Westgate Community Conservancy

Westgate Community Conservancy is a vast, community-owned conservation area spanning approximately 36,600 hectares (90,000 acres) in Samburu County, just west of the Samburu National Reserve. Bordered by the lifeline of the Ewaso Nyiro River, Westgate offers a rugged, authentic landscape of acacia scrubland, impressive rocky outcrops, and a vibrant ribbon of riparian vegetation that sustains life in this arid frontier.

The conservancy serves as a critical wildlife corridor, maintaining connectivity between the Laikipia Plateau and the Mathews Range. This protected pathway ensures that ancient migration routes remain open, particularly for elephants and other large herbivores moving across the northern rangelands.

Home to a significant population of the endangered Grevy’s zebra, approximately 500 individuals, Westgate lives by its motto: “We cherish to Conserve – The Grevy’s Zebra is our Gold.” Beyond this flagship species, the conservancy supports herds of elephants, reticulated giraffes, Beisa oryx, Gerenuk, and predators including lions, leopards, cheetahs, and African wild dogs.

With the luxurious Sasaab Lodge nestled on the riverbanks, the conservancy ensures an exclusive safari experience far removed from the crowds. Visitors can enjoy guided game drives, walking safaris along the sandy riverbeds (luggas), and immersive cultural visits with the Samburu people, gaining deep insight into a lifestyle that has coexisted with wildlife for centuries.

Westgate is a model of holistic management, where traditional pastoralism meets modern conservation. Established to improve livelihoods while protecting nature, the conservancy implements “planned grazing” to restore rangelands for both livestock and wildlife. Local Samburu households benefit directly through the NRT “Livestock to Market” program and tourism revenue, which funds essential community projects including school bursaries, water infrastructure, and mobile health clinics.

How to Get There

By Road:

✓ Travel Time: About 6–7 hours from Nairobi (or 3 hours from Nanyuki)
✓ Distance: Approximately 70 km from Archer’s Post (and approx. 350–380 km from Nairobi)
✓ Scenery: The drive transitions from the lush highlands of Mt. Kenya to the dramatic, arid vistas of the Northern Frontier, offering views of Mt. Ololokwe and the Ewaso Nyiro ecosystem
✓ Route: From Nairobi, take the A2 highway north past Nanyuki and Isiolo to Archer’s Post. From there, turn west onto the C79 (Archer’s Post–Baragoi Road), which forms the northern boundary, or take the access road through Samburu National Reserve (Ngare Mara Gate) towards Westgate

By Air:

✓ Sasaab Airstrip: Located within the conservancy, this private airstrip serves guests staying at Sasaab Lodge
✓ Transfers: Road transfers from Samburu/Kalama airstrips to Westgate take you through scenic wildlife areas before reaching the conservancy headquarters or lodge
✓ Scheduled Flights: Daily scheduled flights operate from Wilson Airport (Nairobi) to the nearby Samburu or Kalama Airstrips (flight time approx. 1 hour to 1 hour 20 minutes)

History

Westgate Community Conservancy was officially established in August 2004 and commenced operations in 2005. It is rooted in the Ngutuk Ongiron Group Ranch (the principal shareholder) and was registered under the Community Land Act 2016 to secure land tenure and resource rights for the local people.

The conservancy covers a total area of 36,671 hectares, with specific zones designated for settlement and grazing, and a core conservation area of 890 hectares, protected exclusively for wildlife. Supported by the Northern Rangelands Trust (NRT), The Safari Collection, and conservation partners like Ewaso Lions and the Grevy’s Zebra Trust, Westgate has transformed from a region once plagued by poaching into a secure wildlife haven.

These partnerships have driven significant development, including the employment of over 35 community rangers trained by KWS, the establishment of the “Livestock to Market” program, and the empowerment of women through NRT Trading’s beadwork initiatives. Tourism infrastructure has anchored this growth, most notably with the opening of Sasaab Lodge in 2008. Since its inception, the partnership has channeled over $1 million back into the conservancy, funding security, roads, education, and healthcare, demonstrating the viability of community-led conservation.

Wildlife Viewing Experiences

✓ Morning & Afternoon Game Drives: Set out on guided safaris across Westgate’s diverse 400 sq km landscape, traversing thorny acacia scrubland, impressive rocky outcrops, and the lush green banks of the Ewaso Nyiro River. As a critical migration corridor between Laikipia and the Mathews Range, the area offers exclusive sightings of massive elephant herds and the rare Grevy’s zebra—Westgate hosts over 500 of these endangered beauties, embodying the motto “The Grevy’s Zebra is our Gold.”

You may encounter Reticulated giraffe, Beisa oryx, Gerenuk (the “giraffe-necked” antelope), lesser and greater kudu, Grant’s gazelle, and warthogs. The area is also a predator hotspot, with resident lions (monitored by the Ewaso Lions project), leopards, cheetahs, and frequently sighted packs of African wild dogs denning there. The drives are accompanied by professional guides who share in-depth insights into animal behavior, the success of community rangers, and the unique biodiversity of this riverine ecosystem.

✓ Sunset Safaris: Late afternoon drives reveal Westgate at its most scenic. As the heat dissipates, the landscape glows in shades of gold, and herds of elephants often converge at the Ewaso Nyiro River to drink and bathe. Guests may pause at elevated viewpoints or rocky outcrops for sundowner drinks, watching silhouettes of giraffes against the setting sun. At the same time, the evening birdsong and the distant calls of leopards echo through the valley.

✓ Night Game Drives: When darkness falls, Westgate comes alive with nocturnal activity. Experience the conservancy after sunset, guided by powerful spotlights and keen-eyed rangers. Watch as genets dart through the grass, white-tailed mongooses forage, and porcupines waddle by. You may also glimpse elusive species such as aardvarks, civets, and honey badgers, as well as active predators on the hunt. The night’s silence, often broken by the roar of a lion or the laugh of a hyena, offers an unforgettable glimpse into the hidden nightlife of the Northern Frontier.

Nature-Based Guided Walks

✓ Birdwatching: Westgate is a haven for bird enthusiasts, particularly along the riparian belt of the river, which attracts a high density of species. The diverse habitats—from dry scrubland to riverine forest—host iconic species such as the Somali ostrich, vulturine guinea fowl, and various raptors. Whether at dawn or dusk, birdwatching in Westgate offers constant discoveries, with the river providing a vibrant backdrop for photography and observation.

✓ Walking Safaris: Join experienced Samburu rangers for an intimate journey on foot along the wide, sandy luggas (dry riverbeds) or the banks of the Ewaso Nyiro. Learn how to identify animal tracks, spot signs of elephant movement, and recognize plants used for traditional medicine. These walks immerse visitors in the fine details of the bush, from colorful lizards and insects to the intricate balance between livestock and wildlife. Each step connects you to the land, offering a perspective that vehicles cannot provide.

Immersive Conservation & Community Experiences

✓ The Ewaso Lions Connection: Westgate works closely with the Ewaso Lions project, a community-based organization dedicated to conserving lions. Guests can learn about the “Warrior Watch” program, where Samburu warriors are trained to monitor lion populations and mitigate human-wildlife conflict, blending traditional protection roles with modern conservation science

✓ Cultural & Beadwork Visits: Step into a traditional Samburu manyatta to experience the culture and rhythms of daily life. A highlight is visiting the NRT Trading centers, where local women groups create intricate beadwork. These visits are not just tours but respectful exchanges that show how craft-making and enterprise development have provided alternative income sources for women, reducing dependence on livestock and funding their children’s education

✓ Eco-Project Insights: Discover how Westgate embodies the principles of “Holistic Management.” Guests can learn about the conservancy’s pioneering grazing programs, in which cattle are bunched to allow perennial grasses to recover. This strategy has improved livestock health while restoring wildlife habitat. Visit the ranger headquarters to learn about anti-poaching patrols, the “Livestock to Market” program that incentivizes conservation, and how the community has successfully cleared invasive Acacia reficiens to reclaim pasture

Unique Bush Experiences

✓ Fly Camping: For the ultimate immersion, guests can arrange unparalleled fly-camping experiences (sleeping out in the bush in temporary camps). Sleep under a blanket of stars, surrounded by the sounds of the wild, for a night of pure connection with nature

✓ Rock Climbing: For the adventurous, the conservancy’s dramatic rocky outcrops, such as those at Lengusaka, offer opportunities for climbing and hiking. Reaching the top rewards you with panoramic views of the entire conservancy and the winding river below

✓ Camel Safaris: For a truly traditional perspective, explore the wilderness on a camel ride (often arranged by Sasaab Lodge). Riding these “ships of the desert” allows you to move quietly through the bush, frequently getting closer to giraffes and zebras than is possible in a vehicle. It is a peaceful and authentic way to traverse the arid terrain.

✓ Sundowners & Bush Meals: Enjoy a bush breakfast served on the banks of the Ewaso Nyiro River, or a sundowner drink on a high rocky outcrop overlooking the vast rangelands. The views often include elephants wandering below or the distant mountains bathed in evening light. Meals in the bush are accompanied by warm hospitality and the natural orchestra of the Samburu wilderness

✓ Helicopter Excursions: Take to the skies for the ultimate aerial adventure. Soar over the winding Ewaso Nyiro River to spot elephant herds from above, or venture further afield to the jagged peaks of Mount Kenya and remote desert pools. These scenic flights offer a breathtaking perspective on the vast Northern Frontier wilderness that few ever see.

Wildlife & Biodiversity

Westgate Community Conservancy is a critical conservation area within the northern rangelands, acting as a vital buffer and corridor west of the Samburu National Reserve. Covering approximately 36,600 hectares (90,000 acres), Westgate stretches along the banks of the Ewaso Nyiro River, forming a lifeline in this semi-arid wilderness.

The conservancy’s landscape is the archetypal image of Northern Kenya thorny acacia scrubland dotted with dramatic rocky outcrops, transitioning into a lush green ribbon of riparian vegetation along the river. This diversity provides habitats for a remarkable array of species.

As a member of the Northern Rangelands Trust (NRT), Westgate serves as a crucial migration corridor, enabling elephants to move between the Laikipia Plateau and the Mathews Range. It is arguably most famous for its dedication to the endangered Grevy’s zebra, living by the motto: “We cherish to Conserve – The Grevy’s Zebra is our Gold.”

Wildlife at Westgate Conservancy

Large Mammals

✓ Grant’s Gazelles, Impalas, and Warthogs – Common throughout the conservancy, these species support the healthy predator population
✓ Gerenuks – The unique “giraffe gazelle” is a common sight, often spotted standing on its hind legs to reach high branches in the scrubland
✓ Beisa Oryx – Adapted to the arid conditions, these striking antelopes with their straight, rapier-like horns are found grazing in the open areas
✓ Waterbuck – Unlike the dryland species, these shaggy antelopes are almost exclusively found near the riverbanks and the riparian vegetation of the Ewaso Nyiro
✓ Reticulated Giraffes – After being absent for many years, these strikingly patterned giraffes have returned to the conservancy, browsing on the acacia trees that dominate the landscape
✓ Lesser & Greater Kudu – The thick acacia bush provides perfect cover for these shy, spiral-horned antelopes, with the Lesser Kudu being a particular specialty of this northern terrain
✓ African Elephants – The conservancy is a vital corridor for elephants moving north from Samburu National Reserve. Massive herds are frequently seen drinking and bathing along the Ewaso Nyiro River
✓ Grevy’s Zebras – Westgate is a haven for approximately 500 of these endangered zebras. They are a flagship species here, grazing on the open scrublands rehabilitated by the community’s holistic grazing plans

Big Cats & Predators

✓ Cheetahs – Occasionally seen hunting on the open plains where the scrubland thins out
✓ Spotted & Striped Hyenas – Both species are present, acting as the vital clean-up crew of the ecosystem
✓ Lions – Thanks to conservation efforts and partnership with Ewaso Lions, lions have become permanently resident in the conservancy again
✓ Leopards – The rocky outcrops and riverine trees provide the perfect habitat for leopards, which are often sighted by guests staying at Sasaab Lodge
✓ African Wild Dogs – These endangered and elusive predators are frequently recorded using the conservancy to den and hunt, thriving in the protected core areas

Other Mammals

✓ Dik-diks – Tiny, monogamous antelopes that dart among the shrubs
✓ Genets & Civets – Nocturnal species often spotted during night drives near the rocky ridges
✓ Baboons & Vervet Monkeys – Troops are commonly found along the river, utilizing the large trees for safety and the water for survival

Birdlife

✓ Somali Ostrich – A distinct subspecies with blue-grey skin, commonly roaming the open areas
✓ Dryland Specialists – The scrubland hosts northern endemics such as the Vulturine Guinea Fowl and the Rosy-patched Bushshrike
✓ Riverine Species – The Ewaso Nyiro River attracts a wealth of birdlife not found in the drier interior, including Kingfishers, Herons, and Egyptian Geese
✓ Raptors – The rocky outcrops provide nesting sites for various birds of prey, including Eagles and Vultures that soar on the thermals above the conservancy

Where to Stay

Westgate Community Conservancy offers a distinctive blend of accommodation options, ranging from world-class luxury to authentic, back-to-nature adventures. Whether you choose the opulent comfort of the conservancy’s premier lodge or the rugged charm of a private campsite, every stay directly supports the livelihoods of the Samburu community and the conservation of this critical wildlife corridor.

Sasaab Lodge

Sasaab Lodge is a stunning luxury tented camp nestled on the high rocky banks of the Ewaso Nyiro River. As the only lodge within the conservancy, it offers exclusive access to the wilderness. It commands majestic views across the river toward the Laikipia Plateau and the jagged peaks of Mount Kenya. Owned by The Safari Collection (Tamimi Kenya Ltd), Sasaab is designed to offer a “wild slice of Africa” while ensuring maximum comfort.

The architecture creates a cooling sanctuary from the heat of the Northern Frontier, with open-air spaces that keep guests connected to the surrounding nature. The lodge features 18 luxury beds (each in a spacious tented suite), each with a private plunge pool and an open-air bathroom. The elevated position ensures that guests can watch elephants bathing in the river below directly from their rooms.

Activities: Guests can enjoy game drives, camel safaris, guided bush walks, and cultural visits. The lodge is also renowned for its wellness treatments and the unique opportunity to fly camp under the stars.

Community Impact: Sasaab is a model of community partnership. 60% of the lodge’s revenue funds vital community projects, including school bursaries, water pumps, and infrastructure, while 40% supports the conservancy’s annual operating costs. The lodge also predominantly employs staff from the local community.

Westgate Conservancy Campsites

For travelers seeking a more private, immersive, and rugged experience of the African bush, Westgate Community Conservancy operates several exclusive campsites. These sites offer a rare opportunity to sleep in the heart of the wilderness, surrounded only by the sounds of the night and the vast Samburu sky. Managed directly by the conservancy, these campsites are perfect for those who want to get “off the beaten track” and gain a deeper insight into the landscape.

Campsite Options:

✓ Lengusaka Campsite: Located near dramatic rocky outcrops, this site is ideal for adventure lovers. It serves as a base for rock climbing excursions and offers sweeping views of the acacia scrubland
✓ Lesiteti Campsite: Situated in a prime wildlife viewing area, this site offers a front-row seat to the conservancy’s biodiversity, perfect for those hoping to spot the Grevy’s zebra or elephants passing through

Experience: Camping at Westgate offers complete seclusion. Days are spent exploring the riverine forests and rocky hills, while evenings feature campfire stories and stargazing in one of Kenya’s darkest skies. Visitors often combine their stay with cultural experiences to gain a deeper understanding of the traditional Samburu lifestyle.

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Email: [email protected]
Website: https://africanspicesafaris.com