Enonkishu Conservancy | Narok

Enonkishu Conservancy is a prime example of a successful community-led wildlife conservation initiative. Located on the northern edge of the Maasai Mara-Serengeti Ecosystem, in southwestern Kenya, it spans 6,000 acres and is home to a variety of wildlife, with a focus on sustainable land management practices that benefit both humans and wildlife.

Background and History

Enonkishu Conservancy was founded in 2009 by local Maasai pastoralist families who recognized the importance of integrating wildlife conservation with sustainable land use practices. The community came together to set up the conservancy, with the goal of providing an alternative to the traditional land use that often led to conflict between human activities and wildlife. This model allows for coexistence between pastoralism (livestock management) and wildlife conservation.

Conservation and Land Management

The Holistic Management (HM) approach is central to how Enonkishu is run. This method focuses on regenerating the ecosystem by managing grazing patterns to mimic natural herd movements, which helps prevent overgrazing. The area is divided into grazing blocks, which are rotated according to a plan designed to protect the land while still allowing it to support both wildlife and livestock.

Some of the key aspects of land management include:

Rotational Grazing: Enonkishu is divided into nine grazing blocks, where livestock are moved to different blocks on a set schedule to prevent overgrazing. This approach improves soil health, promotes plant regeneration, and creates better grazing conditions for both livestock and wild herbivores.

Sustainable Grazing: Livestock is managed with the aim of regenerating the soil, reducing erosion, and maintaining the biodiversity of the region. This technique not only supports livestock productivity but also maintains the delicate balance needed for wildlife to thrive.

Wildlife Corridors: The conservancy is strategically placed to provide a corridor for wildlife to migrate between different conservation areas. This movement is vital for the health of species such as elephants, lions, and wildebeests.

Wildlife and Biodiversity

The conservancy supports a diverse range of wildlife, some of which are commonly seen on game drives and in other areas of the Maasai Mara-Serengeti ecosystem.

Big Cats: The conservancy is home to resident lion prides and leopard populations, both of which are important for controlling herbivore populations and maintaining a balanced ecosystem.

Elephants: Elephants are frequently seen in Enonkishu, particularly around Kileleoni Hill, where they seek shelter under trees and use the river systems for drinking and bathing.

Other Mammals: The conservancy supports a variety of other species, such as giraffes, zebras, buffaloes, wildebeests, cheetahs, hyenas, and many more. These species rely on the varied habitats provided by the conservancy, including grasslands, riverbanks, and forests.

Birdlife: Over 450 species of birds can be found in the conservancy, making it an excellent spot for birdwatching. Some of the notable species include eagles, vultures, bustards, and marabou storks.

Night Drives: The conservancy also offers unique opportunities to observe nocturnal animals. Visitors may spot animals like honey badgers, aardvarks, and various species of owls and nightjars.

Mara Training Centre (MTC)

The Mara Training Centre (MTC) is a key feature of Enonkishu. It serves as an educational hub for both locals and tourists, focusing on capacity-building programs for sustainable land and livestock management. The center conducts various training programs on:

Livestock Improvement: Enhancing the productivity and health of livestock through better breeding and care practices.

Biodiversity Conservation: Teaching methods for preserving biodiversity while also engaging in agricultural or pastoral activities.

Social Cohesion: Promoting cooperation and social unity between the local Maasai communities, as well as fostering positive relationships between communities and wildlife.

Research: The center also conducts research and monitoring activities to assess the health of the ecosystem and inform future conservation strategies.

Community Involvement and Benefits

The Enonkishu Cooperative Society (ESCo), composed of 32 landowning Maasai families, manages the conservancy. The community members benefit directly from the conservancy’s operations through revenue from eco-tourism, which supports local development projects, including:

Education: Schools for local children, which ensure that the community can provide quality education for future generations.

Healthcare: Clinics and health services to improve healthcare access in rural areas.

Infrastructure: Development of roads, water supply, and other vital infrastructure projects.

The revenue from eco-tourism, including bednight fees paid by guests at lodges such as House in the Wild, is reinvested into these community development initiatives. This helps strengthen the connection between conservation and community welfare, making it a model for sustainable development.

Tourism and Visitor Experience

Enonkishu Conservancy offers a range of activities for visitors:

Game Drives: The conservancy offers traditional game drives, where guests can see a wide variety of wildlife, including the Big Five and other species like cheetahs, giraffes, and various herbivores. The conservancy's relatively low human population density means that visitors can enjoy a more private, less crowded safari experience.

Cultural Experiences: Visitors to Enonkishu have the chance to engage with the Maasai people, learning about their traditional lifestyles, customs, and dances. Cultural visits can include tours of Maasai villages, where guests can see how the community lives and practices their culture.

Night Safaris: As mentioned, night drives are available for those interested in observing nocturnal wildlife. These safaris offer a chance to see species that are rarely seen during the day, such as honey badgers, aardvarks, and a variety of nocturnal birds.

Birdwatching: With over 450 species of birds, the conservancy is a haven for birdwatchers. From large raptors to small passerines, birding enthusiasts will find plenty to explore.

Walking Safaris: Accompanied by expert guides, visitors can enjoy walking safaris, which provide a closer, more intimate connection to the land and wildlife.

Best Time to Visit

Dry Season (June to October): This is the best time to visit Enonkishu, as wildlife tends to congregate around the remaining water sources, making animals easier to spot. The dry season is also when the Great Migration happens, with millions of wildebeests, zebras, and gazelles migrating across the plains of the Mara-Serengeti ecosystem.

Rainy Season (November to May): While the rainy season brings lush green landscapes and is a great time for birdwatching, wildlife viewing can be more challenging due to denser vegetation. Some lodges may close for maintenance during this period.

Getting There

Enonkishu Conservancy is easily accessible from Narok (about a 1-2 hour drive), which can be reached by road from Nairobi (about 5-6 hours). Alternatively, visitors can fly into airstrips such as Mara North or Ol Kiombo, which are a short drive from the conservancy.

Conclusion

Enonkishu Conservancy represents a successful model of integrating wildlife conservation and sustainable land management with community development. By employing holistic grazing practices, promoting eco-tourism, and involving local Maasai communities, Enonkishu not only preserves wildlife but also enhances the socio-economic well-being of its people. It offers a truly unique safari experience, where visitors can enjoy both incredible wildlife encounters and cultural immersion while supporting conservation efforts in one of the most renowned ecosystems in the world.