Protecting and restoring our natural heritage

Protect

A forest under siege: A heartbreaking encounter in Nyekweri

My recent visit to the Nyekweri Forest left an indelible mark, a stark reminder of the urgent conservation crisis unfolding before our eyes. This biodiversity hotspot, located above and along the Oloololo Escarpment (which forms the famous backdrop for the Masai Mara National Reserve), is an easternmost fragment of the Congo-Guinea forest, and the last known refuge of the elusive and endangered Giant ground pangolin (Smutsia gigantea) in Kenya. This species was believed to be extinct in Kenya, until January 2021. It is now believed that fewer than 30 individuals remain here.

It also forms a critical dispersal area for the Masai Mara National Reserve. Yet, in just a few years, this vital habitat has suffered a catastrophic loss of over 90% of its cover. Alarming levels of illegal logging and rampant charcoal production have turned this dense forest into barren patches. 

Only remnant patches of forest now remain – photo credit Felix Rome

The harrowing sound of power saws whines on and on, as countless ancient trees – wild African olives (Olea europaea ssp. c. uspidata), East African greenhearts (Warburgia ugandensis), moth trees (Elaeodendron buchananii) and giant diospyros (Diospyros abyssinica) – continue to be felled indiscriminately for timber and fuel.  

Wild African olives, a species that takes hundreds of years to grow, are used to make fence posts – photo credit Felix Rome.

Huts erected by the transient charcoal makers – photo credit Felix Rome

The scene here is haunting. Makeshift huts dot the ravaged landscape; the occasional cry of a baby casting out from within them. Young saplings desperately attempt to sprout amidst the carnage, and ghostly remnants of once vigorous vines sway lifeless in the silent breeze from the boughs of isolated trees. 

The dull thud of axes continue their relentless work – photo credit Felix Rome.

Yet, amidst this devastation, signs of life persist—heaps of fresh elephant dung, a stick nest of a crowned eagle high up in a tree, and the nervous calls of blue monkeys from within the canopy of the remaining pockets of forest. 

Around four or five pairs of crowned eagles still nest in the forest patches – photo credit Felix Rome

A shift in land ownership is driving this recent and rapid deforestation. Traditionally, communal rangelands have been subdivided into private plots, leading landowners to invite outsiders to clear the land for immediate gains through grazing, farming, and the lucrative charcoal trade. 

Private landowners fence their land, restricting the movement of the wildlife left here – photo credit Felix Rome.

Unaware of the long-term ecological consequences and enticed by quick cash, they fell the trees, selling the raw materials for a pittance. At the same time, charcoal traders in towns and far-off cities reap significant profits.  

Charcoal production is widespread – photo credit Felix Rome

The situation in Nyekweri is critical, demanding immediate and decisive action – photo credit Felix Rome

There is still hope of protecting the last fragments of forest, and thankfully, crucial conservation efforts are now underway. The Pangolin Project is working tirelessly to establish a new conservancy, a sanctuary for the remaining Giant ground pangolins and other species that call this forest home. They are finalising leases for 1,600 hectares of land, aiming to reach 5,000 hectares by June 2025. Their strategy prioritises leasing land with known Giant ground pangolin and parcels that contain raptor nests. 

Some landowners have left the forest intact, offering a glimmer of hope for protecting these areas – photo credit Felix Rome.

Jackson, the Monitoring Officer for the Mara Raptor Project (MRP), is providing raptor nest data. The MRP is one of our conservation partners in the Masai Mara, and we are proud to have funded Jackson’s work for six months so far.  

A long-crested eagle surveys the forest from a fallen tree – photo credit Felix Rome

The conservation of raptors on privately owned land presents a unique set of challenges. However, Jackson, as a local Maasai himself, is well connected to the predominantly Maasai community; his roots are invaluable in building trust and imparting knowledge of the importance of raptor conservation amongst the people living there.  

One poignant example of his dedication involved the rescue of a crowned eagle chick last November after its nest tree was felled for charcoal. The chick was successfully transferred to the care of Simon Thomsett at the Soysambu Raptor Center (another of our conservation partners). 

A rescued Crowned eagle chick is cared for at the Soysambu Raptor Centre – photo credit Alisa Karstad

Jackson covers vast distances each month and has so far successfully identified 84 nests of various raptors, including crowned, martial, tawny and Wahlberg’s eagles as well as hooded vultures. This work is vital in informing conservation priorities. 

Jackson conducts nest monitoring work inside the forest – photo credit Felix Rome

The Mara Elephant Project also has ranger teams active in Nyekweri. We are committed to directing support this year toward these teams, which work tirelessly on the ground to provide crucial protection and monitoring. 

A 90% decline in forest cover in less than a decade – photo credit Felix Rome.

The future of Nyekweri, its Giant ground pangolin, raptors, elephants, and other wildlife hangs in the balance. We urgently need more support to bolster the vital conservation efforts of our partners.  Any donation made through our secure donation platform, regardless of size, will directly support these crucial on-the-ground conservation efforts, offering a lifeline to the rich biodiversity this forest still shelters. Every USD 25 donated to the Pangolin Project can safeguard half an acre of critical habitat for an entire year. 

Tree Planting Initiatives

With the welcome arrival of the long rains, our in-house tree planting efforts have gained momentum. Our Governors’ Camp nursery currently nurtures approximately 300 seedlings of indigenous species, including East African greenheart, broad-leaved croton, quinine, and wild African olive. Many of these young trees are now being planted throughout our camps. 

An elephant pepper seedling at Governors’ Camp – photo credit Alisa Karstad.

We have also supported The Centre for Ecosystem Restoration Kenya, a local community project, in purchasing an additional 200 taller seedlings, including more greenhearts, olives, and giant diospyros. These are all found growing naturally throughout the Mara River’s riverine forest. Such efforts are a testament to our commitment to reforestation and the long-term health of the landscapes in which we operate. 

Our team actively engage in tree planting activities- photo credit Frankie Adamson

Educate

Children in the Wilderness (CITW)

The month’s highlight was completing our second year of CITW Eco-Mentor training courses. This year, we welcomed 22 individuals from Masai Mara, Naivasha, and Laikipia to our engaging two-day sessions.  

CITW Eco-Mentor Training in the Masai Mara – photo credit Felix Rome 

The Eco-Mentor Training program is designed to equip local community members, teachers, and our camp staff to lead impactful environmental projects and initiatives within our partner schools. These dedicated individuals are instrumental in addressing Kenya’s critical need for more environmental education. The sessions covered the CITW program and how to run effective Eco-Clubs, fostering peer learning and lasting connections.  

CITW Eco-Mentor Training in the Masai Mara – photo credit Felix Rome 

The highlight was undoubtedly the afternoon game drives, which allowed the mentors to get up close to much of the wildlife that they had thus far taught their students about but which they had never seen with their own eyes. 

CITW Eco-Mentor Training in the Masai Mara – photo credits Felix Rome 

We thank our whole team and Sue Goatley (Zimbabwe Impact Manager) for their dedication in making these training sessions a resounding success. 

The launch of our Bursary Fund

Our strengthened partnerships with member schools, facilitated by the Children in the Wilderness program, have given us a deeper understanding of the students’ needs. As a result, we are committed to supporting deserving students through secondary school bursaries and are seeking donors to make this possible.  

The cost to fully support a child through three years of education in a day school is USD $900; for a boarder, the cost is USD1500. This covers their tuition, uniform, food, small travel, stationery and personal items allowance, and boarding (if boarding). We welcome donations of any size to the bursary fund as we can combine funds from multiple donors to ensure that each child is financially covered to complete the entire three years (Forms 2, 3 and 4) of their secondary education, before we will take on any further candidates.   

The importance of such opportunities cannot be overstated. Whilst primary schooling is almost free, the government does not fund secondary schools, and therefore, many families cannot cover the costs of their children’s education. Thus, being able to finish schooling in Kenya is not an option for a considerable percentage of our young population, yet sadly, there are countless deserving cases. 

For those interested in sponsoring a child through their secondary education, we can help you with this by giving regular updates on the academic progress of your beneficiary. 

Meet our newest Bursary Candidates.

In the hope of connecting potential new donors to some of the individual students whose futures can be positively impacted, we’re sharing (with the consent of the students and their parents) three profiles of students who live in Kasarani village on the shores of Lake Naivasha. Kasarani is an informal settlement with limited job opportunities available for parents. 

Each of these students is a member of the TAFA Community Centre and is, therefore, known to be genuinely deserving of assistance. All three children are out of school due to a lack of funding and they wish to attend St. Andrew’s Tarabete Secondary School (one of our partner schools) as day pupils (USD300 per student per year). 

Mary Chepkemoi is a 14-year-old from the Kipsigis community who aspires to become a doctor. She enjoys math and reading, actively engages in community service, and has become a dedicated Bible mentor at TAFA. Mary describes herself as humble and a rule-follower.

With Mother Teresa as her role model, she hopes for a peaceful world. The one thing she would change in her life is her family background. She hopes to attend St. Andrews Secondary School as a day pupil so that she can remain close to her family.  

Mary Chepkemoi – photo credit Felix Rome 

Joseph Olunguruoni is a 17-year-old from the Maasai community who is passionate about reading stories, science, and football. With Liverpool footballer Mohamed Salah as his role model, he aspires to be a professional footballer one day. 

Joseph Olunguruoni – photo credit Felix Rome 

Joseph contributes to his community by collecting rubbish and takes pride in his academic achievements. He is humble and quiet and dreams of peace and unity in the world. Like Mary, the one thing he would change in the world is his family background. He has lived solely with his mother since his father left home and never returned.

He hopes to attend St. Andrew’s Secondary School as a day pupil so that he can help his mother with chores when he gets home. He hopes that he will get the opportunity to work hard and change his story by attending this school.  

Josephat Saitoti is a 16-year-old of Maasai and Luo heritage who aims to become a journalist and photographer in the future. He enjoys taking pictures and videos, and actively participates in football. 

Josephat Saitoti – photo credit Felix Rome

Josephat recognises the importance of education in achieving his goals and wants to use mass media to promote gender equality and support the sick and disabled. He is focused on improving his defending skills at TAFA this year, having spent the past year unwell and restricted to bed. He hopes to enrol at St. Andrew’s School as a day pupil.  

These deserving students represent the potential and resilience of the communities we work with. Please get in touch with alisa@governorscamp.com to learn more about how you can support them.

Empower

A Window into Samburu Culture

Our guests staying at Governors’ Mugie House have the unique opportunity to immerse themselves in the vibrant traditions of the Samburu people. This enriching cultural visit offers a firsthand encounter with this distinct Nilotic community of north-central Kenya, closely related to the Maasai yet possessing their own captivating customs and colourful attire. 

A Samburu girl – photo credit Alisa Karstad

A Samburu lady – photo credit Alisa Karstad

Visitors are welcomed into a traditional Samburu homestead, crafted from wattle and daub, where the intimate details of daily life are apparent. Inside the simple huts, one learns about the significance of well-used gourds for the traditional blood and milk drink, sees the smouldering open-hearth fireplace and observes the sleeping arrangements on cowhide-covered beds. 

A Samburu lady- photo credit Alisa Karstad

Back outside, the Samburu women perform with song and dance, which guests are encouraged to join in on. Guests can also try their hand at the ancient art of fire-making by friction and gain a deeper appreciation for the rhythms and routines of Samburu life. This authentic interaction provides invaluable insight into a rich cultural heritage.  

Traditional song and dance – photo credit Alisa Karstad

Nai Nami: Experiencing Nairobi Through New Eyes

We are pleased to support Nai Nami, an initiative offering travellers to Nairobi an unparalleled perspective on the city. This unique street tour is led by a small group of men who, due to their childhoods growing up living on the streets, possess intimate knowledge and compelling stories of the city. 

A tour of Nairobi with Nai Nami – photo credit Felix Rome

For guests seeking genuine local experiences that leave a lasting impression, Nai Nami delivers. These guided walks offer a powerful opportunity to connect with individuals from what can feel like a different world, hear their inspiring journeys of survival, resilience and transformation, and gain a deeper understanding of Nairobi’s realities for much of the population. 

A tour of Nairobi with Nai Nami – photo credit Felix Rome

Each guest is paired with a guide, allowing for personal exchanges and plenty of opportunities for questions. The three-hour downtown walking tour retraces the guides’ experiences on the streets, revealing the places they once called home and showcasing their remarkable progress through the project.

Donga is one of the founders and tour leaders – photo credit Felix Rome

The tour ends with lunch in a local cafe, further supporting these inspiring individuals by providing purpose, employment, and a brighter future. 

Guests have plenty of opportunities for open discussions – photo credit Felix Rome.

Governors’ Camp Collection remains committed to positively impacting communities, educating future generations, and protecting Kenya’s diverse wildlife. Your stay with us directly contributes to these efforts.

By Alisa Karstad, Impact Manager for Governors’ Camp Collection. If you would like to learn more about any of our Impact efforts, you can reach out to us via email at info@governorscamp.com

If you’d like to support our work, you can use our secure online payment platform, which is linked below.

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