We have had a more than interesting start to 2017!
Josh Perrett officially started as General Manager of Mugie Ranch, taking over the reins so capably held by Claus Mortensen for 40 years! The job was baptised by “storm” – or more correctly by drought. As our neighboring communities, the Samburu and Pokot, came to Mugie for pasture and water, having exhausted the limited grass remaining in their own areas as a result of the failed short rains season in November 2016.
Initial vandalism and wildlife killing for meat has stopped and the herders are settled in a peaceful routine of grazing and watering their herds. The ranch is repairing damaged fences and places that took the initial brunt of herders aggravation.
Ekorian’s Camp opted to give guests who had booked to come in January, the option of choosing another safari destination, as their expectations for a wildlife viewing safari was compromised by the cattle. The Camp remains open (contrary to reports in the press that we closed) and future visitors can expect to see cattle herds along side wildlife, much as they do in other community conservancies, and Reserves.
Our other Ekorian activities continue as before. We still have the opportunity for bloodhound demonstrations and brilliant kayaking first thing in the morning as the sun rises over Mount Kenya and the dam. Walking safaris, sundowners and Bush meals are still in full flow.
The conservancy’s wildlife populations have adjusted to sharing the conservancy with the cattle, meaning they are not so readily visible, but still very much here. All of our lion cubs are still in the conservancy and showing off for photographers and our famous cheetah brothers have adapted well too- Zuri is still supporting his brother Amaka with his broken leg.
We are delighted to announce the birth of our son on January 31st, Oliver Jasper, a brother for Kiara and Maia. The whole Ekorian family is greatly looking forward to the year ahead!
Josh & Donna Perrett
The Mugie school is located on the ranch and has 175 Children including 19 disabled children. The headmaster of the School is an incredibly inspiring gentleman who specialized in special needs children, hence the section developed for these children, most of whom come from the town north of Mugie, Maralal
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