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Selenkay Conservancy

Selenkay Conservancy lies just north of Amboseli National Park in southern Kenya and represents one of the earliest examples of community-owned land being set aside for wildlife conservation. Established in 1997 through a partnership between the local Maasai community and Gamewatchers Safaris, 12,000 acres of community land were leased to create a protected area where wildlife and people could co-exist more harmoniously.

Selenkay is a private wilderness area with strict limits on visitor numbers and vehicle density. Only a small number of safari guests are accommodated within the conservancy and there is only one safari camp – Porini Amboseli Camp – ensuring an exclusive and low-impact experience across thousands of acres of unspoiled habitat. This approach has allowed wildlife to return and flourish, including elephants that had been absent from the area for nearly two decades.

As an unfenced extension of the Amboseli ecosystem, Selenkay provides a vital dispersal area for species moving in and out of the national park. Nature does not recognize human boundaries, and the conservancy plays an essential role as a safe haven for elephants, big cats, giraffes, and a wide variety of plains game that might otherwise face conflict or pressure in settled areas.

Visitors benefit not only from quieter game-viewing but also from activities not permitted inside national parks, such as guided walks with Maasai warrior guides, night drives to encounter nocturnal species, off-road driving for close wildlife encounters, and bush meals in scenic locations.  There is also the opportunity to visit a local Maasai Village to elarn more about the Maasai culture and way of life.

Today, Selenkay stands as a successful model of how ecotourism can generate tangible benefits for local communities while safeguarding critical wildlife habitats. Guests staying at Porini Amboseli Camp, the only camp within the conservancy, directly support conservation efforts and help sustain the Maasai families who have dedicated their land to wildlife protection.

World Sustainable Travel & Hospitality Awards 2025

World Sustainable Travel & Hospitality Awards

Gamewatchers’ Selenkay Conservancy exemplifies community-driven conservation. Situated in Kenya’s Amboseli ecosystem, it empowers Maasai landowners by leasing land for wildlife protection while delivering tourism revenue and employment. The initiative has restored critical wildlife corridors, increased lion populations, and improved rangeland health through rotational grazing. Profits fund education, health, and water infrastructure for surrounding communities. Gamewatchers’ low-impact eco-camps run entirely on solar, use zero plastic, and promote local sourcing. Its model is scalable and has been replicated in other conservancies across Kenya.

What sets Selenkay apart is its success in aligning biodiversity conservation with tangible community benefits—making wildlife preservation economically viable for locals and enriching for visitors.

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A Taste of Selenkay

Selenkay Conservancy Accommodation

Porini Safari Tours Combining Selenkay Conservancy

Experience the wild like never before with safari itineraries featuring Selenkay Conservancy and the award-winning Porini Camps. Journey through Amboseli, Ol Pejeta, and the Maasai Mara, enjoying exclusive access to pristine conservancies and up-close wildlife encounters—far from the crowds.

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Choose a Safari Specialist in your time zone and start planning your tailor-made safari to Kenya.

How To Make The Best Choice For Your Wildlife Safari in Kenya

Don’t miss out on our free copy of our 36 page Guide to Choosing a Safari in Kenya.  A must-read before booking any safari tour to ensure you make the most of your time and budget and get the best possible experience.

How To Make The Best Choice For Your Wildlife Safari in Kenya

Don’t miss out on our free copy of our 36 page Guide to Choosing a Safari in Kenya.  A must-read before booking any safari tour to ensure you make the most of your time and budget and get the best possible experience.

How To Make The Best Choice For Your Wildlife Safari in Kenya

Don’t miss out on our free copy of our 36 page Guide to Choosing a Safari in Kenya.  A must-read before booking any safari tour to ensure you make the most of your time and budget and get the best possible experience.

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