Community Benefits from a Campsite

In the early 1980s, in an attempt to ameliorate conflict over resources, Amboseli National Park authorities provided funding for the community to develop the Olgulului Campsite. The vision was to provide the community with a source of income. And, the potential was promising given the fact that this was the only campsite in this part of the park.

Unfortunately, over the years, the campsite suffered from poor management. Resources were not invested into improvement. No benefit-sharing mechanisms had been put into place that would allow the local community to benefit. Eventually the campsite deteriorated until the community asked AWF to step in and help.

Before working on a new vision for the Olgulului Group Ranch Campsite, AWF conducted several analyses. These analyses pointed to a lack of consideration for other needs beyond revenue generation. AWF made key recommendations for improving the site, including improving its commercial viability, restructuring its management and incorporating conservation goals - after all it is the wildlife and wild lands that would attract visitors in the first place. After getting community buy-in, AWF helped secure additional funding, and construction began.

In 2004, the campsite was completed and the doors opened. Designed to be intimate and exclusive, modest but comfortable canvas tents allow visitors to experience wildlife up close and personal.

During the first year, the camp hosted 4,719 visitors, generating more than $24,000 in revenue. More than half of that revenue was re-invested into the community’s school, health center and training. And, five members of the community are permanently employed.

But what about conservation? Since this was only one of the objectives of this project, it will take time to realize the benefits. Already, however, the community is seeing the importance of protecting the wildlife and wild lands. In fact, the community has asked AWF for help in securing additional land and developing an ecolodge.