Top 10 Private Conservancy To Visit In Kenya(2025 Guide)
- BeyondForest
- Jun 26
- 8 min read
Updated: Sep 22
Grassland scene with giraffes grazing near a stone building at Segera Conservancy
Why Kenya’s Private & Community Conservancies Matter in 2025
Best Conservancies by Region
Conservancy vs. National Park: What’s the Difference?
How to Choose the Right Conservancy
FAQ around Conservancies
Why Kenya’s Private & Community Conservancies Matter in 2025
Image of a Family Villa at Segera Conservancy in Laikipia
Kenya’s private and community conservancies are crucial in 2025 because they protect wildlife corridors outside national parks while paying local landowners. Bed-night levies fund schools, clinics, ranger salaries, and conflict compensation, aligning community incentives with conservation. Conservancies cap vehicles, allow guided walking and night drives, and manage habitats adaptively, giving guests low-density, sightings.
Image of Cattles grazing at Enonkishu Conservancy
Many lead anti-poaching with trained rangers, K9 units, drones, and GPS-collared rhinos, while restoring grasslands and water points as drought resilience. Tourism revenue diversifies with resident rates and conservation fees, supporting jobs for youth and women. The model blends livelihoods, security, and science to keep ecosystems—and tourism—viable
Cozy bedroom with a large bed at Segera Conservancy
Image of a Herd of Cattles at Enonkishu Conservancy
Laikipia
Thatch-roofed house at Segera Conservancy
Kajiado County
Taita–Taveta County
Best Conservancies by Region
Segera Conservancy is a private wildlife sanctuary and luxury safari retreat in Laikipia County, Kenya, spanning about 50,000 acres between Mount Kenya to the east and the Great Rift Valley to the west.
Once a degraded cattle ranch, Segera was purchased in 2005 by conservationist Jochen Zeitz who began restoring its ecosystems. The restoration includes reforestation, opening wildlife migration corridors, removal of fences, and re-establishment of flora and fauna.
Segera follows a “4C” model: Conservation, Community, Culture, and Commerce. It aims to combine high-end safari tourism and luxury hospitality with strong community engagement, cultural preservation (including local artistry and crafts), and conservation of endangered species.
Lewa Wildlife Conservancy is a leading wildlife sanctuary in Kenya covering about 62,000 acres in Meru County, near Isiolo and at the foothills of Mount Kenya
Image Stone sign for Lewa Wildlife Conservancy
Originally a cattle ranch named Lewa Downs, the land was privately held by the Craig family (David and Delia Craig) and, with support from conservationist Anna Merz, was set aside in 1983 as the Ngare Sergoi Rhino Sanctuary. By 1995, the Craigs had dedicated their entire ranch to conservation, forming the Lewa Wildlife Conservancy as a nonprofit entity
The ranch was officially transformed into Lewa Conservancy in 1995 when more land was added, including Ngare Ndare Forest.It is home to many endangered and iconic species: black and white rhinos, Grevy’s zebra (one of the world’s largest populations), elephants, lions, cheetahs, giraffes, and over 70 mammal species and 350 bird species.
Ol Pejeta Conservancy is a 360-km² not-for-profit wildlife sanctuary in Laikipia County, central Kenya, located between Mount Kenya and the Aberdares.OlPejeta Conservancy shelters East Africa’s largest population of black rhinos, with over 150 individuals, and also hosts the last two northern white rhinos in existence.It includes the Sweetwaters Chimpanzee Sanctuary, the only place in Kenya where chimpanzees can be seen, caring for orphans and rescued chimps from West and Central Africa.
Image of Sudan, the last male northern white rhino that died 7 years ago
Ol Pejeta uses a mixed-use model: besides wildlife conservation and tourism, it continues cattle ranching, which helps generate revenue and ecologically benefit the land (e.g. via grazing patterns that support biodiversity).Ol Pejeta Conservancy boosts a strong community engagement: about 45,000 people in 21 local communities benefit through programs in education, health, infrastructure and agriculture.
Soysambu Conservancy is a private wildlife conservancy in Kenya’s Central Rift Valley established in 2007, covering about 48,000 acres.
Image of a Tour van Cruising at Soysambu Conservancy
Soysambu conservancy hosts over 450 bird species, both resident and migratory, including pelicans, flamingos, herons, vultures, secretarybirds, and more. It offers excellent birdwatching and is also home to large mammals like Rothschild’s giraffe, buffalo, zebras, impala, elands, leopards, hyenas, and lion populations that occasionally move in from neighbouring Nakuru National Park.
Image of Giraffes being Transported to Soysambu Conservancy
Soysambu remains a working cattle ranch (notably Boran cattle), combining ranching, tourism, and conservation. Community benefits include health, education and employment programmes.Geologically, the area is rugged with lava ridges, badlands (“Elmenteita Badlands”), riverine forest patches, wetlands, and grasslands; it features archaeological sites like Kariandusi, Hyrax Hill, and obsidian tools and Sirikwa earthworks showing ancestral human presence.
Image of a Thomson's Gazelle and a Rhino at Solio Ranch
Solio Game Reserve (also called Solio Ranch) is a private wildlife conservancy in central Kenya, located between Mount Kenya and the Aberdare Mountains, about 175 km north of Nairobi.olio Game reserve is roughly 45,000 acres for the ranch, with about 19,000 acres dedicated as the fenced sanctuary zone. Wildlife species include zebras, buffaloes, giraffes, elands, oryx, impala, waterbucks, Thompson’s gazelle, warthogs, and predators like lions, cheetahs, and leopards (though big cat sightings are less common) alongside over 300 species of birds.
The terrain features acacia woodlands, rolling grasslands, and riparian areas along a river that traverses the reserve.Solio Lodge is the only luxury lodge on the reserve, offering exclusivity, guided game drives, horseback riding, walking safaris, and spectacular rhino encounters often in large numbers.
Ol Jogi is a 58,000-acre private wildlife conservancy situated on the Laikipia plateau, about 225 km north of Nairobi, at ~6,000 ft elevation in a malaria-free zone. Ol jogi was established over 60 years ago, and in 1980 became Kenya’s second private rhino sanctuary.
Ol Jogi is a stronghold for Eastern black rhinos and Southern white rhinos, and also has the world’s largest population of Grévy’s zebra.To protect wildlife, it employs over 120 security personnel, has a veterinary clinic & rescue centre, and uses tools like thermal imaging, night vision, K-9 units, vehicles and air support.Ol Jogi conservancy works closely with local communities: it supports a primary school with over 240 children, provides meals, scholarships, plus other outreach and education programmes.Oljogi Wildlife Conservancy maintains 18 rhino-proof wildlife corridors to allow free movement for most species (except rhinos, which are contained for safety).
Mara Naboisho Conservancy, established in 2010, is a community-wildlife partnership in the Greater Maasai Mara ecosystem spanning about 50,000 acres .The conservancy is composed of land leased from over 500 Maasai landowners, combining conservation, tourism, and culture.It features rolling savannas, riverine acacia woodlands, and grasslands.
Wildlife densities are high: large herds of elephant, giraffe, wildebeest and zebra thrive, alongside abundant lions (≈ 70-100), resident leopards, and occasional wild dogs.ourism is kept low-impact: numbers of safari vehicles and camps are tightly regulated to preserve privacy, reduce disturbance, and provide exclusive wildlife viewing.
8.)Taita Hills Wildlife Conservancy
Taita Hills Wildlife Sanctuary lies in Taita-Taveta County, southeastern Kenya, on the edge of Tsavo West National Park. It covers about 28,000 acres .of mixed habitat including savanna, grasslands, riverine forest, and Acacia-Commiphora woodlands. Taita Hills Wildlife Sanctuary supports over 50 species of large mammals such as elephants, lions, giraffes, zebras, leopards, cheetahs, buffalos, and several antelope species.
Birdlife is abundant—more than 300 species have been recorded, including some endemic and rare birds.Tourism is focused around lodges like Salt Lick Safari Lodge and Taita Hills Safari Resort & Spa, providing elevated rooms with views of water holes, game drives, birding, and “bush dinners”.The sanctuary also forms a dispersal and migration corridor for wildlife between Tsavo East and Tsavo West,
Conservationists in green uniforms guide a rhino at Loisaba Conservancy
Loisaba Conservancy is a ~56,000-58,000-acre wildlife conservancy and working ranch in northern Laikipia County. Loisaba Conservancy is focused on balancing wildlife protection, sustainable tourism, and community development. The landscape supports over 50 mammal species and more than 250–350 bird species, including endangered animals like wild dogs, Grevy’s zebra, reticulated giraffe, elephants, and large cats.
Image of People on horseback observe a giraffe at Loisaba Conservancy
Loisaba lies along a critical wildlife movement corridor in Laikipia, helping connect habitats and reduce fragmentation.Conservation features include habitat management (invasive species removal, water monitoring), anti-poaching patrols with dogs, and community grazing agreements.
10.)Ol Kinyei Conservancy
Mara Ol Kinyei Conservancy is an ~18,700-acre community-conservancy in the Greater Maasai Mara ecosystem, established in 2005 by Maasai landowners leasing land to safari operators for wildlife conservation.It was among the first Maasai community-led conservancies in the Mara, and later became the first in that area to be registered on the IUCN Green List of well-managed protected areas.
Mara Ol Kinyei Conservancy habitats include open savannahs, rolling hills, riverine forests, springs, and perennial water sources, making it attractive to a wide variety of species: lions, leopards, cheetahs, elephants, giraffes, buffaloes, and resident big cat prides.The conservancy keeps tourism low-impact: only a few small camps (e.g. Porini Camps, safari cottages) operate inside, with limited guest numbers, helping reduce disturbance and preserve wilderness.
Land & governance
Conservation model & community
Access & booking
Activities & rules
National Park
Game drives in daylight; off-road generally prohibited; walking and night drives rarely permitted.
Conservancy
Typically allow off-road driving, guided bush walks, night drives, and more flexible routing
Crowding & vehicle density
Costs
Wildlife management
When selecting a conservancy to visit or support, consider its location (proximity to Nairobi or major parks), size, and the type of wildlife you want to see—some focus on rhinos, others on big cats or rare species like Grevy’s zebra.
Image of a Black Rhino at Ol jogi Conservancy
Check if it offers community engagement programs, as your visit can directly benefit local people. Look at accommodation style (luxury lodge, camping, or budget-friendly options) and activities available (game drives, walking safaris, horse riding).
Consider the conservation model—is it non-profit, research-oriented, or tourism-driven? Finally, review guest feedback, security, and accessibility to ensure a meaningful, safe experience.
What is a conservancy in Kenya?
A conservancy is a protected area of land where wildlife conservation, habitat restoration, and sustainable tourism are managed jointly by landowners, communities, and conservation organizations.
How many conservancies are in Kenya?
Kenya has over 160 registered conservancies covering more than 11% of the country’s landmass, supporting both wildlife and local livelihoods.
What is the importance of conservancies?
They protect endangered species, provide safe wildlife corridors, reduce human-wildlife conflict, create jobs, and fund education, health, and water projects for local communities.
What are the types of conservancies in Kenya?
There are private conservancies (like Solio Ranch), community conservancies (like Westgate), and group ranch conservancies (like Olkiramatian).
Which conservancies are near Nanyuki?
Popular options include Ol Pejeta, Lewa, Ol Jogi, and Solio, all offering diverse wildlife and safari experiences.
Photographers with long lenses perched on a safari vehicle at Olkinyei Conservancy
Yes, most charge conservation fees that support wildlife protection and community programs, ranging from $50–$120 per person per day for non-residents.
What wildlife can be seen in conservancies?
You can spot lions, elephants, rhinos, giraffes, leopards, wild dogs, Grevy’s zebras, and over 400 species of birds depending on the conservancy.
Are conservancies safe for tourists?
Yes. They are well-patrolled, fenced where necessary, and guided by trained rangers to ensure guest safety.
Can you stay overnight in a conservancy?
Yes. Many offer lodges, tented camps, and exclusive private houses for immersive safari experiences.
How do conservancies benefit local communities?
They share tourism revenue, support schools, health clinics, water projects, and empower women through micro-enterprise initiatives.
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