Masai Mara community volunteering, Kenya

Planet

Carbon Reduction

Tassia is the only lodge on this conservancy allowing its guests complete privacy in a wilderness area largely untouched by tourism. The lodge was constructed in 2000, opening its doors to guests in June 2001. Tassia has been a premier tourist destination in northern Kenya, incorporating the true spirit of the unspoiled African bush. 100% is locally sourced from the farmers within Laikipia. Tassia recycles the waste to make manure for the Kitchen Garden. The whole lodge is solar-powered. The lodge sources the finest and freshest ingredients, emphasizing local produce to support nearby communities and reduce their ecological footprint. The farm-to-table approach ensures that you enjoy the authentic taste of the region while contributing to sustainable practices. The lodge caters to vegetarians and uses in-season produce.

Wildlife & Environment

Lekurruki Conservancy is also surrounded by three other community conservancies Ol Donyiro, Leparua, and Il Ngwesi making it an important wildlife corridor. Key wildlife species include elephants, giraffes, lions, Grevy’s zebras, common zebras, elands, lesser and greater kudus, leopards, cheetahs, wild dogs, buffaloes, warthogs among others, and a diversity of bird species. The main water sources are springs, shallow wells and sand dams. The Conservancy Grazing Committee governs community grazing patterns to monitor wildlife behavior.

People

Local economy

The shareholders of Lekurruki have set aside 60,000 acres for conservation and the wildlife is already returning to the area. The people are now living on the Andanguru Plain, which is more suited to their now sedentary lifestyle. While traditional land use is still maintained, the introduction of tourism means that the dependence of the Maasai on livestock will be reduced. Profits from the lodge are divided amongst the local community and will help to support the local households, schools, water supplies and other group ranch operations.

Employment, Inclusion & Diversity

90% of the staff from the lodge are from the local community. The Conservancy fee goes direct to the community since the conservancy is owned by the community. The fee is geared towards development of community projects like schools and water project. The Cultural experiences revenue benefits the members directly and this is money that goes direct to their pockets thus improving livelihoods. Dressed in their traditional attire, the staff is ready to serve with warm smiles