Wildlife

The ranch is immense and has a wide variety of natural habitats, so it is home to a remarkable range of wildlife and bird species. This diversity makes it a very valuable area for conservation in Kenya. It also ensures a truly thrilling safari for our guests! Of course, we have lions, elephants, leopards, buffaloes and the common animals of the plains, but also many rare species thrive on the ranch (African wild dog, lesser kudu, and cheetah).

Conservation efforts have been so successful that black rhino have recently moved onto the ranch! More than 60 species of mammals and almost 400 bird species inhabit the ranch.
Download our mammals list to learn more.
MWCT has pioneered a very successful compensation program, where livestock killed by predators is compensated, only if predators are not killed in retaliation. In less than three years our lions population has increased by 300%. Beside the classic plain game and Big Five, a walk through the gentle hills near the camp will reward you with a view of rare mountain reedbuck and the graceful klipspringer. While exploring the riverbanks, you might catch a view of the shy lesser kudu or the bushbuck. In the plains you will see the amazing gerenuk and the beautiful fringed ear oryx.

You will see many wildlife species on your safari to one of the nearby watering places, where lions, elephants, and other large game animals gather in the mornings and in the evenings. For an authentic tribal experience, you can also visit the local Maasai village where your tracker lives. Towards the end of the day, you'll find that late afternoon is also an excellent time for a safari. At dusk, you can enjoy an easy hike up one of the beautiful volcanic hills surrounding the camp. This provides a stunning view of animals grazing on the golden plains below you.

Birdlife is amazing, thanks to the incredible diversity of the topography of the reserve. The forest narina trogon, Hartlaub turaco, silver-cheeked hornbill are extremely rare elsewhere, and yet easy to be seen here. Kori bustards, many different hornbills, and many colorful sunbirds are also common. Birds of prey are plenty, including the rare Verraux eagle. In summary, wildlife is abundant and varied. You'll discover something different every day of your visit, while playing an active role in their preservation!
Don't forget that for every day you spend at Campi ya Kanzi a $100 conservation fee is set aside to assist the Maasai community in protecting their wilderness and their wildlife.