The event opened with energising team-building activities, including songs and dances, which set a lively tone before the official 10 km walk was flagged off. Participants followed a designated trail that offered a fully immersive experience through rugged terrain, dense woodland, towering trees, and striking rock formations that define the Mukogodo landscape.

Flagging off the 10km walk

A major highlight of the walk was the Soit Ekijape viewpoint overlooking the broader landscape. It provided an excellent opportunity for photographs, reflection, and appreciation of ongoing conservation efforts. The walk was well coordinated and secure, supported by a drone that monitored progress from above. Rangers ensured safety in the event of wildlife encounters, including elephants, while the Kenya Red Cross team remained on standby for any emergencies. The walk also created space for interaction and networking between participants, partners, and community members, all walking together through an area rich in biodiversity.

The day’s theme was brought to life during the tree planting session. The Chief Guest, Chief Conservator of Forests, Mr. Alex Lemarkoko, joined representatives from the Laikipia County Government, community leaders, and other stakeholders to plant ten ceremonial trees. LWF provided the seedlings for this activity, with an additional forty trees left behind for continued planting as part of the wider restoration efforts in the landscape.

In his remarks, the Chief Conservator highlighted the urgent need to mobilise more resources for ranger support and the protection of the Mukogodo Forest ecosystem. Wilson Tankei, Head of Protocol, delivered a vote of thanks and recognised all participants and partners for their commitment in making the event successful.

The day concluded with a short partnership recognition ceremony. Organizations, including LWF, that supported the organization of the event were recognized and appreciated with  branded t-shirts and Maasai shukas.

The Walk Wild 4th Edition successfully combined conservation, community engagement, and celebration. It strengthened collective resolve to protect the unique Laikipia landscape- one step and one tree at a time.

This wasn’t just an exhibition, it was a statement. A bold declaration that Laikipia is ready to lead the way in redefining how tourism and conservation work hand in hand to drive local economies and protect natural heritage.

The Expo featured a rich diversity of participants: from tour operators and hospitality providers to community enterprises, conservancies, cultural groups, and youth innovators. Under the theme “Conservation Meets Commerce,” exhibitors shared ideas, pitched products, and built new partnerships showcasing not only what Laikipia has to offer, but also what it stands for.

Gracing the event as Chief Guest was Madam Leah Njeri, Laikipia County’s Executive Committee Member for Water, Environment,  Natural Resources and Climate Change. She applauded the initiative as a powerful step in aligning environmental stewardship with economic opportunity. Her remarks were echoed by the Chairman of the Board of LTA, Mr. Gilbert Mutembei, who emphasized the importance of telling Laikipia’s story beyond safaris, through culture, innovation, and inclusive tourism experiences.

Ruth Njuguna of Lion Landscapes guides CECM Water, Environment, Natural Resources and Climate Change, Leah Njeri through their innovative conservation tools and approaches at their exhibition stand

What made the Expo particularly special was its energy. There was music and performance, exchange and engagement, knowledge-sharing and networking. Booths buzzed with activity as visitors interacted with displays, from wildlife tech tools and astrotourism demos to traditional beekeeping and handmade crafts. Community groups showcased the tangible benefits of conservation-linked enterprise, while hospitality players pitched packages that blend luxury with sustainability.

Expo participants join in the rhythm and color of Maa traditional dance, celebrating Laikipia’s rich cultural heritage and community spirit

The event also attracted significant media coverage, with KTN, KBC, Kameme TV, and other stations highlighting the Expo’s impact. Local-language segments helped carry the message deep into the communities, while digital platforms extended the event’s reach, nationally. On social media, hashtags like #LaikipiaWildlifeandTourismExpo2025 captured the excitement in real time.

The Expo’s success was not only in numbers, though the turnout was strong, with hundreds of attendees flowing through the venue all day, it was in the quality of connections made. Local artisans met potential buyers. Lodges discovered community-led products that align with their sustainability goals. Students engaged researchers on wildlife coexistence technologies.

Looking ahead, LWF and LTA plan to make the Expo an annual fixture, and one that spans multiple days. The goal is to allow even deeper engagement, more storytelling, and expanded participation. We express deep gratitude to all exhibitors, guests, and partners who contributed to the success of this inaugural edition.

Over the years, we have enhanced our members’ work through marketing and providing them with skilled labour personnel for the industry. As we stride forward towards championing sustainable tourism, we are keen to align our work with our members’ objectives. We are committed to maximizing the potential of our members as either a key tourist attraction, a reliable tour operator/travel agency, and curating the best hospitality experiences.

In June, we carried out courtesy visits to some of the members in parts of Laikipia, Nyeri, and Meru Counties. We visited some of the newly subscribed members to understand their work and highlight our significance as an association of tourism and hospitality providers. We aimed to determine their operational progress and highlight challenges that required our intervention.

From left: Emmanuel Obuchere of Laikipia Wildlife Forum, Edward Wangechi of Olepangi Farm, and James Njihia of the Laikipia Tourism Association

We noted key challenges including delay in license renewal, which, through our partnership with Tourism Regulatory Authority (TRA), we were able to present to them and provide solutions to our members. This not only safeguards the integrity of our members but also enhances their operational management by fulfilling the legal requirements.

In addition, we awarded certificates of appreciation to the members for their support during the Laikipia Wildlife and Tourism Expo 2025. We also gathered their feedback towards enhancing their visibility through events and linking them with key players in the tourism and hospitality market. Stakeholders called for more collaboration and for access to key tools and technologies to enhance efficiency across various aspects of their work.

We are proud and delighted to have resourceful and determined members keen on promoting destinations and transforming visits into memorable experiences.  We have taken note of the recommendations and areas of improvement to serve you better and create a beneficial platform for your facilities.

James Njihia presents the Laikipia Coffee Table Book to Esiankiki Resort and Spa

Keen on determining how LTA can walk together in your journey of tourism and hospitality? Feel free to reach out to us via email: tourismlaikipia@laikipia.org or call us directly via Telephone: 0726500260.

She suggested ways in which she thinks we can work together. First, is to streamline the way we engage. She said she believes in roundtable discussions where such engagements can take place. Secondly, is to work together on emerging issues. ‘We don’t need to agree on everything as we do this but we will have made effort.’ She added. Thirdly, she challenged us that since we are their first-line in public participation, we need to be very proactive.

Fourthly, she promised that her Ministry would address issues of mistrust and accountability because serving people should not be seen as a favour or luxury. She advised that we need to develop a calendar of events or an action plan to enable us have more of such engagements between the Ministry and stakeholders. Fifthly, she informed that the Ministry is finalizing the multi-sector policy to ensure harmony in implementation among the various sectors. She added that they are not going to reinvent the wheel but chat out a way forward for execution. Sixthly, she emphasized that issues of youth are a profound agenda and need to be given keen attention. She concluded by saying that she is happy to learn that stakeholders in the conservation of wildlife, other natural resources and the environment, have high expectations of her.

With only 15 tents, our clients never feel crowded and our services always remain personalized. Our offering includes and is not limited to;

• 15 very exclusive tents each with;
• King-size beds
• Cozy reading area
• Fully stocked mini-bar
• Private deck for sundowners opening up to the endless wilderness
• Private balconies and views of unfiltered nature.
• In-room safe
• Personal telephone
• Self-service tea/coffee utility
• Magnifying mirror with light and hairdryer in every bathroom
• Soaps, shampoos, lotions and hot, high-pressure showers
• Two family tents connected to a twin tent by a decked pathway
• A Presidential luxury suite accessed by a private driveway with;
• Views of the snow-capped Mount Kenya
• An ensuite bathroom as well as an outdoor jacuzzi.
• An elevated infinity swimming pool overlooking a seasonal river, waterhole and the vast plains of Laikipia
• Six exquisite outdoor bath tabs
• Massage parlor
• A Restaurant and bar nestled right on the edge of a cliff.

Activities available

• Guided morning and evening game drives.
• Night game drives to experience nocturnal wildlife.
• Bush dining by the river bank for the unforgettable wild experience and in other different positions within the conservancy.
• Bush walks and runs with an experienced armed ranger that promises to awaken your animal instincts.
• Sundowner experiences atop a hill in the bush with safari chairs & drinks.
• A bird safari with over 300 species in Mutara/Ol Pejeta Conservancies.
• Kayaking
• Lion tracking in the company of specialized lion trackers.
• Dog Tracking
• Access to chimpanzee sanctuary(the only one in Kenya) and view of the last two northern white rhinos, Najin and her daughter Fatu.
• Organized climbs to the Mt. Kenya summit.
• Mountain biking through traditional farmlands and villages.

Double luxury tent

Twin Luxury tent

Outdoor Jaccuzi

Outdoor Bathtub

Infinity Swimming Pool

Game drives

Kayaking

Bush Conferencing/Team Building Grounds

For conferencing requirements, we have a 1-Tent conference/meeting/ retreat room that can accommodate up to 30 people (classroom style). The setup is perfect for top-level management teams seeking an exclusive location for strategy generation.

The conference package includes:

• Excellent Wifi internet access
• Tea/coffee breaks and Mineral water
• Lunch with a soft drink
• LCD Projector and screen.

Conference room

How to get there

By Road

The luxurious Mutara camp is located in Laikipia county near Nanyuki. From Nairobi, use the Thika super highway and smoothly make your way to Thika. On reaching Thika, proceed with a 54.9km trip to a place called Marwa which is about 13km to Nyeri town. From Nyeri town, drive 13.5km to Kiganjo via Nyeri – Nyahururu road then head to Naro Moru which is 26.5km from Kiganjo via Nyeri – Nanyuki road.

Using the same road, head to Nanyuki which is 21.8km ahead. From Nanyuki, we have two different routes both heading to Mutara Camp, the Ol Pejeta route and the British army Batuk route. The Ol Pejeta route is the route that passes through the Ol Pejeta conservancy and is about 49.1km to the Mutara Camp. On this route, you will be required to pay gate fees for both the visitors and the vehicle. This route has an amazing view of wild animals and is only a 1 hour 20 minutes drive to the Camp. When travelling to the camp a four-wheel drive is highly recommended because the road has a tarmac that ends within a few kilometres and a rough murram road kicks in the rest of the way to the camp.

By Air

Kamok airstrip is approximately 15 minutes drive to the camp. Alternative airstrip is the Nanyuki Civil Airstrip. Air Kenya, Safarilink and Governors’ all land on both airstrips.

For bookings kindly contact us through;

Email – reservations@jch.group

Call: Mercy – +254 726 101 320

Illa – +254 724 365 341

One of the best parts of visiting Ol Pejeta is the self game drive that gives you the freedom to explore at your own pace. Drive through stunning landscapes and see the majestic Big Five, along with many other animals. Picture the thrill of spotting elephants, rhinos, lions, and more, all from the comfort of your own vehicle. You can enhance your experience further by requesting a tourism guide to accompany you on the self game drive, offering expert insights and ensuring you don’t miss any of the conservancy’s highlights.

Beyond the self game drives, Ol Pejeta offers a range of other adventures such as guided bush/bird walks to get up close and personal with nature or take a thrilling night game drive to witness the nocturnal wonders of the conservancy. Visit the Chimpanzee Sanctuary and learn about the incredible efforts to protect these primates or indulge in a sundowner and marvel at the serene beauty of the conservancy. You could also engage in lion tracking that helps in contributing to our efforts to understand and conserve these apex predators. Each experience promises unique encounters and insights into the rich biodiversity of Ol Pejeta.

For a one-of-a-kind adventure, spend the night in one of our lovely accommodations, ranging from luxurious lodges to cozy campsites, and drift off to sleep with the soothing sounds of the wild around you.

Come and explore Ol Pejeta Conservancy, where every adventure is a step closer to nature as you create incredible memories with your loved ones. Book your visit today and experience the magic for yourself!

For bookings and more information, contact us on reservations@olpejetaconservancy.org or call +254 707 187141

Photo Credit: Rio the Photographer

On 31^st May LTA was privileged to participate in this year’s Mt. Kenya Region Hotel Suppliers Expo organized by Insight Hospitality East Africa. This was an engaging forum that brought exhibitors together to showcase their products to stakeholders in the tourism and hospitality sector. Various exhibitors such as Hot point suppliers, Ketepa Limited and Super Foam had an array of products most of which were subsidized for the visitors.

The LTA desk acted as a platform to market our work and forge more partnership to those who had attended. Our team gracefully guided enthusiastic visitors who were keen to get insights on benefits of becoming  members of LTA.

The event was free of charge and provided a platform where different stakeholders shared their experiences allowing visitors to connect, learn and grow, underscoring the need for sustainable tourism across Laikipia landscape.

The platform allowed LTA to link up with its members and welcomed those who developed an intent of becoming members. Those who attended called for such more events to promote and improve Laikipia’s tourism which allowed them to keep up with the current trends that impact tourism positively.

Additionally, the expo was a major step for LTA towards amplifying our voice and revamping our strategies to reach out more members through such platforms. LTA is committed towards linking our members with such events and the recognizes the empowerment of tour providers in order to offer exceptional services across Laikipia.

LTA wishes to thank all our members for their unwavering support towards promoting Laikipia as a tourist destination ultimately contributing to sustainable tourism. Membership fee allows us to advocate for sustainable approaches and make sure all benefits are accrued. All tourism providers within the landscape that comply with the law and possess a valid business permit are welcome to subscribe.

LTA members pay a one-time registration fee of Ksh 5,000 and an annual fee of Ksh 10,000.

Payments can be made via MPESA: Pay Bill No 898370 Account Information: LTA (followed by your Business Name) or Bank transfer/ Deposit Account Name: Laikipia Wildlife Forum, Account Number: 0100004071926, Bank: Stanbic Bank, Nanyuki Branch and cheques payable directly to Laikipia Wildlife Forum.

Love Laikipia?  support our work by becoming a member today!

For those unfamiliar, MpalaLive is a groundbreaking online platform that offers live streams of wildlife from the renowned Mpala Research Centre. This initiative provides an immersive experience, allowing viewers to witness the daily activities of African wildlife in real-time, from majestic elephants to graceful giraffes and powerful lions. Beyond entertainment, MpalaLive serves as an educational resource, offering curated video stories, teacher guides, and lesson plans to foster a deeper understanding of conservation and ecosystem dynamics.

During the meeting, MpalaLive representatives shared insights into their project’s goals and capabilities, while we had the opportunity to showcase our ongoing and prospective conservation initiatives. It quickly became evident that there was significant potential for synergy between our organizations.

As a result, an action plan was developed to leverage MpalaLive’s expertise in documenting conservation efforts. One exciting outcome is the collaboration on developing short documentaries highlighting our work in the field. Additionally, MpalaLive will assist in sharing our activities through collaborative posting, further enhancing our visibility and reach.

Victor Kasii, who joined our team during the Invasive Species school debates programs supported by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), will play a pivotal role in this collaboration. By documenting these debates and crafting a documentary, we will be able to showcase our work to members, donors, and supporters, thereby strengthening our relationships and impact.

Victor Kasii from MpalaLive capturing moments during the second phase of the Invasive Species Debates.

We extend our heartfelt appreciation to MpalaLive for their support and look forward to exploring further opportunities for collaboration. Together, we are committed to advancing conservation efforts and inspiring the next generation of environmental stewards.

Stay tuned for more updates on this exciting partnership!

LWF and the Laikipia Tourism Association (LTA) teamed up to welcome the Kenya Tourism Board (KTB) to Nanyuki and Laikipia County as a whole.  KTB visited Laikipia County  to engage with key stakeholders in the tourism sector and explore opportunities for collaboration and growth.

The objectives of these visits were twofold: to establish connections and forge relationships with stakeholders, and to gather feedback and insights on various aspects of the tourism industry, including challenges faced by businesses. This valuable information would help KTB adapt its marketing strategies and identify opportunities for collaboration and support.

The Customer relations & Partnerships unit at KTB played a pivotal role in fostering enduring relationships with stakeholders, reflecting their dedication to nurturing mutually beneficial partnerships. Together with LTA, KTB  met with stakeholders across Laikipia County, most of whom are members of LTA, from February 26th to March 1st, 2024.

The stakeholders met included Tropic Air Safaris (TAS), Rift Valley Adventures (RVA), Glacier Gardens, Kicheche Camp, Porini Rhino Camp, Beisa Conference Centre, Peaks Hotel, and many more. These meetings provided an opportunity for stakeholders to share their experiences, challenges, and suggestions for improvement in the tourism sector. For instance, stakeholders highlighted challenges such as the complexity of licensing procedures, high operation costs, and the need for infrastructure improvement. They also emphasized the importance of collaboration between stakeholders and government agencies to address these challenges effectively.

The role played by LWF and LTA in coordinating these trade outreach activities was instrumental in facilitating constructive dialogue between KTB and stakeholders in Laikipia County. Moving forward, LWF and LTA look forward to collaborating with KTB and other tourism stakeholders to advance the tourism thematic area in Laikipia. By working together, we can overcome challenges, leverage opportunities, and promote sustainable tourism development in our region.

 Judy Kepher Gona, STTAs Founder and Lead Consultant makes her opening remarks

The 8^th Sustainable Tourism Africa Summit was held on the 8^th and 9^th of June, 2023 in Mombasa, Kenya.

Just like the previous summits, the 2023 summit aimed to chart the pathways for sustainable tourism in Africa.

With each iteration, the summit becomes a catalyst for fresh ideas, fostering new partnerships, and inspiring transformative actions in the realm of sustainable tourism.

Through thought-provoking presentations and engaging side workshops, participants gained invaluable insights and knowledge, paving the way for their next expedition in the realm of responsible and eco-conscious travel. STTA believes that sustainable tourism is the competitive advantage that Africa has in terms of tourism.

As the summit continues to evolve, it ignites a completely new frontier of possibilities, pushing the boundaries of sustainable tourism and shaping a future where environmental stewardship and memorable experiences intertwine harmoniously.

The summit officially began on 8^th June 2023. During her opening speech, Judy Kepher Gona, the Founder and Lead Consultant at STTA, emphasized the importance of sustainable tourism dialogues among the various tourism value chains in Africa. She emphasized the theme of the summit, centered on tourism value chains and sustainability in Africa, highlighting the significance of fostering dialogues and collaboration among the various stakeholders within the tourism industry.

In the proceedings of the conference, some of the key presentations were; Gerard (Ged) Brown’s introductory remarks highlighted the potential negative impact of post-COVID tourism growth on emissions. He stressed the urgent need for sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) to decarbonize aviation and called for increased investment. The importance of adopting long-term thinking and sustainable practices for the benefit of future generations was emphasized.

Delegates follow proceedings during the STAS 2023

Julie Cheetham, CEO of Weeva, discussed the global poly-crisis faced by the tourism industry and emphasized the need for data-driven solutions to foster sustainable practices. She underscored the significance of technology and data-driven decision-making in optimizing business operations and embedding sustainability. The measurement, management, and reporting of impact were highlighted as crucial steps toward achieving sustainability goals.

Prof. Ray Mutinda explored the tourism value chain and addressed gaps in the cultural and heritage sector. He proposed innovative practices to ensure sustainability, resource efficiency, community well-being, and local prosperity. Strengthening the value chain through mapping, analyzing bottlenecks, and implementing interventions were recommended, along with supportive policies and monitoring mechanisms.

Julie Cheetham and Dr. Anne-Kathrin Zschiegner from Weeva conducted a master class on initiating sustainability journeys. They emphasized sustainability as a long-term coexistence on Earth, encompassing environmental, economic, and social dimensions. Weeva’s balanced scorecard approach with the 4Cs (commerce, conservation, community, and culture) was introduced as a framework.

Dr. Portia Pearl Sifolo presented her research on digitalization within the tourism supply chain, focusing on small, medium, and micro enterprises (SMMEs) in South Africa. She highlighted the opportunities and challenges associated with adopting digital technologies to enhance competitiveness and preserve cultural practices.

Nicanor Sabula emphasized the importance of eco-conscious venues, effective waste management, energy efficiency, and education in developing sustainable Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions (MICE) value chains. The interconnected goals of economic prosperity, environmental stewardship, and social well-being were highlighted.

Dr. Billy Wadongo and Dr. Misiko presented their work on the dual green and digital transition in the hospitality and tourism sector, specifically within Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) institutions and universities. The BILT UNEVOC project focused on identifying skills needs and the impact of digitalization. The importance of innovative solutions, upskilling, and preserving historical and cultural practices within the digital landscape was discussed.

STTA Kenya takes pride in organizing the Sustainable Tourism Africa Summit 2023 and creating a platform where industry leaders and stakeholders could come together, exchange ideas, and take decisive action. The success of this event reinforces STTA Kenya’s dedication to promoting sustainable tourism practices and driving positive change within the industry.

STTA remains committed to organizing future editions of the Sustainable Tourism Africa Summit. The aim is to continue providing a platform for industry leaders, stakeholders, and passionate individuals to convene. The tentative dates and venue for the 2024 summit are June 6-7, 2024 at Sarova Whitesands, Mombasa, Kenya. The theme will be announced before the end of the year 2023.

The contacts and more are available on the website:

Website: www.sttakenya.org

Email: marketing@sttakenya.org