Borana Conservancy

Imagine waking to the sound of African wildlife stirring across endless plains, then spending your day tracking black and white rhinos through pristine wilderness before settling into a stylish lodge with panoramic views that stretch toward Mount Kenya. Borana Conservancy in Laikipia offers an intimate safari experience that feels both thrilling and deeply authentic, set across 28,000 acres of protected landscape where conservation isn't just a concept—it's the heartbeat of everything you'll experience. [1][2]

Borana Conservancy represents something special in Kenya's safari landscape: a private protected area that prioritizes genuine wildlife conservation alongside transformative travel experiences. Located on the northern slopes of Mount Kenya, just north of the equator on the Laikipia Plateau, this 28,000-acre sanctuary sits nestled between arid northern landscapes and ancient indigenous forests to the south. [3] What makes Borana truly exceptional is its commitment to sustainable tourism that directly funds conservation work, meaning your stay actively contributes to protecting endangered species and regenerating rangelands.

The conservancy's most compelling feature is its role as a crucial refuge for both black and white rhinos—species that face unprecedented pressure across Africa. [3] When Borana removed the fence separating it from neighboring Lewa Wildlife Conservancy in 2014, it created an unfenced ecosystem spanning over 142 square kilometers, allowing wildlife to roam freely across a vast conservation landscape. [9] This open corridor approach has revolutionized how the region manages wildlife, creating a model that other conservancies worldwide are studying and emulating.

What truly sets Borana apart is the variety of ways you can experience this remarkable landscape. Whether you're a seasoned safari enthusiast or embarking on your first African adventure, our travel specialists can help you craft an itinerary that matches your style—from traditional game drives to horseback safaris, mountain biking expeditions, and immersive conservation activities. [2] The terrain itself is dramatic and photogenic, marked by sweeping escarpments, acacia woodlands, and open plains that provide a spectacular backdrop for every moment of your journey.

Borana Lodge, at the heart of the conservancy, exemplifies the intimate, authentic approach that defines this destination. [2] The lodge combines stylish accommodation with exceptional service, offering unobstructed views of the conservancy from a beautiful hillside setting. Every element has been thoughtfully designed to enhance your connection to the landscape and wildlife, while maintaining the comfort and cuisine standards you'd expect from a world-class safari retreat.

The conservation story here runs deep and measurable. Borana is a protected area management entity committed to sustainable conservation and regeneration of wildlife, rangelands, and building local livelihoods. [3] When you stay here, 24% of your accommodation rate goes directly toward conservation efforts—a mandatory contribution that funds anti-poaching patrols, biodiversity monitoring, reforestation projects, and community healthcare and education programs. [4] This transparency means you'll understand exactly how your travel investment creates positive change.

Game viewing at Borana offers experiences impossible in national parks. Because this is a private conservancy, night drives are permitted, and your expert guide can take you off-road to follow wildlife behavior in real-time. [8] The best time for wildlife viewing is during the dry months from July to September, when weather is fine, roads are in excellent condition, and shorter grasses make animals easier to spot. [8] December to February is also generally dry, falling between the short rains of October-November and the long rains of March-May.

Horseback safaris represent one of Borana's signature experiences, offering a completely different perspective on the landscape and wildlife. Moving silently through acacia woodland and across open plains on horseback creates an intimate connection to the environment that's simply impossible from a vehicle. [2] Your experienced guides know the terrain intimately and can read animal behavior to position you for unforgettable encounters. Let our travel specialists arrange these specialized experiences—they'll match you with guides who understand both horsemanship and wildlife behavior.

Mountain biking adventures across Borana Conservancy provide another thrilling way to experience the landscape. [1] E-bike adventures ($80 per person) offer an accessible option for varying fitness levels, allowing you to cover more ground than walking while maintaining that intimate connection to nature. [1] These experiences work beautifully for active families or groups of friends seeking adventure beyond traditional safari formats.

Beyond Borana's boundaries, your adventure expands dramatically. The conservancy sits within a broader conservation landscape that includes Il Ngwesi and Lekurruki to the north and Ngare Ndare Forest to the southeast. [9] Visits to Ngare Ndare Forest ($40 per adult, $5 per vehicle) take you into ancient indigenous forest where you'll encounter different ecosystems and wildlife species not found in the open plains. [1] These excursions reveal the ecological diversity of the Laikipia region and how different habitats support different species.

For those seeking deeper engagement with conservation, fly camping experiences provide an extraordinary option. [1] A fly camping setup fee of $600 per group (maximum 12 people) allows you to spend nights under stars in remote locations within the conservancy, creating an immersive wilderness experience that feels both adventurous and surprisingly comfortable. [1] Your travel specialists can arrange all logistics, ensuring this becomes a highlight rather than a logistical challenge.

Visits to neighboring Lewa Wildlife Conservancy ($134 per adult, $67 per child) complement your Borana experience perfectly. [1] Lewa operates one of Africa's most successful rhino conservation programs and offers excellent game viewing opportunities. The two conservancies share wildlife and conservation philosophy, so visiting both provides a comprehensive understanding of how private land conservation operates in Kenya. [8]

Cultural experiences add profound depth to your journey. Borana maintains strong engagement with local Samburu, Laikipiak Maasai, and Mokogodo Maasai communities. [9] Visits to local communities and schools reveal how tourism revenue supports education, healthcare, and sustainable livelihoods for people who live alongside wildlife. [8] These aren't staged performances but genuine encounters that build understanding and respect. Our travel agents can arrange these experiences thoughtfully, ensuring they're mutually beneficial and respectful.

The Kisima Floriculture project ($70 per group) offers an unexpected but delightful experience. [1] This community-based flower farming initiative demonstrates sustainable agriculture practices and provides income for local families. Visiting reveals how conservation landscapes support diverse economic activities beyond wildlife tourism, creating resilience in local communities.

Borana Lodge's cuisine deserves special mention—it reflects a farm-to-fork philosophy that celebrates local ingredients and traditional flavors. [7] Meals are included in your accommodation rate, along with house wines and spirits, allowing you to relax without nickel-and-diming surprises. [4] The lodge's chefs source from local suppliers whenever possible, supporting community farmers while ensuring exceptional quality and freshness.

Accommodation options range from standard rooms to exclusive-use luxury homes, with special guide rooms available at $195 per night to make family travel more affordable. [7] Children under five stay free, and the lodge actively welcomes families, offering activities suitable for various ages. [7] Whether you're planning a romantic honeymoon, a family adventure, or a special celebration, our travel specialists can match you with the perfect room configuration and experience package.

Getting to Borana is surprisingly straightforward. The conservancy has its own airstrip that accommodates private charters, with flights typically departing from Nairobi's Wilson Airport. [4] If you prefer scheduled flights, Lewa Downs airstrip (an hour and a half's game drive away) has regular daily connections. [4] The lodge also has a helipad and can arrange road transfers on request. Our travel team will coordinate all transfers, ensuring seamless logistics from the moment you leave Nairobi.

Health and safety receive serious attention here. All guests must have adequate health and travel insurance plus AMREF flying doctors cover, which provides emergency evacuation access if needed. [4] Nairobi has excellent, European-standard hospitals, and evacuation to medical care is a short flight away. [4] The lodge's team is well-trained in first aid and health protocols, and your guides receive regular safety briefings. This isn't wilderness tourism with compromised safety—it's adventure with professional-grade risk management.

The best approach to planning your Borana experience is working with travel specialists who understand the conservancy intimately and can customize every element to match your interests, budget, and travel style. Our team can arrange exclusive vehicle use ($350 per day), coordinate helicopter excursions for dramatic aerial perspectives, and ensure every activity aligns with your vision of the perfect safari. [1] From booking your flights to arranging special dietary requirements to coordinating surprise celebrations, we handle the complex planning so you can focus purely on the adventure.

Ready to experience one of Africa's most remarkable conservation landscapes? Borana Conservancy offers an adventure that's simultaneously thrilling and meaningful—where every moment contributes to protecting endangered wildlife and supporting local communities. Your safari here becomes more than a vacation; it becomes participation in one of Kenya's most important conservation stories. Let our travel specialists craft your perfect Borana experience, handling every detail so you can simply immerse yourself in the magic of this extraordinary place.