Kenya - Laikipia, our home

Laikipia Group Ranches

Rift Valley Adventures only operates on ranches owned by indigenous Kenyans of the Maasai and Samburu tribes in Laikipia. We support the ideals of each ranch by providing revenue from student groups that visit and stay on the ranch.

Each group ranch has an elected Committee and Chairman to represent between 1,000 to 5,000 people, depending on the size and carrying capacity of the ranch.

A general meeting is held once a year to discuss matters including revenue distribution, management policies, registration of new members, and election of a management committee, which carries out day-to-day management for the rest of the year.

Previously the area remained undeveloped with little economic activity except for subsistence pastoralism until the early 1990s.

A major priority is the planning of seasonal livestock grazing patterns in a way which will ensure an increase in ground cover vegetation and a reduction in the present erosion, whilst increasing wildlife numbers.

Since 1995 two small eco-lodges have been built. Revenue from the lodges have paid for many social developments, such as the provision of school bursaries and the construction of schools. Funds have also been directed into water maintenance and health schemes.

Since the initiation of the Group Ranch projects, game Scouts have been employed which has greatly increased the wildlife security.

The re-introduction of wildlife from continues every year including black rhino, waterbuck, white rhino and giraffe. There is now no poaching within the area and wildlife numbers continue to increase.

Training and awareness workshops have become an important part of the picture as they cover wildlife conservation project management and the further development of sustainable resources.

More Laikipia Info

Traditional hunting with a bow and arrow.