Governors’ Mugie offers a myriad of activities for exploring and enjoying Laikipia’s vast open landscapes and endangered species. Their personal dedication to the conservation of this unique area draws our attention and the 14 activities that are offered revolve around the conservation of a unique piece of wilderness balanced between herders and wildlife enthusiasts. One of the few locations and outfitters that truly handle this relationship with great care and priority.
About Governors‘ Mugie
With its unique combination of diverse landscapes, endemic wildlife, and signature experiences, Governors’ Mugie complements a Kenya unknown. The location is a private wildlife conservancy in Laikipia, spanning almost 50,000 acres, which hosts a variety of impactful community and conservation programs.
Eight stone cottages, each with panoramic views of the Laikipia landscape, are perched on a hill at Governors’ Mugie. A spacious main house with open log fires welcomes guests for relaxing cocktails and delicious meals, while an infinity pool provides shaded areas for casual, open-air dining. The waterhole and purpose-built hide below the house attract a variety of wildlife. Our poolside spa offers a range of massages using 100% natural products by The Wild Herb Company.
Securing land for wildlife is a crucial conservation imperative in Africa today, and Mugie Conservancy provides a vital access route between the Laikipia plateau, the Mathews Range, and the Samburu lands to the north and east. Vast acacia-dotted savannahs, olive forests, and scrubby bush are a haven for many wildlife species. Endangered species endemic to these parts of Africa – such as Grevy’s zebras, Jackson’s hartebeests, beisa oryx, and reticulated giraffes – can all be found here in good numbers.
Children of all ages are welcome at Governors’ Mugie.
Eco-Tourism Kenya has awarded Governors’ Mugie a Silver rating for its sustainability efforts and environmentally friendly practices.
The Conservancy is at the forefront of conservation, operating as a low-impact cattle ranch alongside preserving the delicate and productive eco-systems that host abundant wildlife. Cutting edge community grazing programs and community empowerment projects through micro-economic assistance have encouraged engagement and investment from the local community in the conservation goals of Mugie.
To reduce Human-Wildlife Conflict both within and beyond the conservancy boundaries, Mugie Conservancy have collared three lionesses in three different prides. Understanding the pride’s movements helps mitigate predator-livestock interactions that can potentially lead to human-wildlife conflict incidents.
Guests can head out with their Governors’ Mugie guide and our lion-tracking equipment to look for the collared lions. This is a perfect opportunity to learn how modern technology is being used to conserve lion populations worldwide. Guests are also encouraged to visit the Conservancy Headquarters afterwards to see the live tracking data on a big screen in the ranger’s control room. This data is used to update the herders on the whereabouts of the lions so that they can navigate their livestock through safer areas that avoid the lions. This work was implemented in partnership with Lion Landscapes and the Kenya Wildlife Service.
Please note that the topography and simple equipment mean that tracking can be challenging and not always 100% successful in finding the lions.
Guests are welcome to visit the ranching and farm operations to understand how each functions alongside securing essential habitat for wildlife.
Mugie Trading Stock has brought about a new era of community livestock management, based on the premise of shared resources. This is a program unique to Mugie, it’s a program from which all parties benefit and furthers conservation, environmental and ecological conscientiousness. Saturday is Mugie’s ‘Dip Day’ – a fascinating experience for those that wish to see this cutting-edge program for themselves.
Rocky Hollow is a sprawling seven bedroom house in northern Laikipia, straddling a broad valley and bisected by a sand river. It looks south down this giant boulder-strewn river course and across a series of blue- grey ridges to the Lolldaiga Hills and Mt Kenya beyond.
Built over seven years, the house was able to mature gracefully during construction and already appears rather older than it actually is. It was intended to be much more a home than an hotel so the bedrooms are not all the same. In fact, they are really quite different and every room has its own character and in some cases a special feature. None however are without big windows, high ceilings and complete privacy. Every bedroom has its own bathroom (with all but one actually boasting a bathtub). When not out walking or riding, there are several rooms to which one may retire with a book and a drink. Otherwise head for the verandah; the best place during the middle of the day and where lunch is usually served.
Surrounding the house are rocky kopjes and cliffs, forming themselves below into a narrow gorge through which a seasonal river will occasionally splash its way along, tumbling on for several hundred yards before falling away over a final massive rockface. The terrain here is lightly wooded acacia savannah with sand rivers, rugged hills and occasional open glades. Throughout there are heavily marked elephant paths and other well established game trails that also serve nicely as bridle paths. It is rare to miss elephant here and usually one can also find giraffe, zebra, warthog, gerenuk and many other antelope. Baboons are a constant feature. Our own relatively small property provides more than enough of interest to ensure an enjoyable morning ride. However, taken together with one or other of the magnificent adjacent ranches, to which we have varying levels of access, there are 20,000 acres or more of first-rate game country to explore over any number of days.
Many of these neighbouring properties are privately-owned, but most of the land to the north and east of us is home to the Laikipiak or Northern Masai who, being pastoralists by tradition, have great need of it to support their livestock. Nevertheless they are generally quite tolerant of their wildlife (in some cases remarkably so) and once away from the roads to where the land is quite sparsely populated, one may find oneself again in the vicinity of wild animals.
Charlie and Mouse McConnell bought this land (of a little under a thousand acres) more than a dozen years ago with the idea of building a large and comfortable base for their riding safaris, one that might in time feature a garden with elephants at the bottom of it, together with a stable full of keen horses. After the digging of earth dams, followed by construction of some stone water catchments, work on the house started in 2015 (when they moved here with their tent and an old wooden caravan).
Overseeing both the design and construction, they were able to watch as slowly, slowly, with its team of local builders, Rocky Hollow emerged from the dusty landscape to provide them with a whole new way of life. One they are very happy with, and enjoy sharing with their guests.
After decades of outfitting and guiding luxury mobile tented safaris in East Africa together, the idea of spending rather more time in one place had a certain appeal. And exchanging long game drives in busy game parks for peaceful hikes, or exhilarating gallops, across virgin countryside; better still.
Years ago, after an informal but fascinating apprenticeship with Robin Hurt, followed by five hugely enjoyable years with Myles Burton of African Adventure Safaris, Charlie spent a few seasons guiding riding safaris for Tony Church (who started Safaris Unlimited) – never guessing that 40 years on he would still be in the saddle so often. Luckily, Mouse (who could ride before she could walk) is here to take charge. She keeps everything in order here, as well as keeping a close eye on what happens with the main safari business (now run together with Milo). Without her cooking none of this would be possible.
Hiking | Walking | Fly-camping
Kitich is perfect for guests to unwind and recharge while enjoying the true wilderness of Northern Kenya, the forest and the Mathews range. Imagine waking up to a cacophony of bird song, unforgettable views across the valley frequented by elephants, indulging in farm-to-table delicious food, relaxing in a hammock, strolling through the organic gardens, hiking through the forest, fly camping, exploring the Milgis Lugga by camel, slurping sundowners on the Murit Pass, swimming in a waterfall, cycling through the valleys, joining a yoga flow, or cozying up with a book. There is something for everyone…
From the dry, yellow savannah that epitomises northern Kenya’s expansive plains rises 900 square kilometres of lush mountain forest like no other in East Africa.
This is a place where elephants forge trails amongst ancient hardwood trees and endemic cycads, where crystal clear streams form natural swimming pools, and where rare and endangered monkeys thrive under the protection of local Samburu communities.
Nestled in one of the valleys – overlooking a river frequented by African painted dogs, colourful birds, leopards and elephants – are eight tents. Kitich Forest Camp offers traditional safari charm in a wilderness quite unlike any other in Africa, and delivers an experience as equally unforgettable for those discovering Africa for the first time, as it does for those lucky enough to have spent many years exploring it.
With a maximum of only 16 guests in Camp at any one time, meals are enjoyed together in the dining area overlooking a lush river glade. Our daily set menu features age-old Italian recipes, made with fresh, organic ingredients from our kitchen garden.
Mealtimes are relaxed, and we have a small range of good house wines as well as a selection of beer and spirits.
For those who fancy lunch al fresco in the forest, our kitchen team is more than happy to come and meet you on the trail with a beautifully prepared picnic.
FLY-CAMPING
Our longer hikes take you from the Samburu lowlands to the heights of the Mathews Mountains and forest. The camels and your crew led you through the most magical, pristine Samburu landscapes and biodiversity. The experience is exclusively yours.
FISHING
Every pool in the river is packed with fish, with the larger specimens lurking in the cool water of deep pools in the dry season, and moving into shallow flats and riffles when the stream swells. An astute angler will watch the stream’s eddies carefully, waiting for the schools of small barbel to scatter in the presence of the larger fish, launching their hopper, with a long and delicate tippet towards their target. The larger barbel, weighing up to four pounds, reached their size for a reason. They will scrutinize your fly, circling it, before cautiously deciding whether to gently sip it off the surface.
In terms of equipment, fly fishing the Ngeng is similar to a small trout stream, with a short rod in 2 or 3 weight fitting the casting distances perfectly when paired with a floating line and a 9 foot 4-5x leader. It is recommended that anglers on the Ngeng fish barbless hooks, as it is common to have to go through several smaller fish before raising a trophy to their fly.
A large terrestrial, ideally a hopper or a dragonfly imitation, will suffice in most circumstances. While smaller dries work, as one will often observe the barbel rising aggressively at late afternoon mayfly hatches, they will struggle to garner the attention of larger fish in deeper pools. A missed fish can often be coaxed into a second strike by switching to a large nymph or small streamer and swinging it downstream.
The Ngeng River is a must-visit location for the avid dry fly fisherman and those with a passion for native fisheries. And do not be fooled by the stream’s size, as the largest fish in the river are sure to put your gear to the test.
Kitich sits on National Forestry Land and is surrounded by the Ngilai Community Conservancy and a further 383,000 acres of land under community-managed conservation areas across Northern Kenya, supported by the Northern Rangelands Trust.
Kitich Forest Camp is proud to be part of the conservation journey with the Ngilai community!
Together, these conservancies are empowering local people to take charge of their wild spaces, to build sustainable economies linked to conservation, lead peace efforts to mend years of conflict, and shape government regulations to support it all. As institutions, they not only give people a voice, but also provide a platform for developing sustainable enterprise and livelihoods either directly or indirectly related to conservation.
NRT member community conservancies work to conserve wildlife and sustainably manage the grassland, forest, river, and marine ecosystems upon which livelihoods depend. As a result, a region once infamous for conflict and poaching is now at the forefront of community-led development, inextricably linked to the protection of its incredible wildlife and landscapes.
We bring secluded luxury to life with 4 fully serviced villas set within our 40,000 acres conservation area in Laikipia, Kenya. Regarded as one of the most unique safari lodges in Kenya for its unmatched location, rare beauty, and ancient roots, Ol Lentille offers a very different approach to luxury travel fueled by conservation and community.
After building the lodge on community-owned land, Gill and John Elias, the founders, donated it to the local community and managed it under a long-term agreement. Over the years, several other Maasai and Samburu communities contributed land to the Ol Lentille conservancy, resulting in a total of 40,000 acres of protected land which has been returned to life and re-wilded, and can now be enjoyed exclusively by Ol Lentille guests.
The deep connection which Ol Lentille lodge enjoys with the local communities as a result of this unique partnership gives our guests unparalleled access to and insight into the life and culture of the surrounding Maasai and Samburu communities.
Fast forward to 2022. Andre Cohen and Laura Yung, who first discovered Ol Lentille as guests in 2019, acquired the Ol Lentille management company. Laura and Andre, corporate executives who have lived and worked in Asia, the United States and Africa, have long been passionate about conservation and Africa. They now split their time between Singapore and Kenya and are committed to taking the Ol Lentille story to the next level, with world class hospitality in tandem with community-based conservation and community development.
Situated in a private conservation area in the far northern escarpment of the Laikipia Plateau with enormous views to the craggy peak of Mount Kenya, the Samburu sacred mountain of Ololokwe, the Matthews Range and the Karisia Hills. At one of the highest points in Laikipia, we command spectacular and breathtaking panoramas in every direction
Our remote wilderness is easily accessible. There are numerous easy options:
Shompole Wilderness Camp is situated on the banks of the Ewaso Ng’iro River, on Shompole Community Land in Southern Kenya.
The du Toit family and their local Maasai team manage the camp together. With just six tents and miles and miles of stunning land to explore, your stay here will feel both homely and wild at the same time.
Shompole is located in an area that is known as the South Rift of Kenya in the Great Rift Valley (the largest valley in the world). This landscape is nestled between the famed Maasai Mara National Reserve to the northwest, Amboseli National Park to the southeast, and the Kenya-Tanzania border just to the south of us. Shompole Wilderness is located on the community lands of the Shompole Maasai people.
The Rift Valley region of East Africa is not only famed for being the ‘cradle of mankind’, but it also holds the highest diversity of birds and mammals of any region in Africa. The Shompole region alone is home to 21 carnivore species, all the large mammal species with the exception of Rhino and, at our last count, 435 species of birds.
The Shompole Hide
Spend an evening, early morning, or even the whole night in our Hide watching any birds and wildlife which may come to drink at the waterhole. This is located 5 km from camp, across the river and requires prior planning.
Baboon Walks Around the Lale’enok Resource Centre
If you would like the chance to walk with a habituated troop of baboons with a local guide who knows the troop well then do tell us, and we can arrange for this unique opportunity. A warning, though, that this does require an early start to get to the troop as dawn is breaking.
Game Drives (Day or Night)
At your preferred time of day or night, we can have one of our experienced guides accompany you on a game drive through the Shompole ecosystem.
River Swimming, Tubing, Kayaking
The availability of these activities is largely in Mother Nature’s hands, so it will depend on the water levels of the river, but all are available when the river levels allow.
Understanding Local Conservation Work
We work closely with and support the local
community, and a local conservation organization, SORALO, in their efforts to conserve the local environment, wildlife, and way of life. If you would like to know more, please do let us know and we will be happy to talk about the work in the area with SORALO.
Animal Tracking / Bird Walks
The dusty paths and roads in and around camp make for great tracking. Do arrange any time if you would like to go for a walk to learn about tracks and signs, and also birds if that is what takes your fancy. Nixon (our head guide) and the other camp staff are always excited to share their local knowledge with you.
Bird Hide
For bird enthusiasts, we have built a small bird hide with its own small water hole right in camp, near the pool, where you can spend many happy hours watching and photographing the incredible diversity of birds that we have in the area.
Cultural Home Visits
If you would like to spend some time in a local Maasai home learning about their daily life we can certainly arrange this for you. The Shompole Maasai people are very welcoming and are happy to invite you into their homes for an afternoon or a morning.
As you approach the village, your guide will explain what to expect and what will be expected of you.
Photography is welcome; however, please try not to take pictures of children’s faces (it is illegal under the Child Protection Act of Kenya) and ensure you do not share such images on social media. We do not encourage the purchasing of items at the home (as this then becomes a commercial affair rather than a genuine visit), and we can arrange for this separately should you wish. If the family we are visiting owns cattle, there might be an opportunity to help walk the cattle home in the evening, too.
Run Wild
If you feel like stretching your legs a little more than a walk, then we are happy to accompany you on a run out on the open plains behind camp. Running here needs to be done early morning or late evening in order to avoid overheating and we will make sure a car comes with you to keep you safe from wildlife and exhaustion.
Buy Maasai Beadwork
If you would like to purchase any local artifacts or beadwork, please let one of us know in advance so that we can arrange for some ladies from the local villages to come to the camp with items to choose from. We need one day’s notice for this activity. Kindly try to pay the ladies in Kenya Shillings as they do not have anywhere where they can exchange foreign currency. If however, you do not have Kenya Shillings, let one of us know, and we can see how we can help.
The Shompole ecosystem is unique in that it is owned and managed by the Maasai. It is not a National Park and therefore we are unlikely to see other visitors and have the freedom to be outside the vehicles rather than in them!
Please leave your Name and Email and we will respond to you as soon as possible.
