Conservation

Training the Next Generation: Gamewatchers Scholarship Graduates New Safari Guides

On February 28, 2025, three young conservationists—Noah Sunde, Dan Pere, and Gladys Minis—achieved a significant milestone by graduating with distinction from the Wildlife Tourism College of Maasai Mara (formerly the Koiyaki Guiding School). Their success is not just a personal achievement but a testament to the power of education in shaping the future of conservation and eco-tourism in Kenya.

Their journey was made possible through the Gamewatchers Guiding Scholarship, an initiative designed to provide opportunities for promising Maasai youth who are passionate about wildlife but may not have the financial means to pursue formal training in safari guiding and conservation management. This graduation marks the beginning of an exciting chapter—not only for these graduates but for the communities and wildlife they will help protect.

Gamewatchers Guiding Scholarship: Investing in People for Conservation

The Wildlife Tourism College of Maasai Mara located in Pardat Conservation Area, was established in 2005 under the name Koiyaki Guiding School. Each year, the institution enrolls 26 students, equipping them with the skills necessary to become professional safari guides, conservationists, and ambassadors for responsible tourism.

Gamewatchers Safaris has long been committed to community-led conservation, ensuring that local people benefit directly from protecting Kenya’s wilderness. By sponsoring students at the Wildlife Tourism College, we are not just supporting individuals—we are investing in the future stewards of Kenya’s ecosystems.

Through the scholarship program, students receive full or partial financial assistance, allowing them to complete their training and gain industry-recognized certifications such as the Kenya National Examinations Council (KNEC) exams and the Kenya Professional Safari Guides Association (KPSGA) certification. For Gamewatchers Safaris, the scholarship is more than just education—it is about ensuring that conservation efforts are community-led, sustainable, and impactful. With over 90% of Porini Camps’ staff coming from the surrounding communities, this initiative directly contributes to employment, skills development, and long-term conservation efforts.

Meet the Graduates: Their Journey, Their Impact

Gladys Nabaya Minis: A Trailblazer for Women in Conservation
At just 20 years old, Gladys from Ol Kinyei Conservancy has already defied the odds. As a single mother, she faced financial challenges, but her passion for wildlife and determination led her to earn a Distinction in her KNEC exams and pass her Kenya Professional Safari Guides Association (KPSGA) Bronze exam. Gladys did her internship at the Porini Ol Kinyei Safari Cottages to further equip her with practical experience, allowing her to apply her skills in a real-world setting. With her newfound qualifications, Gladys is poised to become a leading female guide, inspiring more women to pursue careers in conservation.

Daniel Pere: A Guiding Light for His Family & Wildlife
As the firstborn in a family of 30, a husband and a father of two, Pere understands responsibility. His dream is to use his guiding skills to uplift his family while protecting Kenya’s wildlife. Despite challenges, he scored 67% in his KPSGA exam and achieved a Distinction in his KNEC exams. During his internship at Porini Mara Camp, he gained hands-on experience, boosting his confidence and preparing him for a future as a professional guide

Noah Sunde: Championing Conservation in Selenkay
Growing up in Selenkay Conservancy, Noah was inspired by expert guides from Porini Camps. With Gamewatchers’ sponsorship, he pursued his dream, excelling in his KPSGA Bronze Exam and KNEC Final Exam. His internship at Porini Rhino Camp strengthened his skills, and now, he is eager to promote sustainable tourism and conservation in Selenkay, ensuring his community benefits from responsible travel.

The graduation of Noah, Dan, and Gladys is not just a milestone for them personally—it is a victory for conservation in Kenya. As newly qualified guides, they will help protect and preserve Kenya’s diverse ecosystems by sharing their knowledge with visitors. Their expertise will ensure that safari experiences remain authentic and deeply connected to local culture while playing a vital role in educating guests on sustainable tourism practices and the importance of conservation. They will also serve as role models for other young Maasai individuals who aspire to work in eco-tourism.

By investing in local talent, Gamewatchers Safaris ensures that the future of conservation is in the hands of those who have grown up in these landscapes and understand their significance better than anyone else.

How Safari Guests Play a Role in Conservation

One of the most remarkable aspects of this program is how every guest staying at Porini Safari Camps directly contributes to education and employment opportunities for young Maasai men and women. By choosing eco-tourism over mass tourism, visitors help fund scholarships, create jobs, and support the protection of Kenya’s wildlife and wilderness areas.

As more travelers seek ethical and sustainable safari experiences, programs like the Gamewatchers Guiding Scholarship prove that tourism can be a force for positive change—benefiting both people and the planet.

A Bright Future Ahead

For Noah, Dan, and Gladys, this graduation is just the beginning. Their journey from students to professional guides means that future safari guests may soon find themselves exploring Kenya’s breathtaking conservancies under their expert guidance. Their success is a reminder that investing in people is just as important —if not more—than protecting wildlife, because conservation thrives when communities are part of the solution.

Acknowledging Our Generous Supporters

The success of our scholarship program would not be possible without the generosity of those who believe in the power of education and conservation. We extend our heartfelt gratitude to:

Angie Ullmann – Generously provided a full scholarship for Noah Sunde
Adrienne Van Veen – Generously contributed $463 towards Gladys Minis’ education

Additionally, further support was provided to ensure Gladys Minis and Dan Pere could successfully complete their studies.

Your generosity has helped shape the future of young conservationists, ensuring they have the skills and knowledge to protect wildlife and natural heritage. Thank you for making a lasting impact!

Be Part of the Impact

Every booking with Porini Camps supports initiatives like the Gamewatchers Guiding Scholarship, ensuring that conservation remains community-driven, sustainable, and effective. Want to experience a safari that makes a difference? Book your stay with Porini Camps and be part of the movement to empower future conservationists.Learn more about our community projects and how you can help here: https://wildlifehabitattrust.org/trust-projects/

Posted on 19th March 2025

By Ivy Vuguza

A Tribute to Paolo, Amboseli’s Iconic Elephant

Wildlife

A Tribute to Paolo, Amboseli’s Iconic Elephant

We are deeply saddened to announce the passing of Paolo, one of Amboseli’s most famous and cherished elephants. At 46 years old, Paolo’s death marks the loss of a true giant, not only in size but also in spirit. His massive tusks, each weighing over 100 pounds (45 kg), made him one of Africa’s last remaining super tuskers, and his presence will be sorely missed.

A Life Filled with Challenges and Triumphs

According to Amboseli Elephant Trust, Paolo was born in November 1979 and was part of the ‘P’ family, one of the largest elephant families in Amboseli. Under the care of his mother, Pick, Paolo survived early challenges, including a devastating drought in 1984. As Paolo grew older, he left his family at 14 years of age, following the natural path of male elephants to live independently.

Over the years, Paolo endured numerous hardships, including two poaching crises and a severe drought in 2008 that claimed the life of his mother. Despite these challenges, Paolo thrived, becoming one of Amboseli’s largest and most iconic elephants

The Rare Super Tusker

Paolo was a magnificent bull known for his impressive tusks. Following his passing, the Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) recorded measurements of Paolo’s tusks, confirming just how extraordinary they were.

Paolo’s Tusks: A Legacy in Numbers

🔹 Right Tusk

Weight: 52.9 kg
Outer Curve Length: 260 cm
Inner Curve Length: 234 cm
Circumference: 52 cm

🔹 Left Tusk

Weight: 51 kg
Outer Curve Length: 252 cm
Inner Curve Length: 227 cm
Circumference: 52 cm

These numbers highlight just how magnificent Paolo was—his tusks were not only long but also thick and symmetrical, marking him as a true ‘big tusker.’

Super tuskers like Paolo are becoming increasingly rare. The International Fund for Animal Welfare (IFAW) notes that fewer than 30 super tuskers remain worldwide – IFAW.ORG. with only approximately 10 residing within the Amboseli ecosystem – EnactAfrica.Org. Paolo, however, was able to survive thanks to the tireless conservation efforts in the Amboseli ecosystem from the community, KWS, many conservation partners as well as the critical protected area that the Selenkay Conservancy is.

His presence in Amboseli and Selenkay Conservancy was a symbol of the success of community-based conservation. The local Maasai communities and dedicated rangers helped protect Paolo and other elephants, allowing them to live freely and safely.

Selenkay Conservancy set up by Gamewatchers & Porini Camps in partnership with the community almost 30 years ago continues to be a vital part of the home range to some of these super tuskers and a great place to be able to view these majestic animals from while staying at Porini Amboseli Camp.

Paolo’s Impact on Amboseli and Selenkay Conservancy

Paolo was not only an icon of Amboseli but also a frequent visitor to the Selenkay Conservancy. The conservancy, one of the most important wildlife areas in the region, has been a safe haven for elephants like Paolo. Our Porini Amboseli guides fondly remember him, sharing stories of his gentle nature and awe-inspiring presence.

“From the moment Paolo arrived here, he lived peacefully among both people and other elephants. He was easy to recognize by his folded right ear and his long, thick tusks, which stood tall above his shoulders. I knew him as a shy but calm elephant who preferred solitude most of the time. Despite this, he was a favorite among our guests, who traveled from far and wide to photograph him. His presence was a great attraction, and he embodied the beauty of Africa’s iconic big tuskers. Sadly, Paolo passed away when we still needed him. Though we couldn’t intervene, we believe he died of natural causes. Throughout his life, he was never in conflict with people—not even when near their farms. Paolo will be deeply missed, but his memory will live on in our hearts forever, ” says Selenkay Conservancy Manager, Daniel Mamai.

“Paolo was often seen between Selenkay Conservancy and Amboseli National Park in the months leading up to his death. He was a friendly bull, and his presence was a symbol of strength and grace in our conservancy. As one of the iconic giants of Selenkay, Paolo was truly a living legend. His passing marks the loss of one of our biggest super tuskers, and it’s incredibly sad to lose such a peaceful and majestic patriarch. Paolo leaves a significant gap in Amboseli, and we can only hope that he has passed on his legacy through the next generation, ” adds Porini Amboseli Camp Silver Guide, Edison Sakimba who often photographed Paolo both in the Park and the Conservancy.

Check out this video of Paolo, captured by Sakimba in December 2024 at Selenkay Conservancy during a game drive with guests from Porini Amboseli Camp: https://www.facebook.com/share/v/1Azhqfwx9T/

“I’ve known Paolo for 10 years, and he became one of the best bull elephants in the Amboseli ecosystem. I always made it a point to track him down for my clients so they could have the chance to see him. He was a very friendly and intelligent elephant, who preferred to stay in Selenkay Conservancy for longer periods than in the park. Just last month, he came to Porini’s waterhole to say goodbye. His passing was due to natural causes, and no one is to blame. Rest in peace, Paolo! “ says Porini Amboseli Camp, Bronze Guide Daniel Muli.

Though Paolo is gone, his legacy lives on in the work done to protect elephants and their habitats. His story is a reminder of the importance of sustainable conservation practices and the need to continue protecting these majestic creatures for future generations.

A Lasting Legacy

While we mourn the loss of Paolo, we also celebrate his life and the role he played in Amboseli’s elephant population. His sister, Periwinkle, continues to roam the savannah, carrying his memory forward. As you visit Porini Amboseli Camp, know that your support helps maintain the vital habitats that allow elephants like Paolo to thrive.

Rest in peace, Paolo. You will forever be remembered as one of Amboseli’s greatest giants.

— With gratitude from the team at Porini Amboseli Camp, Selenkay Conservancy and the entire Gamewatchers Safaris Team.

By Ivy Vuguza

Posted: 7th February, 2025

Hot Air Balloon Experiences in the Masai Mara

Hot Air Balloon Experiences in the Masai Mara

What better way to enhance an African safari than to experience the landscape and wildlife from the air?

Visitors to the Masai Mara can opt to add a hot air balloon excursion to their stay and our latest video, courtesy of Mark Rowe, gives an insight into what can be expected.

Balloon expeditions start in the early hours with fresh coffee and a flight briefing. Flights start just after 6 am and soar high over the Great Rift Valley with breathtaking views of the surrounding area.

After touching down, guests can enjoy a champagne breakfast in the wilderness, the perfect ending to an enchanting morning.

The 2024 Graduation of Selenkay Conservancy Rangers

Conservation

Celebrating Conservation Heroes: The 2024 Graduation of Selenkay Conservancy Rangers

In the heart of the Amboseli eco-system lies the Selenkay Conservancy, a beacon of hope for wildlife conservation and community empowerment. Established more than three decades ago by Gamewatchers Safaris in collaboration with the local community, Selenkay Conservancy

embodies the spirit of sustainable tourism and wildlife protection. Recently, on March 9th, 2024, the conservancy witnessed a momentous occasion – the graduation ceremony of its dedicated rangers.

Selenkay Conservancy: A Hub of Conservation Efforts

Selenkay Conservancy stands as a testament to the power of community-led conservation initiatives. Set up with the dual objective of fostering sustainable tourism and safeguarding wildlife habitats, the conservancy has become a model for effective conservation management. Every aspect of its operations, from tourism revenue to ranger training, is geared towards preserving the natural heritage of the region.

The Graduation Ceremony: A Milestone in Conservation

The graduation ceremony held on March 9th, 2024, marked a significant milestone in the journey of Selenkay Conservancy. A total of 24 rangers, including 10 returning rangers and 14 newcomers, were honored for their dedication and commitment to wildlife protection. The ceremony was a celebration of their achievements and a testament to the unwavering spirit of

conservation.

Ranger Training Program: Building Guardians of the Wild

The comprehensive ranger training program, spanning 14 days, equipped the rangers with the essential skills and knowledge required for effective wildlife management. From drill exercises to crime scene management and GPS navigation, the training covered a wide array of topics

essential for ranger duties. Each ranger emerged from the program as a guardian of the wilderness, ready to face the challenges of protecting Selenkay’s rich biodiversity.

Community Engagement: Empowering Local Communities

One of the hallmarks of Selenkay Conservancy’s success lies in its commitment to community engagement and empowerment. The conservancy’s revenue-sharing model ensures that local

communities benefit directly from tourism activities. Additionally, the employment of local rangers and support staff further strengthens the bond between the conservancy and the community, fostering a sense of ownership and stewardship of the land.

Looking Ahead: A Bright Future for Conservation

As we reflect on the graduation ceremony of Selenkay Conservancy Rangers, we are reminded of the critical role that dedicated individuals play in conservation efforts. Their unwavering commitment and passion for protecting wildlife and habitats serve as inspiration for

future generations. As Selenkay Conservancy continues its journey towards sustainable conservation, we remain optimistic about the future of wildlife and communities in the Amboseli eco-system.

The graduation ceremony of Selenkay Conservancy Rangers serves as a poignant reminder of the importance of community-led conservation initiatives. Through their dedication and hard work, these rangers embody the spirit of conservation heroes, tirelessly working to safeguard our planet’s natural treasures. As we celebrate their achievements, let us renew our commitment to protecting wildlife and habitats for generations to come.

Remember, guests staying in our Porini Camps make a significant direct contribution to protecting habitat and supporting communities. Learn more about how we support wildlife conservation and local communities: https://www.porini.com/saving-wildlife-in-kenya/

Saving an Elephant from a Snare

Conservation

Saving an Elephant from a Snare

Earlier this month, our Ol Kinyei Conservancy rangers helped in the successful rescue of an elephant from a wire snare.

Following reports of the injured elephant, rangers rushed to the scene and found a 45-year-old adult male elephant with a wire snare wrapped around his right hind limb. The snare posed a risk of cutting into his flesh and causing an infection or even death.

Thanks to the combined effort of our resourceful rangers, the Mara mobile veterinary unit and the Mara Elephant Project, they managed to dart the elephant and swiftly remove the snare, ensuring no harm to the elephant’s soft tissues. Now liberated, this majestic creature can roam freely once more.

Wire snares are illegal traps set by poachers or farmers to catch wildlife for meat or to protect their crops. This human-wildlife conflict poses challenges, but our collective commitment to conservation prevails and we will continue to work together with the local communities, the authorities and other stakeholders to find sustainable and humane solutions that benefit both people and wildlife.

Maasai Mara Wildlife Conservancies Association: 10 Year Commemoration

Maasai Mara Wildlife Conservancies Association 10 Year Award

Conservation

Maasai Mara Wildlife Conservancies Association: 10 Year Commemoration

A special commemoration was held to mark the 10th Anniversary of the Maasai Mara Wildlife Conservancies Association …

Our Managing Director, Dr Mohanjeet Brar, was delighted to receive an award on behalf of our Founder and Chairman, Jake Grieves-Cook, for “Recognition for pioneering the idea of long-term lease agreements leading to a guaranteed income for the Mara Community”.

This recognition extends to the entire Gamewatchers Safaris / Porini Camps family.

Over the past 18 years we’ve played a pivotal role in establishing four conservancies in the Mara: Ol Kinyei Conservancy, Olare Motorogi Conservancy, Mara Naboisho Conservancy and the recently established Mara Ripoi Conservancy.

The colourful event was graced by Dr. Alfred Mutua – Cabinet Secretary, Tourism and Wildlife, Honorable Patrick K. Ole Ntutu – Governor of Narok County, Her Excellency, Amb. Meg Whitman – U.S. Ambassador to Kenya, Ms. Silvia Museyia – PS, State Department for Wildlife and many other leaders and hundreds of landowners. Here’s to many more years of collaboration and conservation success!

Porini Safari Camps: A Wildlife Gallery by Julie Roggow

Conservation

Porini Safari Camps: A Wildlife Gallery by Julie Roggow

Here is a wonderful selection of wildlife images by our colleague and regular guest Julie Roggow. These were all taken whilst staying at our Porini Safari Camps in Kenya.

Julie has had a long association with Gamewatchers and Porini, having supported us over many years and using her enthusiasm for travel and extensive knowledge of Africa to devise bespoke travel arrangements for many of our clients.

Julie is also a passionate photographer and has kindly shared these images from her visits to Porini Camps. We hope you enjoy them as much as we do.

National Tree Planting Day in Kenya!

Conservation

National Tree Planting Day in Kenya!

Last month, Gamewatchers Safaris and Porini Safari Camps staff were delighted to take part in Kenya’s first National Tree Planting Day. This vital initiative saw the entire nation join forces in support of the environment.

The day, 13 November, was declared a “special holiday” and we contributed to Kenya’s ambitious goal of planting 500 million seedlings this year and the longer term target of planting 15 billion trees by 2032. It was encouraging to see so many people dedicated to a greener, more sustainable future.

Expansion of our Digital Learning Initiative

Conservation

Expansion of our Digital Learning Initiative

We’re delighted that Endonyo Narasha Primary School has joined our Gamewatchers digital learning initiative, making it the fourth school enrolled from the communities surrounding our Ol Kinyei Conservancy.

This smart learning project is a collaborative effort with WiLearn 4 Life, backed by the PD Foundation, with a mission to empower the community with digital and tech skills. WiLearn 4 Life’s CEO, Roland Diethelm, personally delivered digital learning equipment last month and students and teachers were trained on its usage.

We have Oloibormurt, Kishermoruak and Ilmochin Primary schools already receiving this program which greatly benefits remote schools and complements Kenya’s DigiSchools project which offers efficient charging solutions for tablets via solar-powered kits.

Find out more:

To learn more about our various Community Projects and how you can help, see: Supporting Communities …

Ol Kinyei Conservancy: A Wildlife Paradise in Masai Mara

Conservation

Ol Kinyei Conservancy: A Wildlife Paradise in Masai Mara

In our latest video, “Exploring the Rich History of Ol Kinyei”, you can discover the history of Ol Kinyei Conservancy, one of the pioneer conservancies in Kenya’s Masai Mara.

Established in 2005, Ol Kinyei has been a trailblazer in conservation efforts, making it the only IUCN Green List Protected area in the Mara ecosystem.

Ol Kinyei and its surrounding area now has one of the highest densities of big cats, providing the best possible safari experience for wildlife enthusiasts. There are great wildlife viewing opportunities within the Conservancy year-round, and from here visitors get to witness the annual Loita wildebeest calving in February and March. In addition, guests can choose to visit the Masai Mara National Reserve.

The Conservancy is now home to Porini Cheetah Camp, Porini Mara Camp and the newly opened Porini Ol Kinyei Safari Cottages.

Find out more:

Ol Kinyei Conservancy

Training the Next Generation: Gamewatchers Scholarship Graduates New Safari Guides

Gamewatchers Guiding Scholarship: Investing in People for Conservation

Meet the Graduates: Their Journey, Their Impact

How Safari Guests Play a Role in Conservation

A Bright Future Ahead

Acknowledging Our Generous Supporters

Be Part of the Impact

Wildlife

A Tribute to Paolo, Amboseli’s Iconic Elephant

Conservation

Hot Air Balloon Experiences in the Masai Mara

Conservation

Celebrating Conservation Heroes: The 2024 Graduation of Selenkay Conservancy Rangers

Selenkay Conservancy: A Hub of Conservation Efforts

The Graduation Ceremony: A Milestone in Conservation

Ranger Training Program: Building Guardians of the Wild

Community Engagement: Empowering Local Communities

Looking Ahead: A Bright Future for Conservation

Conservation

Saving an Elephant from a Snare

Conservation

Maasai Mara Wildlife Conservancies Association: 10 Year Commemoration

Conservation

Porini Safari Camps: A Wildlife Gallery by Julie Roggow

Conservation

National Tree Planting Day in Kenya!

Conservation

Expansion of our Digital Learning Initiative

Find out more:

Conservation

Ol Kinyei Conservancy: A Wildlife Paradise in Masai Mara

Find out more:

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