In November, I traveled to the Porini Camps in the Maasai Mara to train their guides on predator ecology and identification. I visited the Mara Porini Camp in Ol Kinyei Conservancy and the Porini Lion Camp in Olare Orok Conservancy. The objective of my visit was to train the guides at the camps and also to start profiling the lions in both areas. I spent 2 days at each camps, conducted presentations and talks with the guides, and spent time in the field identifying the individual lions and cheetahs.
Training at the Mara Porini Camp
Olbarnoti and Lolparpit, two brothers we identified in Olare Orok
Two guides at Porini Lion Camp sit an exam after the training
Since Ol Kinyei and Olare Orok Conservancies were created, wildlife numbers have increased dramatically. Lions, cheetahs and other wildlife move freely within the safe confines of the conservancies thanks to the efforts of the community members and the Porini Camps management. I was amazed to see lions everywhere! I saw more than 40 lions in 4 days which to put it into perspective, is double Samburu’s population! We would drive out of camp and a few minutes later see lions. Lions were heard every night and we got to see some interesting behaviour as well. We saw 2 prides fight against each other, 5 females kill a zebra literally about 100 metres away from the camp, young cubs being introduced to a kill for the first time, and so much more! I was really excited to see so much in such a short period of time.
Lolalai, male lion, in Olare Orok Conservancy
Females on a zebra kill near the camp
The Porini Camps were truly fantastic. The camps are the most eco-friendly camps I have seen. If the camps were packed up and moved away, there would be no sign at all that a camp even existed there. The Maasai guides are superb and some of the best I have ever worked with. They are so knowledgeable about all wildlife and passionate about the area. They recognise the importance of having these conservancies and have seen the benefits of them. They told me that years ago, there were manyattas (villages) everywhere and now, all we saw were vast plains teeming with plains game and dotted with predators.
A view from the Porini Lion Camp
My room at the camp (very different to my little tent in Samburu!)
I highly recommend these camps if you want to get away from it all, and have an exclusive experience with lions, cheetahs and much more. Whilst staying at these camps, you will be in the company of these fantastic guides and your stay at the camps will be supporting the Ol Kinyei and Olare Orok communities and will secure a future for the wildlife in these stunning areas.
John and Joseph, 2 great guides, who will share their wealth of knowledge with you
Gamewatchers/Porini Camps and I have just started a Lion Research Safari. Guests will stay at the stunning Joys Camp in Shaba National Reserve and Sasaab Lodge in West Gate Community Conservancy, where they will take part in research activities with myself and the Ewaso Lions team. Our first safari is in January and I am really looking forward to it! For more information click here.