta Conservancy
- Loisaba Conservancy
- Ol Kinyei Conservancy
- Solio Conservancy
- Mara North Conservancy
- Lewa Conservancy
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