Southern Rift Valley; wildlife and cultural conservation and tourism

Kenya: South Rift Association of Land Owners and Lal'enok Resource Centre ~ tourism & science support

Researcher Paul Schuette and Resource Centre staff coordinator Albert Kuseyo training resource assessors in GPS.The South Rift valley of Kenya covers an area of approximately 850,000 hectares, spanning from the Maasai Mara Reserve to Amboseli National Park. The area is home to the Maasai, who move across the region in search of pasture for their livestock. Ecologically, the area is one of the most diverse in Africa, home to some 65% of the region’s famous wildlife.

ConserVentures has been working with the all-Maasai group of landowners, the South Rift Association, to help them establish tourism through a new driving circuit, and establishing community-run camps and the science centre, owned and managed by the women of the village of Olkiramatian. 

ConserVentures supports the South Rift Association through the Resources for Rangers campaign and promoting tourism in the region. The South Rift Resource Centre is a base for science expeditions and educational safaris as well as the South Rift Game Scouts.

Click map to view in Google mapsIMPORTANCE:

• Eco-tourism
• Science-tourism & citizen science 
• Community conservation project 
• Endangered wildlife
• Traditional cultures

WHAT IS NEEDED:

• In October 2011, we are sponsoring a workshop for the game scouts, with staff and volunteers from ConserVentures. Please see our How you can help page for a list of items we are gathering from donations in summer 2011 to support the scouts.

• In 2012, we will lead another volunteer trip and adventure safari for a select number of participants; please register your interest in this trip (September-October 2012) by filling out our Skills form here.

LINKS:

• South Rift Association of Land Owners
• South Rift Resource Centre 
• African Conservation Fund
• Amboseli Conservation & Research

GALLERY of images from past safaris and expedtions