Borana Wildlife Conservancy in Kenya

Borana Conservancy is a 32,000-acre (130 square km) private wildlife conservancy located at the foot of Mount Kenya in Laikipia County, Kenya. Nestled between the arid landscapes to the north and indigenous forests to the south, it forms part of the larger Lewa-Borana Landscape, a continuous 90,000-acre ecosystem created by removing the fence between Borana and the neighboring Lewa Wildlife Conservancy in 2013. This landscape represents one of East Africa’s most significant rhino habitats.

History: The land that now constitutes Borana Conservancy began to take shape in 1928 as part of what was then known as Nyeri County. Initially, it was primarily used as a ranch for livestock grazing, wool production, and farming alongside the free-roaming wildlife. Over time, a desire to protect this wildlife became a driving force. In 1984, Michael Dyer became the caretaker of Borana Ranch and began to shift the focus towards conservation, emphasizing community involvement. By the early 1990s, partnerships with the local Il’Ngwesi people led to the creation of community-owned tourism ventures like Il’Ngwesi Lodge and Tassia. Rhino were reintroduced to the landscape in the same year, initially on Lewa and subsequently on Borana and Il’Ngwesi. In 2012, Borana Ranch was officially recognized as Borana Conservancy by the Kenya Wildlife Service and the Ministry of Tourism.

Wildlife: Borana Conservancy is home to a diverse array of wildlife, including:

• Rhinos: A significant sanctuary for both critically endangered black rhinos and white rhinos. The Lewa-Borana landscape hosts over 200 rhinos, making it one of the largest continuous rhino habitats in East Africa. Borana has achieved over ten consecutive years of zero rhino poaching by 2023.

• Grevy’s Zebra: The conservancy supports a significant population of the endangered Grevy’s zebra.

• Other Mammals: The area is rich in other large mammals, including elephants (with around 3,000 roaming the wider landscape), lions (around 50), leopards (around 20), cheetahs (around 12), spotted hyenas (around 100), buffalo, giraffes (including reticulated giraffe), Beisa oryx, gerenuk, and occasional packs of the endangered African wild dog.

• Birdlife: Borana boasts impressive birdlife, with nearly 400 recorded species, including the blue-legged Somali ostrich.

Conservation Efforts: Conservation is at the heart of Borana Conservancy’s mission. Their holistic approach includes:

• Rhino Protection: Intensive anti-poaching measures, including a dedicated team of over 125 wildlife rangers, contribute to the high rhino birth rate and zero poaching incidents since 2014. They utilize technology like Earth Ranger for real-time wildlife tracking.

• Landscape Connectivity: The removal of the fence with Lewa Wildlife Conservancy created a larger, safer ecosystem for wildlife.
• Community Engagement: Borana actively involves and supports local communities through various initiatives, recognizing that their well-being is integral to conservation success. This includes sharing tourism benefits, supporting community-owned tourism enterprises, and mitigating human-wildlife conflict (e.g., electric fences to protect crops).

• Education and Healthcare: The Borana Education Support Programme (BESP) provides scholarships and supports schools in neighboring communities. A mobile clinic offers essential healthcare services, conducting thousands of consultations annually.

• Habitat Preservation and Regeneration: Efforts are made to combat overgrazing and land degradation, with programs to regenerate pasture for both wildlife and local livestock through managed grazing.

• Sustainability: Borana Conservancy aims to become carbon neutral, implementing energy management plans and a comprehensive recycling program.

• Conservation Education: The Mazingira Yetu (Our Environment) program educates local people about the importance of healthy ecosystems.

Tourism and Activities: Tourism on Borana Conservancy is designed to be low-impact and directly contribute to conservation and community development. Activities offered include:

• Game Drives: Guided in open 4×4 vehicles, with the flexibility of off-road driving and night drives.
• Walking Safaris: Explore the smaller details of the ecosystem on foot.
• Horseback Safaris: A unique way to experience wildlife encounters up close. Borana has horses for all riding abilities.

• Mountain Biking & E-Biking: Explore the conservancy’s trails.
• Cultural Visits: Engage with local communities and learn about their traditions. Visits to the Twala Cultural Manyatta and local schools can often be arranged.

• Conservation Activities: Guests can sometimes join rangers on their deployments and participate in wildlife monitoring.

• Bird Watching: With a diverse avian population, bird watching is a rewarding activity.

• Sundowners: Enjoy scenic evenings with drinks overlooking the landscape.

• Farm Tours: Learn about sustainable farming practices.

• Rhino Tracking: Participate in guided expeditions to track rhinos and learn about conservation efforts.

• Visit to Reteti Elephant Orphanage: Located nearby, offering insights into elephant rescue and rehabilitation.
• Helicopter Excursions: Scenic flights over the conservancy and surrounding areas can be arranged.

Accommodation: Borana Conservancy offers various high-end, eco-friendly accommodation options, including the Borana Lodge and Lengishu. These lodges prioritize sustainability and offer guests comfortable stays with stunning views and personalized service. Profits from tourism are reinvested directly into the conservancy’s conservation and community initiatives.

Borana Conservancy stands as a successful model of integrating wildlife conservation, community development, and responsible tourism, contributing significantly to the protection of endangered species and the well-being of the local people in the Laikipia region.