Experience the heart of ranching and farming in Kenya at Mugie Conservancy
Kenya
Mugie Conservancy is at the forefront of conservation, operating as a low-impact cattle ranch and farm alongside preserving the delicate and productive ecosystems that host abundant wildlife, and provide key corridors for wildlife between the Laikipia plateau, the Mathews Range and the Samburu lands to the north and east. It offers a rare opportunity to explore the authentic world of ranching and farming in Kenya, where wildlife, people and livestock coexist across one of Laikipia’s most diverse landscapes. As a key part of the Laikipia ecosystem, Mugie blends conservation, community partnerships and responsible agriculture to protect vast tracts of land while supporting local livelihoods.
Here, guests can witness how a working ranch in Kenya operates, from cattle management to regenerative grazing and discover how agriculture plays a vital role in sustaining both communities and wildlife.
Mugie is home to a productive cattle ranch that plays a fundamental role in conservancy management. Ranching is not only a livelihood for the neighbouring communities, it also contributes directly to habitat health. Managed grazing helps maintain open grasslands, reduces the risk of overgrowth and supports the migratory routes used by elephants, antelope and other wildlife.
Visitors can learn how Mugie uses rotational grazing, herding strategies and wildlife-friendly practices to ensure cattle and wildlife thrive side by side. It’s an authentic insight into what makes a Kenyan ranch distinct from any other in Africa.
Alongside its ranching operations, Mugie Conservancy supports sustainable farming in Kenya, with small-scale agriculture that provides fresh produce to communities and local markets. Farming is carried out using climate-conscious methods that promote soil health, water conservation and long-term biodiversity.
Guests may visit the farming initiatives, learn about drought-resistant crops, and see firsthand how farming supports food security, income generation, and community resilience in the Laikipia region.
Mugie’s ranching and farming practices underpin its celebrated conservation work. Revenue from livestock and agriculture directly supports anti-poaching efforts, wildlife monitoring, habitat restoration and community outreach programmes.
This integrated system ensures that every part of the land contributes to the greater goal, preserving Laikipia’s natural heritage while creating sustainable economic opportunities. For travellers, it offers a deeper connection to the land and a richer understanding of how conservation succeeds in practice.
Experiencing ranching and farming at Mugie is also an opportunity to meet the people who shape this landscape. Local herders, conservancy rangers and community farmers all play vital roles in maintaining the delicate balance between agriculture and wildlife. Their knowledge, traditions and daily work offer a captivating glimpse into life in rural Kenya.
Through guided experiences and storytelling, guests gain a more meaningful understanding of how Mugie’s culture, conservation and agriculture intertwine.
• Sustains local communities through income, employment and food production • Supports conservation by funding wildlife protection and habitat management • Maintains ecosystem health through managed grazing and regenerative practices • Preserves cultural heritage rooted in pastoralism and farming traditions • Promotes coexistence between livestock, people and iconic Kenyan wildlife
