After only a few hours here, our guests see the world anew. Thinking more clearly about the basics of life brings everything else into focus. Loisaba is not just a holiday destination of peerless beauty and infinite variety; It is a practical project in sustainable land-use. This basic premise infiltrates every part of the ranch.
A working ranch
The property is untamed bush but also a working cattle farm; it conducts important wildlife research and - crucially - works closely with the community who have defended this land for generations. Guests see Africa as it was before fences were invented. Here there are no game park rules, no caged animals and none of the constraints of western life. Like the wildlife we nurture, you can do whatever you want, whenever you want. The local Samburu and Maasai tribes are full partners in the project so your visit not only conserves the environment but also pays for the education and welfare of the people who call this remote and magnificent region home.
The Maasai community
The Loisaba Community Conservation Foundation (LCCF) is a US 501 c3 Foundation. It aims to assist the area surrounding Loisaba Conservancy by encouraging community-driven enterprise and fostering the development of philanthropic based community initiatives.
For further information visit the Loisaba Community Conservation Foundation Trust website
Conservation
Revenue generated from conservancy fees and bed nights at Loisaba are dedicated to conservation of the 230km2 private wilderness area, in addition to supporting community orientated health, education and enterprise programmes outside its boundaries with the neighbouring Samburu and Laikipiak Maasai tribes.
Loisaba Conservancy’s Anti Poaching Unit
Loisaba Conservancy in partnership with The Nature Conservancy has its own dedicated anti-poaching team, comprising of four sniffer dogs – Warrior, Machine, Memusi and Nanyokie – and their human handler team. Warrior and Machine are bloodhound brothers who came from Ol Jogi Conservancy, and Nanyokie and Memusi are brother and sister bloodhound bluetick coonhound crosses from the Mara.
Every morning their dedicated handlers take them on different routes keeping them fit and ensuring they are always ready to go. Whether they’re driven out into the bush to pick up the scent or they need to jump into a plane and help further flung neighbours, the dogs and their handlers are always prepared. Guests staying here at Loisaba have the opportunity to be part of a tracking demonstration to see them in action.
Bloodhounds make great tracker dogs because they have more than 200 million olfactory cells (“scent receptors”), which are about 40 times as many as humans! Their droopy ears and wrinkly skin help collect older molecules and sweep them towards the dogs’ noses.
Joseph Ekaran
Ekaran joined Loisaba Conservancy in 2005 as one of our rangers, and joined the canine unit in 2006 after attending a three month long bloodhound handling course held at Ol Jogi. He enjoys his position as lead dog handler due to the vital role the dogs play in preventing poaching and the overall security of the conservancy, and being able to assist with issues in the surrounding communities. His favourite part is when he is out with the dogs tracking offenders.
Christopher Gikungute
Chris joined the canine unit in March 2016, after two years at Loisaba as a ranger. He has undergone ranger training at Loisaba and as successfully acquired his certificate in dog handling from the Police Dog Unit College. His favourite part of being a dog handler is the ability to assist the local communities on property recovery, and the part they play in general wildlife conservation and protection.
John Pois
John joined the team in June 2018 after carrying out a six month paramilitary course. He too successfully completed an assessment course at the Police Dog Unit College, and understands the importance of the dogs regarding wildlife protection and conservation. His favourite part of the job is the success of recovering stolen items.
Amos Naiputari
After Amos completed his secondary education, he stayed at home running a small business and taking care of his father’s livestock. He joined Loisaba Conservancy in May 2018 as a dog hander, and is receiving continuous dog handling training from his colleagues. He also recognises the vital role the dogs play in wildlife protection, and admires their ability to assist the local communities with the recovery of stolen items.