Kilitome Conservancy

Kilitome Conservancy, situated in a vital wildlife corridor, offers ease of migration between Amboseli to the Chyulu Hills and Tsavo West National Parks on an area of 24 square kilometers. It is not fenced, hence allowing the free movement of wild animals and maintaining their natural habits for further biodiversity. Managed under the Amboseli Land Owners Conservancy Association, ALOCA, Kilitome Conservancy forms part of the seven conservancies under ALOCA to attain sustainable conservation in the area.

Kilitome boasts spectacular scenery and high levels of wildlife, including rich birdlife, thriving in this well-protected habitat. It also, through a partnership with the African Wildlife Foundation, partially leases lands with local landowners to its Tawi Lodge. In doing so, tourism does fund the lease fee but also funds much-needed conservation activities, hence a sustainable model for the benefit of people and wildlife.

Tawi Lodge also supports a community scout program in an effort to counter poaching for the various species the conservancy has. The scouts are stewards of the land, protecting against illegal trade in wildlife and allowing coexistence to take place between humans and animals. This partnership fits perfectly with Kilitome’s mission: securing sustainable, wildlife-based land use while reducing pressures from poaching and other threats.

On matters of balancing conservation and community development, Kilitome Conservancy has indeed set an enviable example of how tourism and local stewardship, with due care for the environment, go hand in hand. This is an important part of Kenya’s ecological network promises that future generations will have an opportunity to experience in wonder its well-functioning ecosystems and their importance in preserving area biodiversity.