THE CONSERVANCY | KIGIO WILDLIFE CAMP | MALEWA WILDLIFE LODGE

ACTIVITIES

Kigio Wildlife Conservancy places great emphasis on low-impact activities to protect its fragile environment. Thus walking, biking, fishing are all included in the rate and guests are encouraged to partake in these activities as much as possible. Day and night game drives in open 4x4 vehicles owned by the lodges are possible and very rewarding but guests do have to pay extra for these. The idea behind this is to limit the number of vehicles that can impact on the land. Guests may also visit the local community for a small fee.

NATURE WALKS - While at Kigio, many guests have discovered the joys of walking with a knowledgeable naturalist. After sitting in a vehicle for several days during a safari, the guests do enjoy the freedom to walk and learn about the symbiotic relationship between wildlife, birds and plants close-up. The river walks are superb and immensely enjoyable with a chance to spot the hippo, the majestic crowned eagle and even the elusive leopard. With over 200 species of birds within the conservancy, expert birders will find the river walk fulfilling while many non-birders have been known to take up the hobby after visiting Kigio. Walks on the plains take you closer to the plains game and perhaps to Molly, one of the endangered Rothschild giraffes that was translocated from the Giraffe Manor in Nairobi. Kigio provides a complete breath of fresh air to any visitor seeking a more in-depth nature experience.

GAME DRIVES - Both day and night game drives are possible at Kigio Wildlife Conservancy. Daytime game-viewing focuses on the endangered Rothschild giraffe, plains game, eland, buffalo, warthog, hyena and the elusive leopard. Birdlife is exceptional too. Night game drives may reveal the aardvark, aardwolf, spring hare, leopard, serval, genet, hyena and other nocturnal wildlife. Hyenas of Kigio are known hunters and night game drives are perhaps the best time to follow these hunts.

BIKING - There are 7 bikes available for use by the guests. Bike rides depart at scheduled times, accompanied by the naturalist. Guests are always delighted with the experience.

FISHING - Malewa River has good fishing and rods are available on complimentary basis. You are welcome to bring your own rods.

BUSH BREAKFAST AND LUNCH - Guests are treated to a bush breakfast or lunch by the river when weather permits.

EXCURSIONS - Guests can book excursions to Lake Naivasha, Nakuru or Elmentaita on arrival.

All activities are subject to availability and weather conditions.

Community Projects
It is important to us that the lodge and the camp benefit the communities surrounding Kigio Wildlife Conservancy. We hire local people and buy local products whenever possible. We want the local communities to be proud of KWC. If local people benefit from conservation and tourism, then the Conservancy will be protected and illegal poaching and firewood harvesting will be minimized. To find meaningful ways to benefit local people, we have been involving local leaders and elders in the development of projects.

Community Tours
Scheduled community tours commenced in January 2008 and since then over 3000 guests have taken the tours. Guests visit three community groups whom we work closely with - Gilgil Spinners and Weavers, Tumaini Widows group (baskets) and Maua Women's' group (jewellery).

Each visit takes place at the home of one of the group members so that guests can also understand the way of life in rural Africa. They learn how to make baskets from Sisal, necklaces from old magazines and rugs from local hand-dyed wool using hand-made looms. These interactive visits have had guests in tears (including men!) and fits of laughter. Many have formed an emotional bond with the communities and commented on the visit being spiritually uplifting and their safari a lot more fulfilling. All the sales from this merchandise are shared between the women and some saved in the fund for future community projects.

Environmental Education
Kigio is a nursery for the future generations and has hosted several field trips for children from the local communities and schools in our endeavour to spread the word about environmental conservation. They are taught about utilization and conservation of natural resources, use of solar as a source of energy, water conservation and recycling. Hopefully, several seeds have been planted and many of the keen participants will grow into committed conservationists.

Wildlife Conservation
Rothschild’s Giraffes are one of the two most endangered of the 6 identified giraffe species in Africa. National Geographic has recently estimated their numbers at only a few hundred in the wild. We are proud to hold such a significant portion of the remaining members of this species. We have hosted students on their internships from the Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) training institute to improve conservation and research.

Wildlife species list

THE CONSERVANCY | KIGIO WILDLIFE CAMP | MALEWA WILDLIFE LODGE