
Borana Conservancy
Premier Laikipia conservancy renowned for black and white rhinos, excellent wildlife viewing, and community-focused conservation with horseback safaris.
conservancy
About Borana Conservancy
Borana Conservancy is one of the most important conservation areas in the Laikipia region of Kenya, covering approximately 130 square kilometers of pristine wilderness. Originally established as a private cattle ranch, it has been successfully transformed into a thriving wildlife conservation area that now teems with diverse fauna and flora. The conservancy is particularly renowned for its substantial black rhino population and numerous elephants, making it a critical stronghold for both rhino species in East Africa. The landscape is characterized by beautiful rolling green hills, acacia trees, grasslands, light woodlands, and river valleys that offer stunning vistas extending for hundreds of miles. What distinguishes Borana from other conservancies is its strong commitment to community engagement and sustainable safari practices. The conservancy maintains active anti-poaching programs and supports numerous education and health projects for local communities, ensuring that conservation efforts benefit both wildlife and people. There are no fences between Borana and its neighboring Lewa Wildlife Conservancy, creating a larger, more cohesive ecosystem that enhances wildlife movement and genetic diversity. The conservancy offers exceptional wildlife viewing opportunities with game drives, night drives, off-road driving experiences, and unique horseback-riding safaris that cannot be found in many other Kenyan reserves. With nearly 300 bird species recorded, including the distinctive blue-legged Somali ostrich, Borana is also an outstanding destination for birdwatchers and ornithologists.
Wildlife to See
Flora & Vegetation
Activities & Experiences
Landscape & Terrain
Rolling green hills with acacia trees, grasslands, light woodlands, and river valleys. Verdant landscape contrasts with barren hills to the north. Elevation ranges from 1,541-2,133 meters with views extending hundreds of miles.
Conservation Efforts
Strong anti-poaching programs protect black and white rhino populations. Sustainable safari practices employed. No fences between Borana and Lewa Wildlife Conservancy allow wildlife movement. Community-based conservation approach ensures local stakeholder involvement in protection efforts.
Local Communities
Borana Conservancy has strong engagement with local communities through education and health projects. Community development is integral to the conservancy's mission, with profits from safaris supporting local initiatives.
Photography Tips
Best light during early morning and late afternoon. Rolling hills provide excellent landscape photography. Wildlife abundant during dry season with shorter grasses. Off-road driving allows close-up wildlife photography opportunities.
Safari Packages (0)
No packages available for this destination yet. Check back soon!
Quick Information
Size
130 km²
Elevation
1,837 meters
Recommended Duration
3 days
Average Cost/Day
$500 USD
Best Time to Visit
July to September for wildlife viewing when weather is fine, roads are in good condition, and grasses are shorter. December to February is also generally dry. December to March is optimal for birding. Year-round visitation is possible.
Getting There
Fly from Nairobi to Nanyuki then drive (4-6 hours from Nairobi, 240km/150 miles), or private charter from Wilson Airport to Borana's airstrip. AirKenya operates scheduled flights to nearby Lewa Downs.
Nearest Airport: Nanyuki Airport or Nairobi's Wilson Airport (WIL)
Nearest Town: Nanyuki
Accommodation Options
Conservation Status
Important conservation area with strong anti-poaching programs and sustainable practices; home to thriving black and white rhino populations
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