Get Involved!

Wildlife Conservation

Karisia Walking Safaris and Tumaren Ranch have been involved in conservation and tourism since 2005. Tumaren neighbours the II Motiok community and the majority of our expansive safari team are from the local region. Our safaris pass through community and private land and each guest pays a conservation and community fee. This not only provides a revenue to the local community but is instrumental to the conservation of increasing wildlife populations.

If you wish to give back and support wildlife conservation in the area there are a number of ways to get involved. Read about some of our projects below and you can specify how you would like to assist or else let us use funds where best needed at the time.

Security Team: The 12 rangers are a crucial part of the team at Tumaren, patrolling over 10,500 acres amongst increasing numbers of wildlife. They work to prevent poaching and engage local communities in conservation and monitoring wildlife. We suggest the idea of contributing to training of the team or donating kit and binoculars.

Conservation Leases: At Karisia we are consistently looking to expand our conservation footprint and through managing our neighbouring land the number of wildlife and employment has considerably increased.

Wildlife Surveys: Wildlife managers responsible for decision making on the wildlife ecosystem considering biodiversity and endangered species are hugely signifiant within the conservation framework. Data drawn from surveys are crucial for these managers but also promote hard facts, a notable tool in promoting community conservation.

Invasive Species Control: While there are few invasive species in Laikipia, a significant issue is an invasive cactus. A team of payed community members physically dig them up and dispose of them to prevent an overrun which would threaten indigenous flora and fauna.

Restoration: Overgrazing has been an issue across Laikipia, resulting in a reduction of ground cover which enables erosion and compaction of the land. While reducing the extent of grazing has helped, there are areas where soil still needs assistance in order to absorb rain enabling successful vegetation. These areas are identified and helped by our team with a small tractor, they plough swales which catch rainfall, seeds and slowly restore grassland.

Drought Management Fund: Kenya is currently experiencing a severe drought resulting in livelihood loses and wildlife deaths. We support wildlife and their survival, through purchasing hay, cubes, mollases and providing water we hope this reduces the levels of wildlife deaths during the harsh drought.

How can you 'Get Involved': Donations help facilitate and support a number of programmes. Conservancy Guardians is a 501 K organisation which help facilitate donations through a tax free environment accepting either USD or GBP, your generosity would be greatly appreciated and 100% will contribute to work which drives community led conservation.

Community Outreach

We actively support the communities we work in by employing local people and training them in tourism, farm management, security and technical skills. We are among the largest employers for our immediate neighbors on the Olmotiok and Koija group ranches. Our safaris also pay conservation fees to the local communities providing income to areas that have little other revenue coming in. By providing seasonal dry grazing, Karisia and Tumaren Ranch are able to help the local communities to manage their herds as well as their own land that needs as much rest as they can give it.

There are still so many ways that our guests can provide assistance and below are a few options for how you might be able to help.

School Food Program : We currently supplement food that the government provides for the local Primary schools, Kimanjo and II Motiok. We aim to facilitate a more nutritional balanced diet for these children, allowing the school and students to focus more upon their studies. The food program has been shown to increase attendance as well as the students marks. Between the two schools we feed 1,000 students. US $5 feeds one child per term.

Educational Bursaries: Many local children and families can not afford their school fees, consequentially we provide a bursary opportunity for these students to assist them in finishing their studies. The bursaries range form $150- $1,000 per year dependent upon age and schools they wish to attend.

Donating Resources: A simple but hugely appreciated gesture is to buy or bring studying materials that can be utilised within schools. Items such as Pens, Pads, Stationary and Small games are the favoured items that can be donated directly to the local schools.

Field Trips To Tumaren for High School Kids: We are keen to share the beauty of Tumaren to local high school students. Our overnight adventures introduce younger individuals from the community to wilderness, wildlife management, job possibilities and the importance of conservation.

Community Wildlife Club : A donation to the Wildlife club can purchase binoculars or a Bird Field Guide to be shared by members while birding and Wildlife-viewing on Tumaren.

Tumaren Rock-climbing Day for Kids: Rock climbing is hugely popular among a number of our safari guests. In donating a rock climbing day, we are able to share the unique experience with a group of local children, facilitating transport and guides during the rock climbing day trip, so they too can experience the best and most enjoyable climbing routes.

How can you 'Get Involved': Donations help facilitate and support a number of programmes. Conservancy Guardians is a 501 K organisation which help facilitate donations through a tax free environment accepting either USD or GBP, your generosity would be greatly appreciated and 100% will contribute to work which drives community led conservation.