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NAIBUNGA CONSERVANCY

Location: Naibunga Conservancy is an inspiring community initiative, where 9 group ranches with over 7000 community members in central Laikipia have set aside 43,000 acres for conservation. The typical semi-arid landscape with red-earthed rolling hills and rocky outcrops is covered with acacia trees. Wildlife is returning to the Naibunga area, and in particular for one special species - wild dog. Once completely depleted of wild dog, Laikipia and the Ewaso ecosystem now has over 250 individuals, making this the world's 4th largest population.

Description:
Wuakumbe Hill Campsite located within the Wuakumbe Hills on Morupusi Group Ranch has spectacular views north and west across the Laikipia plains and beyond, with Ololokwe Mountain in the distance. The community have identified a perfect camping site where there is plenty of space to set up tents under the shade of scattered acacia trees. A stones throw away is a granite rock outcrop, hidden by flowering Euphorbia and tropical Dracaena plants, with uninterrupted views over the Kipsing lugga.
Sinyai River Campsite also in Morupusi Group Ranch is based on the sandy banks of the seasonal Sinyai River which is shaded by enormous yellow-fever trees. The dry river basin attracts elephants that come to dig for water in the sand, and salt on the banks.

Facilities:

1. Visitors need to bring water for drinking and washing and the nearest collection point is Dol Dol town. During the rainy season water can be collected from the Wuakumbe Rock Catchment project which feeds rain water into a storage tank, and the Sinyai River floods on occasion, leaving pools of water in the rocks.
2. Firewood is readily available
3. Safaricom signal only available from certain points
4. Rangers are on hand to guide visitors on all walks and to help in the campsite

Walking, hiking & biking: Walking opportunities within the Naibunga conservancy are vast, and the dirt roads are ideal for mountain biking. From Wuakumbe camp there is an easy 2 hour walk to a picnic spot, which is located on the summit of a neighbouring hill with a crag rock. A half-days walk to the top of Norpanga Hill is definitely worth doing. From Sinyai River visitors can talk walks up and downstream are rewarding, where the river tributaries can be explored and wildlife spoor identified in the sand. Birdlife here is fantastic. Local guides must accompany visitors on all walks and hikes, and advice on the whereabouts of elephant and buffalo must be sought before heading out.

Cultural Interaction: Opportunities to visit traditional homes belonging to Mukogodo Maasai, visits to herbal centre and ele-dung paper project.

Access / Directions:

1. Approximately 70 kms (2½ hours) from Nanyuki town - through Dol Dol town.

Email: kilwasfin@yahoo.com / omsakian@yahoo.com

2. 4-wheel drive vehicle required
3. Junctions are clearly marked
4. Directions to Wuakumbe Hill Campsite:
• Out of Nanyuki town turn left between Total and Caltex petrol stations
• Follow signs for Dol Dol town and after 21.5km turn right where the tarmac ends (after Jua Kali & Naibor). From turnoff to Il Polei barrier is another 20kms
• Barrier to Dol Dol town - another 15km and after town bear right where road splits (secondary school sign).
• 5kms after Dol Dol bear left and go through school playground
• Turn right after another 4kms past the Wuakumbe rock catchment
• Campsite is a further 2kms
5. Directions to Sinyai River Campsite (your guide to direct)

Please Click here to enquire.

Naibunga walk.

Naibunga view.

Naibunga river camp.

Naibunga community meeting.