Ol Lentille Conservancy is a 40,000-acre (approximately 162 square kilometers) privately owned wildlife conservancy in northern Laikipia County, Kenya. It’s known for its stunning landscapes, diverse wildlife, and luxurious, secluded accommodation at The Sanctuary at Ol Lentille.
Wildlife:
The conservancy is a vital wildlife corridor connecting the Samburu heartlands and the Mount Kenya highlands. You can expect to see a variety of wildlife, including:
- Elephants
- Leopards
- Greater Kudus
- Impalas
- Dik-diks
- Klipspringers
- Spotted and striped hyenas
- Endangered species like African wild dogs, Grevy’s zebra, and gerenuk
- A wide variety of smaller mammals and numerous bird species
Community Involvement and Projects:
Ol Lentille is a pioneering example of community-based conservation. The land is owned by the local Kijabe Group Ranch (Maasai community), and The Sanctuary at Ol Lentille lodge was donated to and is owned by this community. The conservancy’s model focuses on a strong partnership between the Maasai and Samburu communities who own the land and the tourism operators.
Key aspects of their community involvement include:
- Employment: Employing rangers from local communities for anti-poaching patrols and wildlife monitoring.
- Revenue Sharing: A portion of the conservation fees goes directly to community development initiatives based on their needs.
- Education: The Ol Lentille Trust has raised significant funds for building and equipping schools and classrooms, as well as supporting school feeding programs and bursaries.
- Healthcare: The trust has supported the building and equipping of a hospital in the area.
- Water Management: Implementing projects to improve water availability through boreholes and dams.
- Cultural Exchange: Offering guests authentic cultural experiences and interactions with the Maasai and Samburu communities.
- Conservation Education: Raising awareness within the community about the importance of wildlife and habitat protection.
Tourism and Activities:
Ol Lentille offers an exclusive and personalized safari experience with a focus on conservation and cultural immersion. Activities include:
- Game Drives: Day and night game drives in open vehicles with experienced guides.
- Walking Safaris: Guided walks with Maasai and Samburu warriors to learn about the smaller details of the bush.
- Camel Safaris: Unique camel rides through the scenic landscape.
- Cultural Visits: Immersive experiences in local Maasai villages, including “An Evening at a Manyatta” and beading workshops.
- Singing Wells: Witness the unique tradition of the Maasai and Samburu digging deep wells in dry riverbeds.
- Quad Biking and Mountain Biking: Explore the conservancy on two wheels.
- Archery: Try your hand at archery with Maasai or Samburu warriors.
- Visit to a Baboon Colony: An educational visit to a habituated baboon colony.
- Scenic Flights and Helicopter Trips: (at an extra cost) offering breathtaking aerial views of the region.
- Bush Meals and Sundowners: Enjoy dining in stunning locations within the conservancy.
- Spa Treatments: Relax and rejuvenate with spa services.
Location and Access:
Ol Lentille Conservancy is located in northern Laikipia County, approximately 75 kilometers north of Mount Kenya.
- By Air: Scheduled flights are available from Nairobi Wilson Airport to Nanyuki (40-minute flight), followed by a 2-hour road transfer to Ol Lentille. Private charter flights can also land at the conservancy’s airstrip. Flights to Loisaba Airstrip followed by a 75-minute road transfer are also an option.
- By Road: Driving from Nairobi takes approximately 5-6 hours. A 4×4 vehicle is recommended.
Ol Lentille offers a unique blend of luxury, conservation, and cultural immersion, making it a special destination in Kenya’s Laikipia region.
