The Kigio Wildlife Conservancy 3,500 acres of pristine wilderness between Naivasha and Nakuru dedicated to the preservation of over 100 indigenous plant species, 200 birds and 40 mammals including the endangered Rothschild giraffe owned and operated by the local community.
The Kigio Wildlife Conservancy is a protected Conservancy near Gilgil in the Great Rift Valley of Kenya. It is owned and operated by the local community. The Kigio Wildlife Conservancy, covers 3,500 acres (1,400 ha), is located between Lake Nakuru and Lake Naivasha. Kigio conservancy derives its name- Kigio from the area where the community that owns it came from. It was originally a cattle ranch owned by white settlers. After buying the ranch, the local community decided that there could be more revenue from eco-tourism. Fees now provide income to the community and help cover the cost of maintenance.
The beautiful Kigio Wildlife Conservancy with stunning views of Mt Longonot, Naivasha and Aberdares, contains diverse habitat including short grass, Leleshwa shrub, euphorbia woodlands and riverine woodlands. Almost 100 indigenous plant species are protected in the conservancy. There are over three hundred bird species including what is said to be the world's largest population of Grey-crested Helmetshrikes. There are about 3,500 head of large mammals. Grazing animals include buffalo, eland, impala, waterbuck, Grant's gazelle, Thomson's gazelle and zebra. Other species include hyena, leopard and hippo, caracal, aardvark, aardwolf, honey badger and spring hare.
The endangered Rothschild Giraffe is also found here. The last giraffe in the region was killed by poachers in 1996. The management of the reserve applied to the Kenya Wildlife Service to have Rothschild Giraffe's moved to the conservancy. This was granted on condition that the conservancy was fenced. The conservancy, bounded by the Malewa River to the east, is now enclosed by an electric fence on the three other sides. From eight Rothschild's giraffe moved from Lake Nakuru National Park in 2002 there were almost thirty by 2012.
At The Kigio Wildlife Conservancy guests are encouraged to participate in activities that have minimal impact on the environment, including guided walks, cycling and fishing. They may also take game-spotting drives in open-sided 4x4 vehicles during the day or at night. Locally-made craft works are also sold, with much of the proceeds going to the community fund.
Why Visit Kigio Wildlife Conservancy, Kenya.
- Visit and stay at a local Community owned and operated wildlife conservancy.
- Visit an endangered Rothschild giraffe Conservation area.
- For the stunning views of Mt Longonot, Naivasha and Aberdares and diverse habitats.
- Visit a place said to have the world's largest population of Grey-crested Helmetshrikes.
- Visit a place where guests and the local community are encouraged to participate in activities that have minimal impact on the environment.
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