The Galana Conservancy is one of the true wildlife treasures of County Kilifi and Kenya.
This 60,000 acre wildlife paradise is located on the eastern border of the Tsavo East National Park, on the northern banks of the Galana River, about 120 km from Malindi and thanks to the new paved road can be reached in less than an hour. The protected area is home to many wonderful species, some unfortunately endangered and threatened.
The beautiful Lali Hills and the meanders of the Galana River dominate the rugged landscape and offer a magnificent glimpse of the real Kenya.
Besides the famous "big five", except for the rhinoceros, it is possible to meet a wonderful range of wildlife: among the numerous animal species there are the gerenuk, the striped hyena (a rare and unique animal at risk of extinction), the cheetah, the Tsavo lion, the gazelle, the pangolin and the hippopotamus and the crocodile are the hosts of the Galana River. Besides the biggest mammals, there is an insuperable and really exceptional richness of birds.
For several years now the whole area has become an important research centre for scholars. The Galana Wildlife Conservancy (GWC) was created in March 2008 and operates as a non-profit company registered in Kenya.
It works with local communities, international NGOs and the ADC to preserve this vital habitat and the incredible creatures that live there.
Since 2013 volunteers and researchers have been doing research to map all the species in the protected area. Cameras have been installed in the most used wildlife trails, including the Galana River bed for watering.
Currently the Conservancy is guarded by "scouts" or guardians, who have the task of protecting the fauna and identifying sick animals or victims of poaching.
The same "scouts" are available to advise tourists and visitors on activities and routes to do in total freedom and respect for nature and the uncontaminated place where you are, including fishing or birdwatching. In all the national parks of Kenya is not allowed to travel after 19.00, the luxury of staying in a Conservancy is the fact that you can instead organize a night safari where there will be good chances to meet the aardvark, porcupine, white-tailed mongoose, African wild cat and genet and enjoy many unexpected and surprising scenes alone.
The new Galana Conservancy Operations Centre and Kulalu Camp where all operations are planned, and where staff members are in constant contact with the KWS to request their eventual intervention for protection and conservation.
The Conservancy is managed by a Board of Directors, whose President and John A. Byrne is supported by sponsors, donors and volunteers from various walks of life. Their only source of income is membership fees.
Admission to the Galana Conservancy costs 30USD for non-residents or Kenyan citizens.