Nashipae is a common name among regular visitors to Kenya’s most famous and visited game reserve, the Maasai mara game reserve. Nashipae is a mother cheetah who has become famous not only among tour guides & drivers who frequent the Maasai mara plains but also among international tourists, photographers and wildlife enthusiasts around the globe.
Namunyak Conservancy.
A Beacon of Ecotourism and Conservation Success in Kenya
- May 15, 2024
- 10:58 am
Namunyak conservancy, ideal example of ecotourism in Kenya and where conservation equals success.
My story starts with a phone call for direction to Namunyak conservancy. ‘’ from Nanyuki, proceed towards Meru-Isiolo junction then drive further north past Isiolo town, archers post up to sereolipi..just before crossing the bridge, take a left on the hospital signage. On the murram road, drive straight till you see an airfield on your right. At the airstrip, our guys will pick you up from there”
Throughout my career as a safari guide in Kenya and beyond, I had not been to Namunyak conservancy despite reading about it on numerous occasions.
We followed the directions given and as straightforward as it was, we got there without any hitches.
As a lover of nature, successful conservation stories always have me glued to my table ready to listen or read. It was my chance to experience first-hand. Namunyak translates to a place of peace in Samburu language and true to the word, Namunyak conservancy today is truly a peaceful place for wildlife. The conservancy was founded with the dual purpose of protecting the region’s rich biodiversity, especially the threatened elephant populations, and supporting the pastoralist lifestyle of the Samburu community through sustainable practices.
All these culminates in a concerted effort by the communities and outside investors who in 1995, officially establish the Namunyak community conservancy with three greater aims and goals which were;
- To promote wildlife conservation, Namunyak shelters a diverse array of fauna, including but not limited to African elephants, Grevy’s zebras, wild dogs, and various predatory cats. This conservancy plays a critical role in the protective measures against poaching and habitat degradation.
- create a sustainable economic benefit to the Samburu community through wildlife tourism: Through ecotourism, Namunyak provides a source of income for the Samburu people. The presence of lodges and guided tours contributes to local employment and educational opportunities.
- Thirdly, protecting the wilderness and endangered wildlife species under threat from natural and human induced threats
Mathews range:
marooned by the Mathews range mountains also known as Lekiyio hills, the 900 sq kilometers of forest range is a biological treasure endowed with incredible biodiversity and serene natural beauty.
The singing wells:
Down the valley, the wilderness often dries up as the notorious northern frontier weather is known for dry spells stretching months and months. As the area dries up, river beds turn bare and only dry sand is visible. Overtime, the local community discovered ingenious ways of digging dry river beds for water. These wells are dug by rudimentary tools by young Samburu men. Depth of the wells depend on the intensity of the drought and may go as deep as 3 meters. Upon sighting dampness in the sand, the young men pause the digging and within a few minutes, water starts oozing and settles on top. depending on the drought intensity who take turns to fetch water from down the wells.
The water serves as drinking water for their livestock and domestic chores This exercise is done while singing hence the name the singing well. No photography is allowed during such visits because the conservancy does not want to broadcast images of the locals who usually fetch water while not wearing any clothing. This is regarded as a sign of respect to the local people.
The genuine urge for a win-win initiative to protect the wildlife and bring economic gain to the community came from the community themselves. Initiatives which have seen the community benefit directly from tourism properties in the conservancy namely Sarara house, Reteti house and Sarara tree house. These three properties are uniquely designed with each one donning a fusion of unique architecture and finesse finishing.
During my stay at Namunyak, what caught my eye most was the infinity pool at Sarara house and deliberate design and location to produce a natural sunset beam of light just like a never-ending ocean shore line.
Here are success stories on conservation and tourism that I picked;
Von Der Decken’s Hornbill at Sarara Tree House
Wildlife rehabilitation: the community undertook a commitment to save and rehabilitate endangered wildlife species such as reticulated giraffes and greater kudus. These animals are released back to the wild after successful rehabilitation in a restoration effort which has been 100% successful.
RETETI elephant sanctuary
Employment:
The three tourism establishments at Reteti offer direct employment to the local community in a negotiated approach by the outside investors. Community scouts and rangers are largely from the local community as well as animal caregivers.
Health care:
The management of the conservancy has a community health care programme running with a mobile doctor and nurse who traverses the entire conservancy to attend to mothers who cannot easily make it to the centre.
Bristle-crowned starling at Reteti
Community policing and wildlife protection: locals have been sensitized on wildlife conservation and management and everyone within the community act as a community scout reporting on matters affecting wildlife within the conservancy.
Milk to sell program. This program allows local livestock farmers to sell their daily produce of milk in an organized program run by the conservancy. In the program, daily collection is done in selected collection locations deep in the villages where a dedicated Landcruiser performs a milk-run exercise. The local livestock owners receive their payment in a monthly basis after monthly collections are tabulated and pay calculated according to liters of milk produced.
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Adventure tourism is one type of niche tourism in Kenya that involves exploration or travel to remote areas, where the traveler should expect the unexpected. It may include the performance of acts that require significant effort or some degree of risk. This appeals to travelers who seek to experience nature and wilderness in a more immersive and adventurous way.
Namunyak Conservancy, nestled in the heart of Kenya, is a shining example of ecotourism where conservation meets success. My journey began with detailed directions to this pristine sanctuary, where the Samburu community and wildlife thrive in harmony. Known as a "place of peace" in the Samburu language, Namunyak protects threatened elephant populations and supports sustainable pastoralist practices.