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.
Featured Kigio Wildlife Conservancy Safari Holiday Vacation Trips
Mount Kenya and Mount Kenya Forest, Kenya Destinations
Mount Kenya , 5199 meters in height is Africa’s second highest mountain peak after Kilimanjaro is regarded as the realm of Ngai, god of the local Kikuyu people. Traditionally, all Kikuyu homes were...
Lake Tanganyika, Western Tanzania Destinations
Lake Tanganyika is the oldest and largest of the Rift Valley Lakes, the world's second deepest and probably Africa's least-polluted lake.
Diani Beach, Kenya's Swahili Coastline and Beaches
Protected by an offshore barrier coral reef on Kenya’s south coast Diani Beach is famous for beautiful white sandy and safe beaches fringed by palms and other indigenous bush, as well as spectacular...
The Great Migration Kenya Luxury Safari Experience
The Great Migration Kenya Luxury Safari Experience the wildebeest migration, the greatest spectacle on Earth between June and October when great herds of Zebra and wildebeests migrate from the...
Honeymoon Travel
Let us tailor-make your dream African luxury honeymoon travel holiday vacation trip today.
South-East Zanzibar / Michamvi Peninsula, Zanzibar Island Destination
South-East Zanzibar / Michamvi Peninsula, Zanzibar Island Destination. In the south-east corner of Zanzibar, the Michamvi Peninsula and south-east Zanzibar is very similar in character to the east...
Rwanda - Ultimate Mountain Gorillas Adventure Holiday – 5 Days
Rwanda - Ultimate Mountain Gorillas Adventure Holiday is an exciting 5 day safari purely focused on tracking the mountain gorillas in Rwanda, with 3 opportunities to see them in their natural habitat.
Karisia Hills, Kenya’s Northern Frontier
Karisia Hills also known as the Leroghi ranges, they lie to the east of Maralal on Kenya’s Northern Frontier and are superb for trekking and camel safaris. It is easy to get lost so you'll need a...
Lake Mburo National Park, Uganda Destinations
Lake Mburo National Park also known as the 'Home for Zebras' is a small but beautiful park dominated by the eponymous lake. It has a good range of large game to see and 300 species of birds in the...
Exclusive Destinations
Exclusive destinations for luxury VVIP private safari holiday vacation experiences in Africa.
Zanzibar Island North Coast Beach Holiday Vacation Extension - 7 Days
Zanzibar Island North Coast Beach Holiday Vacation Extension - 7 Days trip is an extension designed to be added onto the start or the end of a safari in East Africa Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda and Rwanda.
Parks & Reserves of Southern Kenya
Parks & Reserves of Southern Kenya include some of Africa’s most famous parks as well as some of the least known. Amboseli and Tsavo are the largest, while the Chyulu Hills is remote and receives...
Mafia Island, Zanzibar Island Archipelago Destination
Mafia Island, Zanzibar Island Archipelago Destination is a classic, off-the-beaten-track tropical island. Mafia Island provides the discerning visitor with a serene and exclusive hideaway, far...
Sanctuary Game Viewing & Gorillas
Sanctuary Game Viewing & Gorillas enjoy eight (8) days of prime game viewing in the Maasai Mara that includes a once in a life time visit to the gorillas of Uganda in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest...
Kibale Forest National Park, Uganda Destinations
Kibale Forest National Park is home to the greatest variety and highest concentration of primates in East Africa (13 remarkable primate species in total) as well as a vast number of species of...
The Great Migration
The Great Migration experience the greatest mammal migration on earth and a sight to behold that just needs to be seen.
Bush and Gentle Giants Safari Holiday Vacation – 8 Days
Bush and Gentle Giants Safari Holiday Vacation – 8 Days and 7 Night luxury Safari Package that combines the majestic bush safari experience Tanzania with the one of the most exhilarating experiences...
Lewa Wildlife Conservancy, Laikipia Plateau, Kenya
To the north of Mount Kenya, the Lewa Wildlife Conservancy stretches for over 45,000 acres. A black rhino, Grevy’s zebra, sitatunga and other wildlife private conservation sanctuary as well as an...
Horse Riding Safaris
Experience Africa from the back of a horse on our horse riding safaris in Africa.
Kidepo National Park, Uganda Destinations
Kidepo National Park is rarely visited by tourists but it is one of Uganda's true hidden gems and among Africa’s finest wildernesses, tucked away in the north-eastern corner of the country. Kidepo...
Unsurpassed Kenya Holiday Safari Vacation – 6 Days
Unsurpassed Kenya Holiday Safari Vacation – 6 Days. Take in the awe-inspiring vistas of Kenya, travelling through Lake Elementaita and its flamingo lined shores home to abundant birdlife, to the...