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How this holiday makes a difference

Lion conservation recently became an issue of international concern when statistics revealed that lion numbers in Africa have plummeted to between 16,000 and 45,000. The lion population has declined by 30%-50% in just over the past two decades, a reduction largely due to habitat loss and conflict with humans. The lions in the Samburu / Buffalo Springs / Shaba ecosystem of Kenya are in an extremely vulnerable situation as they live in or adjacent to areas inhabited by nomadic people. Lions and their predatory behaviour have caused great resentment among the increasing rural pastoralist populations, and this has led to increased persecution of lions – lions continue to be shot, poisoned and speared.

This research will formulate strategies for the long-term conservation of lions by understanding the issues and threats facing their population, their movements in the wild and the extent of human-lion conflict. There is a huge knowledge gap in this area and it’s her intention to address this.

Joy’s camp’s community development schemes and eco-preservation projects:
- An Environmental Impact Study was carried out prior to the construction of Joys Camp; before the first stone was laid anywhere in the camp, the delicate environment of Shaba was taken into account.

- Joy’s camp also supports the local communities of nomadic Boran; through employment (more than 70% of its staff come from local villages), and various community projects such as providing accessibility to portable water. This ensures the safety of both the community members and their livestock as they avoid the risk of encroaching on the reserve in search of water, and as a result minimizes negative impact on the reserve and its habitat.

- Any timber used by the camp is from renewable sources, or deadwood, to ensure that the only impact of the camp on the reserve is a positive one.

- Joy’s Camp prides itself on using solar energy for both lighting and heating water in all its rooms. Water management systems have been instilled that ensure there is minimal water wastage at the camp, while responsible mechanisms have been implemented for waste disposal – for example, glass is separated and given to the East African Women’s League, which runs a “Glass for Glasses” project (whereby glass waste is exchanged for eyeglasses for the poor).

- In order to support the future of Shaba National Park, Joy’s Camp maintains close communication with the park rangers and warden, and continues to make as little impact on the environment as possible. Joy’s Camp has also been liaising with AWF (African Wildlife Forum), who are drawing up a management plan for the future of Shaba. Sasaab lodge is in the midst of a community conservancy, rich in raw Samburu culture and traditions and has been built with wildlife conservation and preservation of the environment foremost in mind. The lodge has been established in association with the local community who benefit directly and indirectly from your stay at Sasaab. Sasaab Lodge offers invigorating walks through the wilderness, game watching, alfresco dining, a unique cultural experience and opportunities to become involved with the local community.

The local Maasai communities have set aside the Olare Orok Conservancy as reserves for wildlife, and in return receive an income from tourism activities. This is used to fund community projects such as schools and water supplies. Employment opportunities have also been provided for the local Maasai people such as game rangers, trackers, and camp staff.

The Mara eco-system where the Olare Orok Conservancies is located, is under serious threat of being degraded and fragmented as the Mara is being divided into individually owned plots. Tracts of wildlife habitat are being permanently lost with this subdivision of the group ranches. Many small individual landowners are now selling their plots to the highest bidders, who are setting up non-sustainable mass market concrete lodges or becoming involved in intensive farming and fencing off of their small holdings. Snaring of herbivores and poisoning of big cats has increased and wildlife is being driven out.

Previously, the Maasai were entirely dependent upon their livestock and in dry seasons they used unreliable water sources including boreholes with pumping equipment which was no longer properly maintained. As a result there had been degradation of the environment through over-grazing and the community had suffered hardship during the increasingly frequent periods of drought.

As a result of the community receiving direct benefits from wildlife there has been a change in attitude towards the concept of wildlife conservation. The community members have given their positive support to conservation and there is no snaring or harassing of wildlife within the three conservancies. The members see the wildlife as a resource which belongs to them and are enthusiastic about encouraging wildlife to move into their conservancies. They also recognize the vast improvement in vegetation and grass cover within each conservancy which is now a valuable source of controlled grazing for livestock during severe drought periods.

Since the conservancies have been established there has been a big increase in biodiversity. We have resident lions and cheetah in addition to over 20 species of mammals. Birdlife is prolific especially birds of prey. The numbers of tourist visitors are being limited to retain the wild and unspoilt nature of the area and to minimise the impact on the environment.

During their stay guests staying at Porini Lion Camp have various opportunities to learn about the local Maasai people and how the conservancies and camps’ goals are aligned with theirs. Maasai warriors escort guests on a walk in the conservancies where they can learn about how the various indigenous animals and plants are used by the community and how their way of life is intertwined with their surroundings.

5% of the total safari cost will be donated to the Ewaso lions project

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