A Wilderness Symphony Beyond the Jeweled Shadows of Nairobi

This verdant haven is a jewel within the Kitengela Game Conservation Area, a mere 20 kilometers southwest of the iconic Nairobi National Park, echoing the rich tapestry of wildlife history that graced its landscape.

Once a vital wildlife dispersal area, Olerai Conservancy served as Nature’s connective thread, weaving through the heart of Nairobi Park and extending its embrace to the distant realms of Amboseli and Tsavo. However, the winds of change have swept through this landscape over the past two decades, leaving in their wake the swift currents of urbanization, fragmentation, and the enclosure of small private land parcels.

In the dance between progress and preservation, the traditional pathways of wildlife dispersal have been altered, creating intimate pockets of untouched wilderness within the greater canvas of Olerai. As the pulse of the land quickens, Olerai Conservancy stands as a testament to the delicate balance between human development and the enduring beauty of Africa, where the echoes of a wild past still resonate in the serene corners of untouched nature.

Olerai Conservancy, named after the locally revered Acacia seyal, presents a lush tapestry of woody vegetation, adorned by narrow ribbons of riverine growth from seasonal streams. Amidst this enchanting landscape, a diverse array of wildlife thrives, including gazelles and zebras. The expansive grasslands are renowned as breeding grounds for the majestic Eland antelope and the iconic Maasai Ostrich.

The avian symphony of the Conservancy boasts over 30 recorded species, featuring sparrows, helmeted guinea fowl, red-necked spur fowls, the regal ostrich, yellow-billed egret, the impressive Kori Bustard, the soaring Martial eagle, and the majestic African white-backed vulture.

Despite its modest size, Olerai Conservancy holds a distinctive place on Kenya’s conservation map. It serves as a crucial habitat for rare, threatened, and endangered species, with a notable presence of the cheetah (Acinonyx jubatus) and the African wild dog (Lycaon pictus). The critically endangered white-backed vulture finds sanctuary here, boasting up to 13 recorded colonies within the Conservancy. Another magnificent visitor, Ruppel’s vulture, breeds in a nearby lake but chooses Olerai Conservancy as its roosting haven.

While some species, like the Maasai Giraffe, Kongoni, and wildebeests, have been recorded in the past but are currently elusive, the conservancy remains dedicated to their conservation efforts. Collaborating with the Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS), the conservancy actively participates in restocking initiatives, ensuring a harmonious coexistence between the vibrant wildlife and the thriving ecosystem.

Founded by the visionary Sorimpan brothers, the proud landowners, Olerai Conservancy stands as a testament to their foresight. Recognizing the untapped potential of nature-based tourism, they opted for a sustainable and ecologically sound approach, seamlessly complementing traditional livestock production.

Resisting the common urge to subdivide or sell their valuable land, the Sorimpan brothers chose a different path. In collaboration with the Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) and the African Wildlife Foundation (AWF), they established Olerai Conservancy, ensuring the responsible and harmonious stewardship of this precious natural resource.

Olerai Conservancy aspires to become a model ecotourism enterprise, championing high-quality and profitable nature-based tourism to support wildlife conservation and livestock production.