Gamewatchers & Porini Win ATTA® Awards 2026
We are delighted to announce that we have won two ATTA® for Action Awards 2026, recognising leadership in conservation, sustainable tourism, and eco-innovation in Kenya.
An Open Letter From Our Founder
To Potential Safari-Goers Who Wish To Ensure That Their Visit Will Support Wildlife Conservation And Benefit Local People.
An Open Letter From Our Founder
To Potential Safari-Goers Who Wish To Ensure That Their Visit Will Support Wildlife Conservation And Benefit Local People.
Below is an open letter from the Founder of Gamewatchers Safaris & Porini Camps, Jake Grieves-Cook, to anyone who is interested in coming to East Africa on a wildlife safari and who wishes to know that by doing so part of the costs of their safari will go towards helping to pay for conservation of wildlife habitat and endangered species while also generating benefits for local communities.
I am writing to let you know how the income from tourism, by visitors such as yourself staying at our small safari camps, helps us to pay for the costs of conserving the teeming wild animals which you will see in the exclusive setting of wildlife Conservancies away from the main tourist trails, as well as supporting the local communities who are setting aside their land to be a home for wildlife.
For more than twenty years now, our mission at Gamewatchers Safaris & Porini Camps has been to work in partnership with the local communities who own land adjacent to the official parks and reserves in order to expand the area of protected habitat for wildlife by leasing land to form wildlife conservancies.
We use the income from small-scale responsible tourism as a way of paying for the leases and to provide livelihoods for the communities who own the land.
We have been paying for the leasing of large tracts of land from the communities to set this acreage aside as wildlife conservancies so as to create more areas of protected wildlife habitat beyond the parks, where the wild animals can continue to live in their natural environment and to increase in number.
Wildlife Conservancies in Kenya provide a protected natural habitat for many of Africa’s important species, including rhinos, elephants and all the big cats. Scientific research into animal movements and behavior shows that wildlife feels safe within the boundaries of the Conservancies.
As a result of recent international media coverage, people all over the world are now starting to realise that the populations of wild animals in many countries are declining catastrophically and that for most species the numbers have halved in a relatively short period. This is almost entirely because of habitat loss caused by the massive human population increases all over the world, and especially in Africa, in the last two decades. Many of the forests, plains and wilderness areas where animals once lived in abundance have now been lost as wildlife habitats owing to destructive logging, intensive farming and “agri-business”, human settlement and urbanisation. And without a safe habitat where they are protected, wild animals also fall victim to over-exploitation by humans and wanton killing or poaching.
There is at last a growing awareness that wild animals need a safe place to live and that more space needs to be set aside for them in the form of additional protected habitat on land beyond the existing national parks if they are to survive and avoid extinction. In many parts of the world, conservation organisations, private sector and government agencies are working together to increase the areas of protected habitat. The Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB) in the UK has the stated aim of helping to secure a total of 20% of the land surface area of Britain as protected nature reserves. In the USA, the eminent ecologist Professor E. O. Wilson has argued that 50% of planet earth should be set aside for nature and for wildlife species. Authors like George Monbiot have argued for “re-wilding” to return landscapes to nature and wildlife. And in addition to providing land for wildlife there is a growing realisation that the marine environment also needs to be protected.
With this recognition that there needs to be more space for nature, the stark fact is that in Kenya, less than 8% of the land surface area is in the state-controlled National Parks & National Reserves. This is a very small percentage and just not enough to provide a home for all the wild animals which previously were commonly found outside the parks but which are now losing their former rangelands and being displaced as a result of the accelerating growth in human population and domestic livestock.
At the time of Independence in 1963 the human population in Kenya was under 10 million. It has been growing very rapidly since then and will soon exceed 50 million so the space formerly available for wildlife is disappearing rapidly as the lands have to accommodate more people and become densely settled, fragmented and sub-divided with fences going up everywhere. This means that wildlife species in Kenya are now excluded from areas which once were teeming with giraffes, antelopes, zebras and other wild creatures and where the human population formerly as sparse.
This map shows how the increase in human population has fragmented the area beside the Maasai Mara National Reserve with sub-division into many hundreds of small plots. Outside of the Mara Conservancies this is now quickly being lost as natural habitat for wild animals and is being given over to human dwellings, fenced off as farm land and used for more intensive domestic livestock rearing.
The sub-division of land has increased the number of fences going up in the areas outside the Mara Conservancies and these are excluding wildlife, changing migration patterns and reducing rangeland available for wild animals.
Wildlife killed by fences outside the Conservancies: a Topi antelope strangled by a wire fence and a Giraffe killed by falling over a fence.
The Conservancy Concept and How it Supports Wildlife & Local People
Jake Grieves-Cook and members of the Maasai community at Selenkay when the conservancy was first started there almost 30 years ago.
As mentioned, our mission has been to create more space for wildlife by working with local communities to expand the area of wildlife habitat beyond the parks by establishing wildlife conservancies on land leased from local people. Our objective is to make more space available for wildlife and to reverse the loss of habitat so that a larger area is preserved in which the wild animals can live safely in their natural environment. We aim to make it worthwhile for people in the communities adjacent to the parks to have their land used for conservation by generating incomes for them from the lease payments for their parcels of land and by creating jobs and livelihoods for their family members in eco-tourism and wildlife conservation as well as supporting various community projects.
We started in 1997 at Selenkay Conservancy in the Amboseli eco-system and then introduced the concept of leasing land to form wildlife conservancies in the Mara eco-system, beginning at Ol Kinyei Conservancy which was followed by Olare Orok, Motorogi and Naboisho conservancies.
These large Conservancies have been created by leasing land from the Maasai people who receive a regular income for their land as well as income from jobs created within the Conservancies as Wardens and Rangers and as the staff in the Safari Camps catering for tourist visitors.
Maps Showing The Selenkay & Mara Eco-System
Map of the Amboseli Eco-System including Selenkay Conservancy.
This map shows the original Mara eco-system made up of the Masai Mara National Reserve, the Mara Triangle and the private Conservancies, including the ones set up by Gamewatchers Safaris (Ol Kinyei, Mara Ripoi, Naboisho and Olare Motorogi Conservancies).
This map shows human habitation: people and livestock are settled on the land beyond the Mara Conservancies leaving the land within the Conservancies to revert back to its natural state, expanding the area of habitat for wildlife beyond the Maasai Mara National Reserve.
How the Future of Conservancies (and Kenya’s Wildlife) relies on Tourism
The costs of leasing the land and paying for the conservancies’ management expenses (wardens, rangers, waterholes for wildlife, viewing tracks etc) is borne entirely by us and is an extra overhead of more than US$1 million a year which is a huge amount for a safari company such as ours to fund every year. We pay for this with the income from tourism to our small eco-camps and by coming to stay with us, visitors are helping to support the conservancies which have been so successful in creating safe havens for wildlife.
In this video clip I give details of our conservation mission and how dependent we are on tourism.
If you are thinking about coming out on safari then please consider choosing a safari staying at our Porini Camps in the Conservancies in Kenya.
Our Porini Camps are genuine eco-camps and our aim has always been to provide a safe and comfortable safari experience in unspoilt wilderness within community-owned conservancies located away from the over-crowded tourist areas.
Our emphasis has been on working closely with the local Maasai communities who help in running the camps and conservancies and to have high quality guiding using open-sided 4x4s for a more authentic safari experience.
Our community outreach projects include donations towards school fees and equipment and the employment of local community members as rangers to protect the widlife.
We also help in obtaining funds for the training of Maasai students at a local Guiding School, and we assist in securing funds to strengthen livestock enclosures for farmers (to reduce incidents of wild animals attacking their livestock) as this in turn helps stop any retaliation ogainst the wild animals by villagers.
As so many people rely on TripAdvisor reviews when choosing where to stay, you may wish to read the latest reviews written by recent guests who stayed with us.
It is tourism that pays for the conservancies to continue in existence so if you come out for a safari staying in our Porini Camps in the conservancies then that will definitely be a big help for conservation and for the communities who have set aside their land as a home for wildlife.
If you feel positive about what we are doing then please help us spread the word to encourage more visitors to come out on safari to Kenya to assure the future of our “Conservancy Concept” or better still, come out and see for yourself!
Details of our top recommended safari itineraries offering great value for an all inclusive safari experience to the Porini Camps can be seen here.
Thanks for your interest and I hope we may have the chance to welcome you on a safari soon!
With very best wishes,
Jake Grieves-Cook
Founder Gamewatchers Safaris & Porini Camps
Ready to start planning?
Our experienced Safari Consultants—based in Nairobi and around the world—are here to guide you every step of the way. From expert advice to seamless planning, we’ll take care of every detail to create a safari that’s perfectly tailored to you.
Get in touch today, and a dedicated Safari Specialist in your time zone will start crafting your personalised safari to Africa.
Kenya
North America & Canada
North America & Canada
North America
UK & Europe
South America
Australia
India
Kenya
Head Office in Nairobi
We have an experienced team of Safari Consultants based in Kenya.
You can email our Nairobi team here or call at +254-722-509-200.
North America & Canada
Rick Mcintyre
Hello, I’m Rick, based in Ontario, Canada, with over 15 years in the travel industry and a passport filled with stamps from over 70 countries. My heart was captured by Africa during my first visit to Kenya, and since then, I’ve journeyed back repeatedly, exploring the diverse landscapes and wildlife of Kenya, Tanzania, Rwanda, Zambia, Zimbabwe, Botswana, Namibia, and South Africa. Whether you’re dreaming of a “once in a lifetime” vacation or you’re a seasoned safari traveler, I’m here to assist in planning your perfect African adventure.
You can contact me at rick@gamewatchers.com or give me a call at +1-877-710-3014, and together, we’ll make your African dreams a reality.
North America & Canada
Rachel Chambers
Hi, I’m Rae, based on the West Coast of Canada, on beautiful Vancouver Island. I’m a passionate traveler who has explored nearly 30 countries, but it was a solo journey to Africa that truly transformed my perspective. From the moment I arrived in Botswana, I felt an undeniable connection to the continent and was inspired to spend more time experiencing its extraordinary wildlife, breathtaking landscapes, and rich cultures. My solo travels have since taken me through Zimbabwe, Zambia, Mauritius, South Africa, Uganda, Namibia, and Kenya, where I experienced Gamewatchers Safaris and Porini Camps firsthand. It was during these immersive and unforgettable journeys that my passion for Africa evolved into a clear vision: to join the Gamewatchers team and help others discover the magic of safari. I’d love to connect and plan your wildest dreams!.
You can reach me by email at rae@gamewatchers.com
North America
Julie Roggow
Greetings, I’m Julie Roggow, and I come to you with over two decades of immersion in the world of travel. My journey into the heart of safari adventures began as I traversed Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, Rwanda, Botswana, Zimbabwe, and South Africa, capturing the essence of these mesmerizing landscapes through my lens. Among these remarkable destinations, Kenya and the Porini safari camps hold a special place in my heart. Their unique blend of wilderness and conservation resonates deeply with me.
My passion for travel is matched only by my dedication to sharing that passion with others. Whether you’re a seasoned traveler or embarking on your very first safari, I’m here to ensure that planning your safari vacation is an enjoyable and seamless experience.
Feel free to reach out to me by email at julie@gamewatchers.com or through our toll-free telephone line at +1-877-710-3014. Let’s embark on an unforgettable safari journey together, where the wild beauty of Africa awaits to enchant and inspire you.
UK & Europe
Tom Mees
Jambo, I’m Tommy Mees, most people call me Tom.
My connection with Africa began through years of travelling across the continent.
I later spent more than twelve years managing safari camps and lodges while supporting conservation initiatives including beekeeping and tree-planting projects.
Having travelled extensively throughout Eastern and Southern Africa, I developed a deep appreciation for authentic wilderness experiences and the conservation-focused approach of the Porini Camps.
I am originally from Belgium and now based in Spain, though my heart has always remained in Africa.
Alongside my safari background, I am also a professional photographer and enjoy helping travellers experience and capture the extraordinary wildlife, landscapes and cultures that make Africa so special.
If you are considering an African safari, feel free to contact me at tom@gamewatchers.com
South America
Andrea Landaeta
Hola, I’m Andrea and my love affair with the captivating world of safaris began during my teenage years when I embarked on my very first safari in Kenya. There, amidst the awe-inspiring wildlife and expansive plains, I found my true passion. Over the years, Kenya has called me back time and time again, leading me to explore its myriad camps, conservancies, and renowned parks. More recently, I’ve had the privilege of staying at all the Porini Camps, where the spotlight shines on wildlife conservation—a cause close to my heart as I traverse the globe. While Kenya holds a special place in my wanderlust-filled heart, Tanzania, Uganda, and Rwanda have also woven their magic into my soul.
If you’re eager to embark on your own safari adventure or share your passion for conservation, please feel free to contact me at andrea@saririterra.com
Australia
Kristy Thomson
Hello, I’m Kristy, your Australian-based Safari Advisor with Gamewatchers Safaris and Porini Camps. My background in ecology and conservation management, combined with a deep passion for nature and the great outdoors, led me to Kenya where I instantly fell in love with its spectacular wildlife and warm-hearted people. Having spent significant time at our Porini Camps and explored other camps we offer, I bring intricate knowledge to help craft your ultimate wildlife safari adventure. Whether you’re seeking the thrill of the savannah or the serenity of the wilderness, I’m here to make your safari dreams a reality.
Feel free to reach out to me on the Gold Coast, Australia, at kristy@gamewatchers.com or call on +61 419 175 672.
India
Pranay Chandra
Hello, I’m Pranay Chandra, a veteran of the Indian Armed Forces whose profound passion for nature and wildlife led me to the world of wildlife photography. My lens has captured the essence of the wild, earning recognition in esteemed competitions like the Sanctuary Asia annual wildlife awards and the Natural History Museum’s Wildlife Photographer of the Year awards. Beyond photography, I’ve dedicated myself to conservation efforts, collaborating with Ecological Task Forces and supporting WWF India’s training initiatives in tiger reserves. In the realm of education, I’ve partnered with CEC, New Delhi, to create informative video programs on Human-Wildlife Conflicts. I’ve ventured to Kenya, embracing the splendours of Africa while staying at Porini camps and other renowned lodges.
You can connect with me via email at pranay@gamewatchers.com or call on +91 801 788 5256.
Stories from the Conservancies
Explore our blog articles to learn more about the Gamewatchers Community Conservancy Concept, responsible tourism, and how long-term partnerships are helping protect wildlife, support communities, and safeguard vital ecosystems.
Smart Learning for the Maasai: How Holiday Sessions Transform Education in Kenya
At Gamewatchers Safaris, conservation is inseparable from community empowerment. While protecting wildlife and landscapes remains central to our work, we are equally dedicated to supporting the people who call these conserved areas home—especially the next generation.
Celebrating that our Selenkay Conservancy has been named the World’s Leading Conservation Programme 2025
Many humans create problems for wildlife every day but, thankfully, awareness of these issues is increasing. Here are 11 endangered or near-endangered animals seen on safari and the steps being taken to protect them for the future.
Selenkay Conservancy Wins World’s Leading Conservation Programme 2025
We are proud to announce that Selenkay Conservancy has been named the World’s Leading Conservation Programme 2025 at the 2nd Annual World Sustainable Travel & Hospitality Awards!
6 Ways Conservancies Are Changing Lives in Kenya
Most travelers want to ensure that their travel plans have a positive effect on the people and places that they visit. Here are just a few reasons why safaris to our conservancies make a big difference to local communities as well as helping protect the wildlife ...
From Maasai Mara Reserve to Private Conservancy: How My Safari Perspective Changed
As the saying goes, familiarity breeds contempt. Growing up in Kenya, visiting our national parks felt like a routine part of school life. If you were a student taking Geography or Biology, there was a high chance you'd end up on a school bus headed for places like Lake Nakuru National Park, Lake Bogoria National Reserve, or Hell’s Gate.
Gamewatchers and EarthAcre Partnership Delivers Direct Conservation Payments in Kenya
With the ever-growing pressure on land use and human-wildlife conflict, the future for Kenya's wildlife is at risk due to loss of habitat.
Here we explain why human intervention is essential to the survival of many of our most iconic species ...
Namunyak’s Son Collared: Advancing Cheetah Conservation in the Mara
Wildlife Namunyak’s Son Collared: Advancing Cheetah Conservation in the Maasai Mara Olomunyak, now collared for conservation research, in Ol Kinyei Conservancy. Photo by Philip Salaash. Olomunyak, now collared for conservation
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
Empowering Women in our Conservancies
Community Empowering Women in our Conservancies Our Porini Giraffe Camp in the new Mara Ripoi Conservancy (Masai Mara) is one of the few safari camps with women safari guides …
