Westgate Community Conservancy
Westgate Community Conservancy In Samburu
Measuring at least 400 sqkm, Westgate Community Conservancy (WGCC) was established in August year 2004 and started its operation in the year 2005. West Gate Community Conservancy plays an important conservation role in Samburu’s Northern Kenya region. Initiated by the Ngutuk Ongiron Community Land (NOCL), Westgate Conservancy is committed to supporting community-led conservation initiatives, and at the same time still developing its full potential as a conservation hub in Kenya.
West Gate Community Conservancy stretches along Ewaso Nyiro River to the west of Samburu National Reserve – hence its name West Gate Conservancy. Being sandwiched between the Ewaso Nyiro in the south, Meibae Conservancy to the west and Kalama Conservancy, respectively Samburu National Reserve to the east, West Gate additionally plays a crucial role as a wildlife corridor for animals moving between the river and the conservancies further to the north.
As well, Westgate is a safe haven for up to 500 heads of the rare Grevy’s zebra, plentiful elephants, lesser kudu, Somali ostrich, Grant’s gazelle, impala, warthog and waterbuck, making up most of the Samburu special 5 wildlife.
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Westgate Conservancy Landscape & Scenery
Most of the Westgate landscape is dominated by acacia scrubland dotted with rocky outcrops and a green ribbon of riparian plant growth along the Ewaso Nyiro. Though the scenery might be not exactly as charming and varied as that of Samburu National Reserve, it’s still a perfect spot for wildlife encounters and will thrill those travelers who are looking for a more private experience of the African bush and at the same time want to get a deep insight into the lifestyle of the local Samburu people. Together with Samburu National Reserve, Buffalo Springs National Reserve, & Shaba Game Reserve, Westgate shares the rugged landscape characteristics.
Safari Activities In Westgate Conservancy
Discover some of the best things to do in Westgate Conservancy. Luckily, the setting and climate of Samburu allows for quality wildlife viewing all-round the year; from birding, photography safaris, cultural experiences, bush sundowners, guided nature walks, adrenalin filled fun to camel trekking safaris, truly there’s something for everyone.
1. Safari Game Drives In Westgate Conservancy
The main activity in Westgate Conservancy is the guided game drives, and bird watching which will take you around the park in search of these animal species. The game viewing drives normally start as early as 6:00am, and involve the use of a 4X4 Land Cruiser Jeep with an open roof-top.
Remember, there are two areas to explore while out on a game drive: Westgate Conservancy is located close to the Samburu National Reserve which is a short drive away, more wildlife-rich area. However, going to Samburu Game Reserve will cost extra in reserve fees.
As for Night Game drives, a curiosity for many visitors to Samburu. This can be done here at Westgate Conservancy. The late night drives back to the lodge after sundown allows you to look out for some of the nocturnal species such as the genet cats, white-tailed mongoose, porcupines and bush-babies, leopards amongst others. Expect the timings to range from 7pm to 9pm, which depends on the camp or lodge that offer the night excursions.
The Land Cruiser safari vehicles ensure maximum game viewing and comfort, and accommodates 6 seat passengers (everyone with their own spacious window seat) but can additionally seat up to 8 adults with an extra seat included and with one person sitting beside the Driver. The safari is led by professionally trained guides who are at the same time local Samburu people with an in-depth knowledge of the area, its wildlife and culture.
2. Camel Tours In Westgate Conservancy
Led by our experienced Samburu herders, discover Westgate’s wilderness on a camel ride. Explore the area around the lodge from up high. Travelers usually enjoy camel rides in the cooler late afternoon hours, one of the most fun-filled safari experiences in Kenya’s Northern region. This 45-minute ride, is made memorable with a sundowner stopover in time for an evening drink. However, beware that an age limit of eight years may apply depending on height and ability of individual children.
Camel back safari tours in Samburu allows guests to get up-close with plain game such as zebra, giraffe, and ostrich. You will walk or ride with Samburu tribesmen and camels carrying the camp, or ride them through the dry riverbeds.
You can decide on a two-hour round trip with sundowners in between or go on a longer camel safari and fly camp in the bush. Accommodation while on a camel trekking Safari in Samburu is often in the form of mobile camps which move along with the planned ride. These camps include comfortable bedding inside tents which may vary from deluxe type camps more simple 2 or 3 man tents but with various facilities included such as freshly cooked meals and help with pitching camp.
3. Sundowners In Westgate Conservancy
Delight in the wide-open sky and space of Westgate plains on an unforgettable bush sundowner at Westgate Conservancy, where you will be served drinks and cocktails while watching the sight of the African sunset with panoramic views stretching as far as the eye can see. This usually happens as the sun begins its descent, the sundowner begins with a gentle evening game drive, arriving at the sundowner site just as the evening sky turns gold-pink, surrounded by nothing but scenic views framed by stunning landscapes and magnificent wildlife.
Your chairs will be set up facing towards the extensive scenic Samburu plains, accompanied with your drink of choice and some tasty homemade ‘bitings’ all served in the raw wilderness of the African rocky plains. Musical entertainment can also be provided at request. After sunset you will be driven back to the lodge in time for dinner, passing the swamps at the ideal time to spot hippos out of the water.
Picnic Lunch: usually arranged during a full day game outing in the reserve so that one does not have to go back to the lodge or camp for lunch, the meal itself is in the form of packed lunch boxes which are provided by your camp or lodge by prior arrangement the night before to allow them adequate time to prepare the meal boxes. The meal will be enjoyed under a tree, on a scenic setting out in the wild.
Bush Breakfast & Dinners: in the case of a Bush dinner, this could also be an event in itself around a bonfire with entertainment such as light music or tribal dance performances. Bush meals are typically arranged at special chosen sites within Samburu Reserve – generally located outside of but very near the respective Lodges or Camps. Expect the menus to range from multi-course fine cuisine to more casual bush barbeque meals, prices for these special meals vary widely starting from USD 80 per person all the way to USD 150 per person for a more luxurious bush meal.
Special Requests: the meals can also be arranged to cater for certain special dietary requirements such as gluten free, vegan, vegetarian and even restricted vegetarian such as for Indian Jain diets which exclude use of Onions or Garlic as ingredients. Though choices are limited for bush meals, in-house dining at the lodges or camps promises more dietary options. Make sure you make an early request for easy planning.
4. Samburu Cultural Tours In Westgate Conservancy
One of the highlights of Samburu safaris is the opportunity to experience the rich and ancient culture of the nomadic Samburu people. It may be possible to leave the park to visit a local Samburu village community for you to watch and even participate in. The Samburu are Nilotic, semi-nomadic shepherds who live in north-central Kenya. It offers one of the rare chances to experience a true taste of local life while on your African vacation tour. From their everyday life, exciting dances, their colorful clothing’s as well as their pastoral lifestyle have attracted tourists across the globe from time to time.
Learn about the African traditional cultures where you’ll get a chance to look inside their houses and catch a glimpse of how their family structures, and of course if you wish you can buy some Samburu jewelry which you will first notice from colorful shukas they are wearing, and the brightly beaded jewelry – the bracelets, necklaces, and amulets the women and men are wearing – something to remind you of your Kenyan vacation.
The Samburu people live in huts, which are round in shape with a small entrance closed by a blanket; they have no windows but only two holes which serve to filter the light and let the smoke of the fire that usually burns inside, to be released outside; it is usually used for cooking. The huts are built by women using interwoven sticks, mud and cow dung; they can be easily dismantled and transported and mounted elsewhere. The interior of the hut is divided into two small rooms, one for the husband and sons, the other for the wife and daughters. A collection of these huts, which form a village called ”manyatta” in Samburu language, consists of four to ten families.
The Samburu speak the Samburu dialect of the Maa language, which is a Nilotic language.
However, this activity is subject to availability and must be booked prior to your arrival at the lodge – as we need at least 24 hours to organize the dance with the community.
5. Walking Safaris In Westgate Conservancy
Stretch your legs and take the time to appreciate the beautiful flora, fauna and birdlife within the lodge surroundings. Guided bush walks in Samburu are led by our expert guides and (a member of the park security team), who have knowledge of the landscape, flora and fauna of this breathtaking haven, on foot is the best way to explore this wilderness reserve.
Together we will follow animal trails and tracks, with luck get up close to the resident eland, dik-dik, gerenuk, waterbuck, zebra and giraffe, learn about traditional uses of wild herbs & barks, and observe other smaller wildlife. As for all Kenya walking safaris it’s advisable to move out earlier, before the heat builds up, allowing you enough time to explore Samburu’s unique landscape at a more relaxed pace before you return to the lodge for breakfast.
Morning Walks – Enjoy a quiet early morning walk along the edge of the Ewaso Nyiro River, on the lookout for birds and wildlife.
Afternoon Walk towards Sundowner Rock – This is a 45 minute walk through the Samburu bush to a stunning kopje (a small rocky hill). A short climb will take you to an expansive view where you can relax and enjoy a traditional Kenyan bush sundowner, as we watch the day draw to a close.
Half Day Walks – These longer walks along the river or towards the hills can be arranged for those with energy and an adventurous spirit. Involves setting off in the morning, some great views can be enjoyed from the tops of hillocks as the river meanders downstream from the lodge.
Like all national park in Kenya, except Hell’s Gate National Park, walking in the Samburu Main Reserve is prohibited, excluding select areas around lodges and camps and the surrounding conservancies.
6. Quad Biking In Westgate Conservancy
Discover Westgate Conservancy on a quadbike – a great way to get closer to some of the more scenic and off-the-beaten track locations. Exploring Samburu wilderness at your own pace. There are several routes to explore, depending on how long you want to ride for.
Bush breakfast rides and excursions to sundowners are both possible. Helmets and a professional guide are provided. There exists both quad bikes for kids and adults therefore, kindly note that use of the quad bikes will depend on individual capability and is entirely at the discretion of the camp managers.
7. Stargazing Under The Sky In Westgate Conservancy
For an even more adventurous safari, a mobile expedition camp can be set up; – in which you sleep out under the stars in Westgate Conservancy, giving you the chance to experience something truly wild.
We’ll set off in the late afternoon for a leisurely nature walk (or game drive) to arrive at your camp for the night. Here you’ll find our mosquito dome tents set up for you with comfy mattresses and bedlinen, bathroom and washing facilities.
Relax around a roaring campfire before sitting down to a starlit alfresco dinner. Fall asleep to the soundtrack of the nocturnal bush with just a mosquito net separating you from the blanket of twinkling stars above. Awaken to a spectacular sunrise and the dawn chorus.
However, this activity must be pre-booked in advance.
8. SPA In Westgate Conservancy
Offered by skilled therapists, be prepared to experience an array of massage and beauty treatments designed to harmonise the body’s natural balance and soothe away stress after a long day out on game drives. The SPA is well set with views across the valley and is located right next to a lap pool for those who wish to swim afterwards.
9. Children’s Activities In Westgate Conservancy
In additional to the exiting game drives, camel adventures, quad bikes and time spent splashing around in the pool, there is lots on offer at Westgate to delight younger guests. Children often love to spend a few hours with one the friendly Samburu warriors who will guide them on a nature trail specially designed for little ones. They can learn to make a traditional Samburu bow and arrow and also how to make a toothbrush from the Samburu toothbrush tree.
10. Visit Reteti Elephant Sanctuary
Take a visit to Reteti Elephant Sanctuary – the sanctuary takes in orphaned and abandoned elephant calves with the aim to release them back into the wild herds next-door Reteti.
This is the result of a widely recognised and expanding grassroots movement of community-driven conservation across Northern Kenya; a movement that is growing new economies, transforming lives and conserving natural resources.
Reteti is located in the Namunyak Wildlife Conservancy in Northern Kenya. It is an eight-hour drive from Nairobi. Guests can also access the place by air.
During your visit, you will be paired with a keeper who will tell you about our work and answer any questions. From a special viewing platform, you will watch the elephants come in from their walk to receive their bottles and have mud hole playtime. Afterwards, you will be given a behind the scenes tour of the sanctuary.
Visiting hours match with the elephants’ feeding times. It is important that you arrive promptly for the full experience. Make sure to book at least 24 hours in advance to ensure availability, as there are limited slots and capacity. Same-day bookings are not possible, and we request that you do not visit the orphanage without a prior reservation/ notice.
The Sunrise Feed, for Sarara Guests only – 5.30 am – 7.00 am (feeding is at 6.00 am).
The Morning Feed, exclusive Group only – 8.30 am – 10.00 am (feeding is at 9.00 am) Other visitors are welcome when no exclusive group booked.
The Midday Feed, public viewing – 11.30 am – 13.00 pm (feeding is at 12.00 pm) No more than 3 groups. Max 15 – 20 people.
The Afternoon Feed, Sarara Guests only – 14.30 – 16.00 (feeding is at 15.00).
The Evening Feed, Sarara Guests only – 17.30 pm – 19.00 pm (feeding is at 18.00 pm).
11. Discover Samburu On Helicopter Safaris
Gain a whole new outlook on Kenya’s incredible landscape by taking one of our thrilling scenic helicopter excursions. Take to the skies in a helicopter for an aerial sighting of Samburu. Beginning with the Ololukwe monolith, the Suguta Valley, Silale Crater, and Lake Logipi, areas rarely reached by game drive vehicle. Fly between the jagged snow-capped peaks of Africa’s second highest mountain (Mt.Kenya), land on top of volcanic craters, glide through dramatic gorges and soar alongside pink flamingos.
You will have a birds-eye view of Samburu’s sacred mountain, Ol Donyo Sabachi (Ol Lolokwe), which towers 1,000 m above the encompassing plains. Even though helicopter trips are a luxury excursion, this is the ultimate freedom and opportunity to discover Kenya’s most remote and unreachable locations.
The Wildlife In Westgate Conservancy
When it comes to wildlife, Westgate Conservancy is a place of abundant natural diversity with an astounding number of animals, from elephants to cheetah and wild dogs to the ‘Samburu Special Five’:- the Beisa oryx, reticulated giraffe, Grevy’s zebra, Gerenuk antelope and Somali ostrich which are only in northern Kenya and not found elsewhere.
Discover from majestic elephant herds to predatory lion, leopard and cheetah. The bird life in Samburu is exceptional with high concentrations of different species. The game drives at times can take you through the core conservation area for the endangered Grevy’s zebra, as well as out onto the Naibelibeli Plains where sightings of bat-eared fox, hyena and wild dog are possible.
Additional rare sightings include:
Caracal: Medium-sized wild cat with tufted ears
Aardwolf: Nocturnal insectivore rarely seen during the day
Striped Hyena: Solitary scavenger active mostly at night
Best Time For Wildlife Viewing In Westgate Conservancy
While Westgate Conservancy is beautiful all year round, the best time to visit Westgate Conservancy for wildlife watching is in the dry months of (June to September) when the vegetation thins out and animals gather around remaining water sources. Still – it doesn’t rain much in Samburu so it can be visited throughout the year. The wettest months are April and November.
Birds In Westgate Conservancy
Westgate Conservancy hosts an array of birdlife, and together, Shaba Reserve, Samburu and Buffalo Springs National Reserves have recorded more than 450 bird species, listing them as a top destination for birding safaris. Therefore, if bird watching is your main interest, Samburu is a great choice. The reserve has very little tourist traffic compared to Buffalo Springs and Samburu, which have higher mammal densities.
Popular Birds in Westgate Conservancy
Black-capped social weaver, Black-faced sandgrouse, D’Arnaud’s barbet, Vulturine guineafowl, and White-bellied bustard.
List of Birds in Westgate Conservancy
Acacia tit, African palm swift, Ashy cisticola, Bare-eyed thrush, Black-bellied sunbird, Black-capped social weaver, Brown-tailed rock chat, Chestnut weaver, Chestnut-headed sparrow lark, Donaldson Smith’s sparrow-weaver, Fischer’s starling, Golden pipit, Golden-breasted starling, Greater kestrel, Grey wren-warbler, Hunter’s sunbird, Lanner falcon, Mariqua sunbird, Northern brownbul, Palm-nut vulture, Pink-breasted lark, Pygmy batis, Red-bellied parrot, Red-necked falcon, Red-winged lark, Reichenow’s seedeater, Rosy-patched bush-shrike, Secretary bird, Singing bush lark, Somali bee-eater, Somali ostrich, Spotted palm-thrush, Von der Decken’s hornbill, Vulturine guineafowl, White-headed mousebird, and Yellow-vented eremomela.
Best Time For Bird Watching In Westgate Conservancy
The rocky Westgate Conservancy offers very rewarding birding opportunities all year. Migratory birds arrive in the reserve around November and stay until April. However, be prepared with the weather changes, as short showers can start at any moment. That said, December to February or March are generally best for bird watching.
Best Time To Go To Westgate Conservancy
Similar to Samburu Reserve, while Westgate Conservancy can be visited year-round, wildlife watching is best in the dry months from June to September and again from January to March; during this time there is little to no rainfall, and wildlife gathers around the popular Ewaso River, or nearby watering holes making it easier for safari goers to spot them during game drives. What’s more, the hot-dry months of January and February are also good for seeing wildlife.
Westgate’s wet seasons comprise November and April. During these months, wildlife (has somehow spread out anyway due to the availability of water) and is more challenging to spot in the long grass. However, if you are a bird lover, then the wet season is perfect to enjoy birdwatching as many migratory birds come here during this season.
Weather & Climate At Westgate Conservancy
The Samburu Game Reserve and the surrounding reserves (Buffalo Springs & Shaba) including Westgate & Kalama conservancies have an arid and semi-arid climate characterized by hot, dry days and cold nights. Daytime temperatures is usually in the region of 32°C/90°F, while the average nighttime is 17°C/63°F. For the morning game drives, we highly recommend warm clothing. Expect the rains which normally arrives in April and early November, although the rainfall is low.
Dry Season In Westgate Conservancy – June to September
These are the dry seasons characterized by hot and sunny days – there is no rainfall.
June & July, these months usually hot and sunny with pleasant temperatures of around 29°C/84°F.
Both months of August & September are characterized by a rise in daytime temperatures with an average of 29°C/84°F.
Wet Season In Westgate Conservancy – October to May
Samburu’s wet season is marked by short rains followed by the long rains. January and February are part of the dry months in between.
The months of October, November & December mark the start of the short rains in Samburu. During this period, expect short afternoon storms with daytime temperatures at an average of 29°C/84°F, which can rise. In addition, the skies tend to be clearer & sunny days possible.
Both January & February marks the start and end of the dry spell in Samburu with the timing a little challenging to predict. Nonetheless, February is hotter with average afternoon temperatures reaching 30°C/86°F or even higher.
The months of late March, April & May in Samburu marks the long rainy season. Still pleasant temperatures but with infrequent rainfall. Sunshine & clear skies still encountered. The rains usually begin from late – march through to late April which is the wettest of them all. The rainfall is in form of short afternoon showers. Expect temperatures in the afternoon to reach 30°C/86°F.
The Costs Of A Samburu Safari
It’s not easy to give exact costs for a Samburu safari. There are many budget-influencing factors like the time of year you travel, how luxurious you’d like your stay to be, whether you fly or drive between camps and lodges, whether or not you go private and exclusive, and which extra activities you want to add to your itinerary, like spa treatments, hot-air ballooning and cultural visits. We can, however, provide estimated costs for a safari in the Samburu.
Safari Holidays To Westgate Conservancy
Want to visit Westgate Conservancy? This is one of the most rewarding safari destinations in northern Kenya that you can easily add on a safari package to Masai Mara. Being close to Nairobi, you can easily start off with short Nairobi daytrip tours then proceed to Samburu making it easy to visit in a short time frame, and combine it with other parks as well.
You have plenty of choices to pick from, Samburu midrange safaris to Samburu luxury safaris depending on your travel style.
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Browse our selection of private Samburu tour packages in Kenya above, or get in touch with one of our African safari experts to help tailor-make the best itinerary for you.