Monday, February 16th, 2015
For Immediate Release
Ol Pejeta Conservancy
Elodie Sampere, +254 / 727 341 612
elodie.sampere@olpejetaconservancy.org
Jambo Mutara Camp – Laikipia
Harrison Tuva, +254 718 147 869
htuva@jambochesterhotels.com
info@jambocesterhotels.com
(Nanyuki – Kenya) – The Agricultural Development Corporation (ADC) has agreed to set up the Mutara Conservancy on 20,000 acres of land bordering Ol Pejeta Conservancy for integrated wildlife, livestock and tourism operations. Ol Pejeta will assist to manage these operations, in a move that sees the creation of a private public sector partnership working to maximise the productivity of the land, whilst conserving wildlife at the same time.
Mutara Ranch lies to the north of Ol Pejeta. An archetypal Laikipia landscape, its rich grasslands and thick bush are home to many of the species that are also found on Ol Pejeta Conservancy. Elephant, buffalo, lion, leopard, giraffe, antelope and zebra can all be found here, as well as the occasional pack of African wild dogs. Yet, until recently, this land was not managed with tourism and conservation in mind.
Now, the Mutara Conservancy, with a significant investment from the Monarch Group who have set up the luxury Mantis Mutara Tented Camp on the property, is well on its way to becoming a self-sufficient operation. Integrated to Ol Pejeta and linked to it through wildlife corridors, migratory species such as wild dog and elephant will be permitted to roam across the Mutara Conservancy at will.
The creation of the Mutara Conservancy will also create more space for Ol Pejeta’s expanding black rhino population in support of the national black rhino programme.
“As the largest black rhino sanctuary in East Africa we are rapidly reaching our carrying capacity. Consequently, in support of national objectives, we will need to secure new habitat in future as our rhino populations expand. We hope that in time the Mutara Conservancy can be used to supply these requirements,” said Richard Vigne, CEO of Ol Pejeta Conservancy.
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About Ol Pejeta Conservancy
Ol Pejeta Conservancy occupies approximately 360 square kilometers of African savannah within the Laikipia District of Kenya and incorporates the Sweetwaters Chimpanzee Sanctuary. Laikipia carries large and growing wildlife populations and is home to almost 50% of Kenya’s black rhino population. The Ol Pejeta Conservancy works to conserve wildlife, provide a sanctuary for great apes and to generate income through wildlife tourism and complementary enterprise for reinvestment in conservation and community development. www.olpejetaconservancy.org
About ADC Mutara
Agricultural Development Corporation (ADC) is a Government Parastatal, which was established in 1965 through an Act of Parliament Cap 346, to facilitate the land transfer programme from European settlers to locals following the country’s independence. In 1986, the functions of the Corporation were redefined to include promotion and execution of agricultural schemes and reconstruction in Kenya by initiating, assisting or expansion of agricultural undertaking land and enterprises. Mutara is one of the pieces of land that is managed by ADC. www.adc.or.ke/
About Mantis Tented Mutara Camp
North of the ancient Aberdares Forest, and west of the snow-capped Mount Kenya, Mantis Camp sits above the tropical equator in the world-famous Laikipia plateau in Kenya. At the very heart of this region, nestled high on a cliff-top, Mantis Mutara Tented Camp enjoys a 360o view of raw, uninterrupted wilderness. Mantis Mutara Tented Camp is the only accommodation in the 20,000-acre Mutara Conservancy, with just 15 tents. It borders the famous Ol Pejeta Conservancy, which means that guests have unlimited access to this 90,000-acre wilderness property.