Introduction

Kenya’s population has skyrocketed over the last century; since 1928, a population of 2.9 million has ballooned to more than 50 million today, with the population projected to hit 77 million by 2030. This rapid growth has meant that Kenya has created projects aimed at protecting the wildlife, preserving habitats, and improving livelihoods.

Habitat fragmentation continues to be a threat to many species in Kenya, but there are ongoing projects in Kenya that are designed to protect wildlife, preserve habitat, and improve livelihoods.

****Suggestion for image: A background image of Kenya's diverse wildlife and landscapes.****

About Conservancies

Conservancies were created to foster co-existence between wildlife and livestock of communities living near tourist areas. The idea is that if local communities are directly involved, then the effort will be more sustainable.

Conservancies can be privately funded or government-funded, and most include lodges and camps that offer exclusive access to safari activities. These accommodations generate revenue which is used towards community development projects in the fields of education, medicine, and micro-financing.

****Suggestion for image: A conservancy lodge with wildlife in the background.****

Here’s where the conservancy model comes in

Conservancies were created in Kenya to foster co-existence between wildlife and livestock of communities living near tourist areas. The idea is that if local communities are directly involved, then the effort will be more sustainable.

Conservancies can be privately funded or government-funded, and most include lodges and camps that offer exclusive access to safari activities. These accommodations generate revenue and landowners subsequently receive money from leasing their land. Typically, some of the money is used towards community development projects in the fields of education, medicine, and micro-financing. In terms of the safari experience, visitors generally receive a more personalized experience at a conservancy.

****Suggestion for image: A map showing the locations of various conservancies in Kenya.****

So how does this help your clients?

1.) Visitors generally receive a more personalized experience at a conservancy.

2.) They can see some of the most endangered species in Kenya up close and utilize the services of expert guides.

3.) A conservancy safari usually includes visits to the community projects that the conservancy is involved in, allowing tourists to interact with locals.

****Suggestion for image: Tourists interacting with local communities and wildlife.****

Conservancies unique aspects

Unlike the national parks and reserves that are government-owned, conservancy land is owned and managed by the resident community, and the resulting benefits are directly accrued by the communities.

Today, there are over 160 established conservancies offering your clients diversity, privacy, and memories that will last a lifetime.

Why are they special: Unexpectedly, endemic and endangered species of iconic African wildlife are in conservancies which create a safe haven for species at risk of extinction. You will find the world’s most endangered antelope, the hirola, Grevy Zebra, Wild dog, 3 species of Giraffe, white and black rhinos, elephant, lions, cheetah among others in community-managed sanctuaries. 90% of the global population of Grevy Zebra and Hirola, 72% of white rhino and 40% of black rhino national population are in conservancies. A wide array of Africa’s endangered wildlife such as elephants, lions, wild dog, giraffe, and many more are ready for your camera click.

****Suggestion for image: A collage of endangered species found in conservancies.****

Did you know?

Over 65% of Kenya’s wildlife occurs in private and community areas, mainly in conservancies. The conservancies encompass over 22% of Kenya’s large mammal population compared to 38% in Parks and Reserves and 18 of the top 20 highest biodiverse areas are in conservancies.

****Suggestion for image: Infographic showing the distribution of wildlife in Kenya.****

140 exceptional and award-winning tourism eco-facilities

Currently, there are 140 exceptional and award-winning tourism eco-facilities in 69 of the over 160 Conservancies with a combined bed capacity of 2,500 beds. This provides a variety of places for you to experience the breathtaking landscapes and interact with age-old cultures.

A stay at a conservancy further contributes to improving the lives of the indigenous and local communities providing them with an alternative source of income. Over 60% of the income from conservancies goes towards land lease fees or is invested in priority community projects designed to improve access to mainly health, water, and education.

Conservancies further create job opportunities in such marginalized areas, where jobs are scarce and poverty is above the national average.

****Suggestion for image: An eco-facility in a conservancy with local community members.****