Pardamat Conservancy Area

This unique conservancy emerged out of a pressing need to tackle two critical challenges: securing ancient wildlife migration routes and addressing the growing pressures of human settlement.

For generations, Pardamat’s lush, hilly landscapes served as vital corridors for wildlife, linking the Mara’s conservancies to the Loita Plains. However, as population pressures increased, fences sprang up around homesteads, overgrazing depleted the land, and migratory paths were blocked. Despite these challenges, Pardamat’s strategic location—bordering key conservancies such as Naboisho, Lemek, Mara North, and Olare Motorogi—remained essential for wildlife movement, especially during the dry months.

A significant milestone was reached in 2020, thanks to the dedicated efforts of Saruni Basecamp and the Basecamp Explorer Foundation Kenya. This achievement marked a turning point for the Pardamat Conservancy Area, as landowners signed new 15-year lease agreements, extending their commitment to conservation through 2033.

At the heart of Pardamat’s transformation is the Wildlife Tourism College (WTC), a beacon of hope and education for the local Maasai community. Located on a 50-acre plot of land donated by the community, complete with a vital natural spring, the college builds on the legacy of the Koiyaki Guiding School, which trained over 300 Maasai guides in its 15-year history.

The WTC goes beyond traditional safari guiding. It offers expanded programs in natural resource management, conservation, and climate change adaptation, alongside hospitality and language training to meet the evolving demands of the tourism industry. A partnership with the Southern African Wildlife College and leading universities ensures a world-class curriculum.

The next chapter of Pardamat’s story is being written through sustainable tourism, starting with the Basecamp Hilltop by Saruni Basecamp. This intimate camp, perched on a ridge with breathtaking sunrise and sunset views, is a gateway to understanding the unique balance of conservation and community that defines Pardamat.

The camp’s five simple dome tents immerse guests in the beauty of the landscape while connecting them to the history and culture of the Maasai people. Visitors can spend time with local Maasai, learn about their once-nomadic way of life, and discover how innovative tourism models are bringing tangible benefits to the community.