From Connie Greenspan, New York
“One of my most memorable journeys was to the Sanctuary at Ol Lentille, a beautiful East African resort that embodies responsible tourism at its best. Our trip was organized by David Sugden of Africa House Safaris in Nairobi. We flew out of Nairobi over the Rift Valley to Laikipia which is at the Sanctuary’s base. The property sits high on a hill with uninterrupted 360 degree views and consists of four free standing homes of one to three bedrooms. Each has its own kitchen, dining room, patios, stereo systems, high pressure faucets and wireless Internet connection as well as a full staff (dedicated to the house). You may eat in your home or at the main house which also has a library, swimming pool, small spa, bar and game viewing deck. The complex is in the heart of a 14,500-acre private conservancy that’s home to endangered animals, and Maasai owner-partners have created a charitable trust to attract donor and investment funds to the community. Activities such as horseback riding, mountain biking, jogging, camel trekking and hiking can be arranged as well.”
EDITOR’S NOTE
Conservation tourism is not new to Kenya, a country where livestock farming—the traditional way of life for most Maasai—has disrupted ecosystems and led to a decline in wildlife populations. What makes the Sanctuary at Ol Lentille unique, though, is its high level of community involvement. Rather than leasing their land out to foreign developers (a typical conservation model), local farmers took it upon themselves to set livestock quotas and arrange rotational grazing schemes.
To offset the cost of such an ambitious endeavor, they borrowed funds from the African Wildlife Foundation and established their own charity, the Kijabe Trust, to attract other donors. They also approached Regenesis, a Kenyan-based investment company whose British Founders John and Gill Elias specifically seek out community-oriented projects. Today, Regenesis manages the area’s tourism business, including The Sanctuary at Ol Lentille houses, and has secured funds for various local initiatives, including one that helps Maasai women sell their crafts to international markets. Overall, the conservation efforts seem to be paying off—the Laikipia region (which encompasses the sanctuary) is currently the only area in Kenya where wildlife populations are increasing.
BOOKING
Houses at Ol-Lentille from $3,800 for three nights (the minimum stay). In addition, all guests must pay a conservation fee ($50 for adults, $40 for children).
