Kigio Wildlife Conservancy

The Kigio Wildlife Conservancy, which encompasses 3,500 acres (1,400 ha), is located between Lake Nakuru and Lake Naivasha. The conservancy takes its name from the area where the community that owns it originated. Originally, it was a cattle ranch owned by white settlers. Following the purchase of the ranch, the local community determined that eco-tourism could generate additional revenue. Fees now provide income to the community and help cover maintenance costs. The Conservancy now supports a wide range of habitats, including short grass, Leleshwa shrub, euphorbia woodlands, and riverine woodlands. It also protects nearly 100 indigenous plant species and over 300 bird species, including the world’s largest population of grey-crested helmet shrikes. This area is home to over 3,500 large mammals, including the African buffalo, common eland, impala, waterbuck, Grant’s gazelle, Thomson’s gazelle, and Grant’s zebra, spotted hyena, leopard, hippopotamus, caracal, aardvark, aardwolf, honey badger, and spring hare.