Borana Conservancy – A Private Wilderness Sanctuary

Borana Conservancy is a private wildlife sanctuary located in northern Kenya's Laikipia County, adjacent to the renowned Lewa Wildlife Conservancy. Spanning over 32,000 acres (130 square kilometres) of pristine savannah, acacia woodlands, and rolling hills, Borana offers an exclusive and intimate safari experience away from the crowds. The conservancy is renowned for its pioneering rhino conservation work, exceptional horseback safaris, and its status as a Big Five destination. Borana is part of the larger Lewa-Borana landscape, a vital conservation area that protects some of Kenya's most endangered species.

Borana was established in the 1990s by the Dyer family, who transformed a working cattle ranch into a conservation haven. Today, it is a model of private land conservation, demonstrating that tourism and wildlife protection can coexist sustainably. The conservancy is one of the few places in Kenya where you can see the Big Five in a single game drive, thanks to successful anti‑poaching efforts and habitat restoration programs. Borana's commitment to community engagement and environmental stewardship has made it a leader in Kenyan conservation.

Borana is a place of wide horizons, abundant wildlife, and a deep sense of peace – a sanctuary where nature and conservation thrive together.

Features of Borana Conservancy

Borana Conservancy offers a unique combination of world‑class wildlife viewing, equestrian adventures, and luxury accommodation. The conservancy is home to the Big Five, and it is particularly noted for its healthy populations of black and white rhino, which are protected by an experienced anti‑poaching unit. Borana's partnership with Lewa Wildlife Conservancy has created a contiguous protected area of over 94,000 acres, allowing wildlife to move freely across the landscape. The conservancy also offers exceptional horseback safaris, allowing visitors to explore the bush in an intimate and eco‑friendly way. Borana is also a birdwatcher's paradise, with over 300 species recorded.

Location and Geography

Borana Conservancy is situated in Laikipia County, approximately 220 kilometres north of Nairobi, at the foothills of Mount Kenya. The conservancy shares an unfenced border with Lewa Wildlife Conservancy, forming a continuous wildlife corridor. The landscape is diverse, ranging from open savannah plains and acacia woodlands to riverine forests and dramatic hills. The Ewaso Nyiro River flows through the conservancy, providing a vital water source for wildlife. The views of Mount Kenya's snow‑capped peak are spectacular, offering a stunning backdrop to game drives and horseback rides.

Wildlife of Borana Conservancy

Borana Conservancy supports a rich diversity of wildlife, including all members of the Big Five. The conservancy is a stronghold for black and white rhino, with a growing population thanks to dedicated anti‑poaching efforts. Lions, leopards, elephants, and Cape buffalo are also commonly seen. The conservancy also hosts large herds of plains game, including zebra, giraffe, impala, Grant's gazelle, and eland. The endangered Grevy's zebra is occasionally spotted. Cheetahs, spotted hyenas, and African wild dogs are present, making Borana a top destination for predator enthusiasts. The birdlife is abundant, with over 300 species recorded, including raptors, kingfishers, and migratory birds.

Activities and Experiences

Borana Conservancy offers a diverse range of safari activities, with a particular emphasis on equestrian experiences. Game drives in open 4x4 vehicles with expert guides provide opportunities to spot the Big Five, rhinos, and the diverse wildlife of Laikipia. Horseback safaris are a signature activity, allowing visitors to ride through the savannah alongside zebras and giraffes, offering an intimate connection with the land. Walking safaris, accompanied by an armed ranger, provide a ground‑level perspective on the bush, where you can track wildlife and learn about smaller fauna and flora.

Night game drives reveal the nocturnal side of the conservancy, with leopards, hyenas, and bush babies emerging after dark. Cultural visits to local communities provide insight into traditional Maasai and Samburu cultures. Photography safaris are also available, with ample opportunities to capture the stunning landscapes and wildlife of Borana.

Accommodation in Borana Conservancy

Borana Conservancy offers a selection of exclusive, eco‑friendly lodges and camps that cater to discerning travellers. Borana Lodge is the flagship property, with eight elegant cottages perched on a ridge with panoramic views of Mount Kenya and the conservancy. The lodge features a swimming pool, a spa, and a restaurant serving gourmet cuisine. For a more intimate experience, the Borana Tented Camp offers five luxury tents set along the Ewaso Nyiro River, each with en‑suite bathrooms and private verandas. Both properties are committed to sustainable tourism, with solar power, water conservation, and waste recycling initiatives.

Additional accommodation options include private villas and mobile camps for those seeking exclusivity and flexibility. All properties are staffed by trained local guides and support community development initiatives.

Getting There

Scheduled and charter flights operate daily from Nairobi's Wilson Airport to Lewa's private airstrip, which is shared with Borana. The flight takes approximately 45 minutes. Most lodges and camps arrange airstrip transfers as part of their packages. By road, the conservancy is approximately 220 kilometres north of Nairobi. The drive takes approximately three to four hours along the A2 highway. A four‑wheel drive vehicle is recommended for the final approach to the camps.

Best Time to Visit

Borana Conservancy offers excellent wildlife viewing year‑round. The dry season from June to October is the peak period, with wildlife concentrated around water sources and excellent visibility. The weather is sunny and dry, with daytime temperatures averaging 24 degrees Celsius. The wet season from November to May offers lush green landscapes, lower rates, and fewer visitors. Birdwatching is particularly rewarding during this period. The short rains fall in November, while the long rains occur between March and early May. During the wet season, roads can become muddy, but the scenery is spectacular and the wildlife remains abundant.

Practical Information

Visitors are advised to carry neutral‑coloured clothing, a warm jacket for early morning game drives, a sun hat, sunscreen, insect repellent, binoculars, a camera with a telephoto lens, a power bank, and comfortable walking shoes for walking safaris. Each guest staying in Borana Conservancy pays a daily conservation fee that directly supports wildlife protection, habitat restoration, and community development initiatives.

Conservation and Community Impact

Borana Conservancy is a leader in private land conservation, demonstrating that tourism can drive wildlife protection and community development. The conservancy employs a dedicated team of rangers and trackers who monitor rhino populations and combat poaching. Borana's partnership with Lewa Wildlife Conservancy has created a contiguous protected area that is a critical refuge for endangered species. Community engagement is a cornerstone of Borana's mission, with support for local schools, healthcare, and water projects.

The conservancy also runs a successful cattle ranching program that promotes sustainable land use and benefits local pastoralists. By visiting Borana, travellers directly contribute to conservation and community development, ensuring that wildlife and people can thrive together.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Borana Conservancy worth visiting? Absolutely. It offers a unique combination of world‑class wildlife viewing, exceptional horseback safaris, and luxury accommodation in a private, exclusive setting. It is one of the best places in Kenya to see rhinos and the Big Five.

Can I see the Big Five in Borana? Yes, the conservancy is home to all members of the Big Five – lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo, and rhino. It is one of the few private conservancies where you can reliably see all five.

What is the difference between Borana and Lewa? Borana and Lewa are adjacent, unfenced conservancies that share a common management philosophy. Lewa is larger and has a longer history of conservation, while Borana is smaller and offers a more intimate, private experience, particularly known for its horseback safaris.

Do I need a four‑wheel drive vehicle? Most lodges and camps provide four‑wheel drive vehicles for game drives and transfers. If you are driving yourself, a four‑wheel drive vehicle is recommended due to the rough roads.

What is the best time to visit Borana? The dry season from June to October is the best time for wildlife viewing, while the wet season from November to May offers lush landscapes and excellent birdwatching.

How do I get to Borana Conservancy? By air: scheduled flights from Nairobi's Wilson Airport to Lewa airstrip, approximately 45 minutes. By road: approximately three to four hours from Nairobi.

Plan Your Borana Safari Adventure

Borana Conservancy offers a safari experience that is exclusive, intimate, and deeply connected to the land and its wildlife. Whether you are a seasoned safari‑goer or a first‑time visitor, this private sanctuary promises unforgettable encounters with the Big Five, breathtaking views of Mount Kenya, and the thrill of a horseback safari. Every visit directly supports conservation and community development, ensuring that Borana remains a haven for wildlife and people for generations to come.

Contact us for custom itineraries, group rates, and expert guidance for your Borana Conservancy safari.