Soysambu Conservancy

Category: Community, Conservation, Education, Rothschild Giraffe, Wildlife | Date: Nov 06 2009 | By: Kate Jennings

Warning: The blog below contains links to some graphic images…

Poaching for the bush meat trade has long been a problem on Soysambu.

Trespassers break onto The Conservancy and set snares - nooses made from lengths of wire, attached to a tree, bush or fence and hung over animal trails (see image below).

The unwitting animal, be it an Impala, Gazelle, Zebra, Buffalo, Eland etc, walks into the snare and becomes trapped. The more it pulls or struggles the tighter the snare becomes, eventually leading to a cruel death by suffocation. The animal is then collected and either eaten, or the meat sold.

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Tags: Bush meat trade, Kenya, poaching, Soysambu Conservancy

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Category: Wildlife | Date: Nov 05 2009 | By: Kate Jennings

Over the last two weeks the Conservancy has finally been getting some much needed respite from the drought. Below are some pics I snapped this afternoon on a drive through the Conservancy.

1. For the first time in 5 months there is finally some water in the Mereroni River, while it is not quite flowing into Lake Elmenteita yet, we are hopeful that with a few more showers the stream will reach to the lake shore.

2. Two young male Water Bucks enjoying the fresh juicy grass.

3. This Jackal and his mate stop mid Dikdik hunt to watch with curiosity as we drive by.

4. A Rothschild’s Giraffe enjoys the freshly budding leaves of a mathuthi bush.

5. Finally, the glorious site of The Nose and flamingos reflected in the lake water.

It is amazing that the colours in the landscape have changed so dramatically over the last two weeks. Incredible what a bit of rain can do!

-Kate

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Category: Community, Conservation, Great White Pelican, Habitat Preservation, Ramsar, Wildlife | Date: Nov 05 2009 | By: Kate Jennings

This article written by Beatrice Obwocha appeared in the Kenyan national newspaper The Standard today (5//11/09)

From the Nairobi-Nakuru highway, the shoreline of Lake Elementaita looks like a desert surrounding a small patch of water.

The western and eastern shores of the lake hold little patches of water from hot springs while the main basin of one of Rift Valley’s smallest lakes is turning into a dust bowl.

One gets the impression that they can walk right across the remaining muddy patch that stretches several kilometres.

When strong winds blow, a whirlwind of grey dust sweeps right across the lake whose water levels have declined to less than half a metre deep.

Not even water from the recent rains pounding Nakuru and its environs seem to have made a difference on the lake.

Thousand of flamingos that used to line its shores, giving them a pink hue, have migrated elsewhere as the lake’s water level has declined to its lowest in 20 years.
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Tags: , Flamingo, Soysambu Conservancy, The Standard

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Category: Community, Habitat Preservation | Date: Nov 03 2009 | By: Kate Jennings

Soysambu Conservancy has just entered in America’s Giving Challenge, which gives us a chance to win $$$! The competition is only running for another 5 days so we may be out of the running for the $50,000 major prize, but there are daily awards of $1,000 and $500 if we can get the most people to donate in any 24-hour period.

The great thing about this Challenge is that it doesn’t matter how much you give, but instead how much you do to encourage friends and family to get involved in our cause.We all need to come together and start promoting Soysambu Conservancy to win some money to help conserve this beautiful patch of land.

Each of us has tonnes of friends on Facebook who we can ask to donate to our cause. But let’s think big too—can you put our cause in your email signature, can you throw a party and get people to donate through the cause when they enter, can you organize other people to go out and fundraise from all of their friends? As you reach out to your friends be sure to tell them why Soysambu Conservancy matters to you. The possibilities are endless so let’s talk about what we can do to win on the Conservancy Cause Wall or by replying to this bulletin.I think we can do it! But it’s going to take all of us.

Check out the Giving Challenge ( www.causes.com ), then visit our cause to see how we’re doing so far and get involved.

You can donate right now by going to http://www.causes.com/donations/

Let’s win some money for Soysambu Conservancy!

Thank you

Kate Jennings

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Category: Community | Date: Oct 22 2009 | By: Soysambu guest blogger

Kendall Smith recently spent several weeks volunteering in one of the medical clinics on the Conservancy.

As I look back, I am continually blown away by the rich culture and amazing people that I encountered On Soysambu. While working in the clinic, I experienced first-hand the health care standards of rural Kenya. Although a major medical facility is located nearby in the town of Nakuru, most Kenyans who live on the ranch visit the clinic for general concerns. With only one nurse in the clinic, we stayed busy giving vaccinations, prenatal check-ups, administering medication and performing minor surgery.

Although we did not have advanced medical equipment, we were able to treat most ailments or, if necessary, refer patients to the larger hospital. Because the clinic and medications are supported by donations, patients typically paid a small fee for service. Residents were so thankful to have access to medical treatment at Soysambu, even if they had to walk quite a distance or wait for care. On several occasions, the nurse and I walked to local village communities to administer vitamins and de-worming medications.

From this experience I learned how thankful people were to know that others cared about their health. I am so grateful for all the amazing people I met at Soysambu and am continually impressed by their commitment to their neighbors, the
animals and the land.

Kendall Smith, 2010 degree candidate, Bachelor of Science in Nutrition, Oregon State University, USA

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Category: Habitat Preservation | Date: Oct 17 2009 | By: Kate Jennings

Slowly, but hopefully surely, we are beginning to get some rain here on Soysambu. Yesterday we got 5ml, the day before that 3ml and from the thunderstorm that rolled through here this afternoon we are hoping to have got around 10ml.This rain is so desperately needed, particularly in the centre of the 48,000 acre property which seems to be in a rain shadow. We often sit here and watch the rain clouds drifting over the northern and southern ends of Soysambu, but all to often the  centre is left dry. Grass coverage here is long gone and when the winds come the dust picks up. Below is a picture I took on 29th September of a dust storm blowing across the plains infront of the main house and Conservancy office.

On a clear day this picture would show the end of the Lake Elmenteita and the nose. Through the dust it is near impossible to make out the trees on the other side of the plain, about 3km away. The dust has come from the eastern side of the lake, the opposite side to the Soysambu boundary, from a town called Kikopey, where thousands and thousands (no exageration) of local pastrolist’s cattle, sheep and goats are decimating the land everyday (pictured below). There is nothing left there. Nothing. I drove past recently and saw the desperate site of a skeletal goat pulling up the grass roots in an attempt to get something to eat. It is a sad state of affairs there.

Luckily the cattle grazing on Soysambu has been much better managed and the damage far less. This can only keep up for so long though and unfortunately if we dont get decent amounts of rain soon cattle and wildlife will start dying of starvation, a situation already occurring over the fence in Lake Nakuru National Park.Below are some pictures I took this afternoon, both from the roughly same place as the dust picture above (see the difference). The first picture I took just as the storm was easing and there was an amazing amount of water lying around, made extra visible by the lack of grass cover. 

This second picture was taken about half an hour later and shows just how thirsty the soil is- most of the water has soaked in already, and a herd of the beautiful Boran cattle are wandering across. 

We are all hoping that this steady rain continues and that in a few days time we will begin to see a green tinge returning to the land.

-Kate

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Category: Habitat Preservation, Wildlife | Date: Oct 16 2009 | By: Soysambu guest blogger

I am Carolyn German (McDonald), an American wildlife artist who has just returned, with my husband, Clint, from an unforgetable visit to Soysambu, a gorgeous conservancy, complete with a volcanic crater and increditible views in every direction. I was priviledged to be graciously invited by Kat Combes to come experience, visit, sketch and photo.

Imagine - the majestic Rothschild giraffe nibbling on the top of an acacia tree, a big male cape buffalo barely visible in the thick bush, flamingo in flight on the soda lake, and zebra from every angle. All the wildlife have a healthy curiousity.

Along with Kat, the conservancy staff share a desire to benefit the community while preserving the area. We were pleased to take Safaricare bags to help the two schools on the conservancy.

Like the pelicans that rise on the thermals, my heart smiles when I return in my thoughts to Soysambu Conservancy - it must be protected - a rare jewel in this hectic world.

Carolyn is an artist and above is an image of a Grey Crowned Crane (Balearica regulorum) which she painted whilst at Soysambu.

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Category: 1 | Date: Oct 16 2009 | By: Soysambu guest blogger

If you feel city – jaded, work –stressed and in need of revitalisation, there is a quick – fix solution; you will find it just two hours (134 kms, 84miles) from Nairobi and barely two minutes up off the Nairobi/Nakuru Highway at Sunbird Lodge, which opened in 2008. It is situated high enough up for you to get a panoramic view of Lake Elmentaita and the surrounding, varied landscape. Sitting under a large shady umbrella, on the spacious verandah, you can relax watching the view, which constantly changes, depending on the time of day.

As the sun slowly disappears try a gentle walk down the winding path that leads you past the ten luxuriously appointed cottages and the swimming pool. Then make your way to the scenic ‘Sundowner Viewpoint’, which is a small group of rocks situated just above the shoreline. Once there, you will be served with your drink of choice, as you see yet another facet of nature in this amazing, changing landscape – this time a stunning, blazing sunset!

If you would like to experience the indigenous wildlife, Lake Nakuru National Park is only 20 minutes away and The Soysambu Conservancy is right on the doorstep. The Conservancy includes most of Lake Elmentaita, which, due to its alkaline content, is home to thousands of the spectacularly pink flamingoes and the lovably ugly pelicans. These two species both need to be seen ‘up close and personal’. I recommend this as an antidote for ‘Workitis’.

If you still need something more, I suggest getting a ‘bird’s eye’ view of the area, from a balloon, as Gunter and Othmar, the owners of Sunbird Lodge, who also happen to be balloonists, can also arrange this with Go Ballooning Kenya. This would be the perfect end to your, relaxing, away-from-it-all break.

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Category: 1, Conservation, Great White Pelican, Rothschild Giraffe, Wildlife, black rhino | Date: Oct 11 2009 | By: Soysambu guest blogger

My name is Jenny and I recently had the privilege of spending two weeks at Soysambu Conservancy in Kenya. Soysambu, geographically nestled in the Great Rift Valley, is home to a teeming abundance of beautiful wildlife. While I was there I came to realize just how special this place was. It’s not often that people get to experience these animals in their natural habitat. Most of these animals are only viewed in Zoo’s or National Parks.

In Soysambu, animals are free to come and go as they please. It is a credit to the Conservancy that even with their freedom these animals choose to make their homes on Conservancy land. While I was there I saw Cape Buffalo, Impala, Thomson’s Gazelles, Grant’s Gazelles, Rothschild’s Giraffe, Waterbuck, Dik Dik, Burchell’s Zebra, Eland, Flamingos, Pelicans, and numerous African birds. I also was fortunate to be able to participate in a bi-annual Wildlife Census for the Conservancy. After gathering the data is it clear that wildlife is prospering there. Great things are in store for Soysambu in the future. Kat Combes, of Soysambu Conservancy told me her dreams of bringing the once present Black Rhino back onto Conservancy land. To see this dream come to fruition will be a wondrous site. It might take many years of fundraising and planning but I have no doubt that she will reach her dream. She certainly gives her whole heart to this Conservancy. After observing her over the two weeks it is clear that Soysambu is her heaven on earth.

I feel fortunate to have been able to experience everything that Soysambu has to offer. I have come home feeling well rested and knowing that these majestic animals are being well cared for. I know that in the future if I am having a bad day I will be able to close my eyes and be transported back to a land where the graceful Giraffe are “dining” with their family, and the Gazelles are swishing their tails while frolicking with their friends. All the while the beautiful sound of the African Dove can be heard boasting of what a special place in the world this is.

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Category: Education | Date: Oct 08 2009 | By: Soysambu guest blogger

Soysambu is in a great location for access to Nakuru, Aberdares & Baringo and only 2 hours from Nairobi on good road. We’ve got 2 operational lodges: http://www.atua-enkop.com/nakuru.php and http://www.sleepingwarriorcamp.com/ and balloon safaris available: http://goballooningkenya.com/

And there are another 2 lodges/tented camps being planned. One of them is a luxury Serena tented camp.

Simon Combes gave amateur artists some tuition at a bush studio set up as part of a fly camp for an artists safari on Soysambu (see Facebook photo album: “Art at Soysambu”).

Any artists that comes to Soysambu can, with prior arrangement, come and see where Simon Combes used to work and learn about what inspired him. Also we’re planning to build another studio, and if artists want to come and work with researchers, we’re developing a field study centre that will have accomodation, called CREATE (Centre for Research, Environment and Arts Teaching on Elmenteita)

There are and will be many more activities available at Soysambu, including camel trekking and a proposed Cheetah Sanctuary.

AS SOYSAMBU IS A NOT-FOR-PROFIT ORGANIZATION, WE ARE ALWAYS LOOKING FOR FUNDS TO GET THESE PROJECTS OFF THE GROUND

If you have any ideas about how to achieve this, or are able to include Soysambu in any fundraising efforts you’re involved in, let us know! Our appreciation will be considerable.

I plan to be based on Soysambu for the second half of 2010 and in the future am planning to balance out my time between the US and Kenya. While I’m there I will be available as a guide/driver for professional artists to come and get reference on a one to one basis. Experience has revealed that putting professional artists together on GROUP safaris has its pitfalls: everyone having the same reference; coordinating a group so that all involved are available at the same time; logistics of coordinating a group of artists who want to paint different things; having enough room in vehicles for camera equipment etc; being landed with a driver who doesn’t understand how to position the vehicle with an understanding of light and composition…..the list goes on.

Also it’s much easier to hire one vehicle and accomodate individuals at short notice.

You’re a wildlife artist, you have one or less opportunity a year to get reference in the field and you’re on a limited budget. Do you need: A tent with a chandelier in it? To pay another professional artist to give you tuition when all you want to do is get as many photos/sketches as possible?

Get in touch if this makes sense to you

Thanks

Guy Combes

Tags: art, artists, Simon Combes, Soysambu Conservancy

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