KENYA WILDLIFE SERVICE STATEMENT ON STATUS OF WILDLIFE CONSERVATION

" March 18, 2014 - A suspected poacher was this morning (Monday March 18, 2014) at 1.45 am shot dead in Lake Nakuru National Park while two of his accomplices escaped. The body was taken to the mortuary in Nakuru and assorted weapons, including a bow, four poisoned arrows, spear and food, taken by police. 

Kenya Wildlife Service acting Director General Mr William Kiprono flew to the scene of crime in Lake Nakuru National Park where he addressed journalists and KWS staff. He was accompanied by Mr Francis Kirathe, County AP Commander, Mr Mohammed Birik the County Commissioner and Mr Mbogo County CID boss.

Mr Kiprono noted that Lake Nakuru was one of the most hit by poaching of rhinos, having lost four since the beginning of the year.  Vigilant KWS rangers responded swiftly and recovered horns from three of them while poachers took away one horn. 

At national level, 16 rhinos have been lost, with 13 killed by poachers and three due to natural causes. Last year, Kenya lost a total of 59 rhinos. Thirty elephants have been poached since January this year compared 302 elephants in the whole of last year (2013). These statistics point to an emerging appetite of rhinos horns for an estimated population of 1,036 in the country. However, there is a decline of elephant poaching numbers from 384 in 2012 to 302 elephants in 2013. 

KWS has laid out strategies to counter the runaway poaching for these species and general protection of all wildlife landscapes. KWS has created and equipped a Rapid Deployment Unit to provide support to ranger teams in areas thought to be highly vulnerable including conservancies that host endangered species. This team will join the inter-agency anti-poaching crack unit that was deployed in Narok, Tsavo and Isiolo. 

LAKE NAKURU NATIONAL PARK NOW FULLY OPERATIONAL

After the floods, Lake Nakuru is fully open, back into operation and accessible by road.

In a statement released by Kenya Wildlife Service, “The roads that were submerged were on the Northern and Western sections.  Currently, new roads have been done and accompanying drainage structures, including bridges and culverts have been constructed hence the circuit is complete and all-weather. Further, the standard airstrip continues to be operational.

KWS self-catering accommodation-Naishi guesthouse-as well as all tourist lodges in the Park (Sarova Lion Hill Game Lodge, Lake Nakuru Lodge and Flamingo Hill Camp) have not been affected by the rising lake water level. Makalia public campsite and special campsites including Nyuki, Nyati, Chui, Rhino, Reedbuck and Naishi as well as Baboon Cliff, Out of Africa and Lion Hill observation/picnic sites are all open and fully operational.”

Lake Nakuru, besides the flamingos that the lake is famous for, has  approximately 400 other bird species visiting the lake as well as a variety of game including the Rothschild's giraffe, black and white rhino, waterbuck, reedbuck, lion, buffalo, leopard, baboon among many species of plains game.

6 DAYS MAASAI MARA, LAKE NAKURU AND AMBOSELI

When it comes to game-viewing, there is nowhere in Africa richer in wildlife or more eventful in encounters than the Maasai Mara. A pristine wilderness of haunting beauty. On the other hand, Amboseli National Park gives the best chance to come too close to free ranging elephants of Africa. You will also have opportunities to meet the Maasai people and visit a Maasai village. The park also offers spectacular views of Mount Kilimanjaro. Lake Nakuru, besides the flamingos that the lake is famous for, there are approx 400 other species of birds visiting the lake. Also, many species of game can be found in the park including the introduced Rothschild's giraffe, black and white rhino, waterbuck, reedbuck, lion, buffalo, leopard, baboon and many species of plains game.

Itinerary:

Day 1: Nairobi/Masaai Mara
Leave Nairobi in the morning at 8.00 am drive to the view point of the great rift valley, descend the escarpment and drive via Narok then to Maasai Mara for lunch at the campsite followed by afternoon game drive in Masaai Mara famous for its black manned lions and yearly migration of wildebeests, dinner and overnight at the camp.

CYCLE WITH THE RHINO 2012 ON 15TH SEPTEMBER

Cycle with the Rhino is back at Lake Nakuru National Park this Saturday 15^th of September year of our Lord. The event this year will feature the Cycling Race, Game viewing and lots of Kids activities. The annual event aims to raise funds “ to rehabilitate the 74km electric fence, key in providing, a successful Rhino breeding sanctuary, protecting internationally renowned bird’s watcher’s paradise famous for its 1.5 million flamingos, and to undertake community conservation education around Lake Nakuru National Park,” KWS.

 

According to the KWS website Participation fees are as follows;

Individual’s || Ksh. 5,000

Corporate Organizations || Ksh. 50,000

Kids ||1,000

Post to Post sponsors || Ksh. 10,000 (Corporate, a Minimum 10 posts)

Download application form.

Source: KWS || Kenya Wildlife Service