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If you’re looking for a truly immersive and authentic experience of the African wilderness, look no further than Milgis Trust. This is not your typical safari lodge, but a community-based conservation project that offers guests the opportunity to stay in traditional Samburu huts, explore the stunning landscapes of the Milgis ecosystem, and learn about the culture and wildlife of this remote and rugged region.
The Setting
Milgis Trust is located in the heart of the Samburu heartlands, a vast and varied area of northern Kenya that encompasses desert sands, rocky hills, lush forests, and crystal-clear springs. The Milgis River is the lifeline of this ecosystem, supporting a rich diversity of flora and fauna, as well as the nomadic pastoralist communities that have coexisted with nature for centuries. The Milgis Trust covers an area of over 6,000 square kilometers, spanning three counties and six community conservancies.
The Style
Milgis Trust is not a luxury resort, but a simple and sustainable way of living in harmony with nature. Guests stay in traditional Samburu manyattas, circular huts made of mud, sticks, and grass, with thatched roofs and colorful fabrics. Each manyatta has a comfortable bed with mosquito netting, a solar-powered light, and a private bathroom with a bucket shower and a composting toilet. The manyattas are scattered around the main campsite, where guests can enjoy delicious meals prepared with fresh local ingredients, relax in the cozy lounge area, or gaze at the stars around the campfire.
The Rooms
There are six manyattas at Milgis Trust, each accommodating up to two people. They are spacious and cozy, decorated with traditional Samburu crafts and textiles. The beds are covered with soft blankets and pillows, and there are extra blankets for chilly nights. The bathrooms are attached to the manyattas, and have hot water buckets for showers and eco-friendly toiletries. The manyattas have stunning views of the surrounding landscape, and guests can wake up to the sounds of birdsong and wildlife.
Sustainability
Milgis Trust is more than just a place to stay; it is a visionary project that aims to conserve the natural resources and cultural heritage of the Milgis ecosystem for the benefit of both people and wildlife. The Milgis Trust works closely with the local communities to provide them with basic needs such as water, health care, education, and alternative livelihoods. It also employs community scouts and elders who monitor and protect the wildlife and environment from threats such as poaching, fire, drought, and conflict. By staying at Milgis Trust, guests contribute directly to these efforts and help support the long-term sustainability of this unique region.
Things to do
Milgis Trust offers a range of activities to suit different interests and abilities. Guests can go on guided walks or camel safaris to explore the diverse habitats and wildlife of the Milgis ecosystem, such as elephants, giraffes, zebras, antelopes, lions, leopards, hyenas, jackals, foxes, and more. They can also visit the local Samburu villages and schools to learn about their culture, traditions, and challenges. For those who want to relax, they can enjoy yoga sessions, massages, or simply soak in the natural beauty of the place.
Wider region
The Milgis ecosystem is part of the larger Matthews Range ecosystem, which stretches from Lake Turkana in the north to Mount Kenya in the south. This is one of the most biodiverse regions in Africa, home to endemic species such as the De Brazza’s monkey, the Grevy’s zebra, and the cycad plant. It is also rich in cultural diversity, with various ethnic groups such as the Samburu, Turkana, Rendille, Pokot, Borana living in harmony with nature.
Getting there
The easiest way to get to Milgis Trust is by flying from Nairobi or Nanyuki to Ngurnit airstrip (about 1 hour), which is about 15 minutes drive from the campsite. Alternatively, guests can drive from Nairobi or Nanyuki (about 7 hours) on a rough road that passes through scenic landscapes and villages.
- Ecosystem preservation
- Education
- Community led or owned
- Community conservation
- Nature
- Culture
- Wildlife
- Rural
- Over 8
- Campsite
- Hiking
- Safari
