Ng’enyin Community Conservation Area is a community-owned conservancy located along the shores of Lake Baringo in Kenya. It was established in 2002 by the local community to protect wildlife migratory corridors after elephants from the Kerio Valley swam across Lake Baringo to the Laikipia Ranges.
Key features of Ng’enyin Community Conservation Area:
- Location: Shores of Lake Baringo, Baringo County, Kenya.
- Establishment: 2002, by the local community.
- Ownership: 100% community-owned.
- Governance: Governed by a voluntary board with no remuneration.
- Membership: 461 registered members (277 males, 184 females, 124 youths, and 12 people with disabilities).
- Management: Managed by a conservancy manager and a 9-member board.
- Rangers: Employs four rangers (two employed, two volunteers).
- Vision: To be the leading community conservancy and ultimate tourist destination in Kenya.
- Mission: To restore, manage, and enhance conservation for a healthy ecosystem and improved livelihood of community members.
Wildlife and Conservation:
- Birds: Home to approximately 450 species of birds, recognized as an Important Bird and Biodiversity Area (IBA).
- Mammals: While the initial impetus was elephant corridors, the conservancy is also home to other wildlife, including a herd of hippos in Lake Baringo.
- Community Involvement: The conservancy aims to improve the livelihood of the local community, protect wildlife and its habitat, and promote community engagement in conservation.
- Partnerships: Committed to working with governmental, non-governmental, community, and private stakeholders.
- Revenue Use: Revenue generated is used for conservation and community development projects.
- Pasture and Livestock Program: The conservancy runs a pasture livestock fattening program that has significantly impacted the livelihoods of community members.
Tourism Facilities and Activities:
- Unique Viewing Cliff (Kapkotor): Offers panoramic views of the entire conservancy landscape and Lake Baringo.
- Boat Rides: The conservancy offers boat rides on two fiberglass motorboats to explore the conservancy and view hippos and other marine wildlife. Clients can also use boats to explore Lake Baringo islands, hot springs, and unique rocks.
- Guided Bird Watching: Lake Baringo is an IBA, and professional guides within Ng’enyin Conservancy are recommended by ornithologists.
- Cultural Experiences: Tourism facilities around the conservancy, such as Tumbili Cliff Lodge and Soi Lodge, showcase the traditional culture of the Tugen community.
- Tumbili Cliff Lodge Observatory: Visitors can view the sky, stars, and planets.
- Lake Baringo Shores: Enjoy the shores of Lake Baringo.
- Campsite (Planned): The conservancy has plans to set up a campsite to accommodate various visiting groups.
Location:
Ng’enyin Community Conservancy is located along the shores of Lake Baringo in Baringo County, Kenya. Lake Baringo is situated in the northern part of the Great Rift Valley.
In summary, Ng’enyin Community Conservation Area is a community-led initiative focused on bird conservation, wildlife protection, and improving the livelihoods of the local Tugen community around Lake Baringo. It offers unique tourism experiences centered on bird watching, boat rides, and cultural immersion.
