Marking 25 years since the release of the original Lion King, the new and highly-anticipated CG-animated film of The Lion King will reach the silver screen in July 2019. Starring Beyoncé, Chiwetel Ejiofor and Seth Rogen, the new live-action version of The Lion King promises cinema goers another inspiring journey across the plains of Africa.
For Big Cat aficionados inspired by these onscreen ‘Simbas’ and ‘Nalas’, Hemingways Ol Seki’s private enclave in the heart of the Naboisho Conservancy offers not only magnificent 270º views over the Mara plains from the ten safari tents…but big cats in big numbers…
The Naboisho Conservancy encompasses over 20,000 hectares of land, thriving with wildlife, with a higher density than the Maasai Mara National Park itself. Resident game includes zebra, wildebeest, elephant, giraffe and warthog offering an abundance of food for the Big Cats: approximately 29 lion (over 1 year in age) and more than 5 leopards. There is also a good number of visiting cheetahs, namely due to a higher cub recruitment rate in conservancies – cheetah mothers being able to raise their cubs to independence - than in the reserve.
The Naboisho Conservancy is immensely proud of its balanced lion population and with thanks to the Mara Predator Conservation Programme, which regularly monitors the big cats, in 2017 it was recorded that the Naboisho Conservancy has a density of 13.75 lion (aged 1 and above) per 100kmsq. Today, the largest pride in Naboisho comprises of 12 lions, with the four majestic males, Caesar 2, Dongo, Green eyes, and Ron 2 roaming these lands together, peacefully protecting their pride.
Thankfully, not a ‘Scar’ in sight.
With just a small number of lodges within the boundaries of Naibosho, lion sightings and dynamics at Hemingways Ol Seki Mara are extraordinary and are blissfully watched without the hordes of vehicles found in the National Reserve.
Created in 2010, the Naboisho Conservancy – meaning “coming together” - represents the joining of over 500 Maasai landowners in a 15-year lease to conserve and protect the land and wildlife, whilst creating a sustainable livelihood for local communities. Guests’ conservancy fees are directed back to these landowners, providing them with an additional source of income alongside livestock farming, diversifying their livelihoods.
Hemingways Ol Seki Mara is involved in numerous conservation and community projects to ensure the Conservancy continues to thrive. Over 60% of camp staff are local Maasai, providing new opportunities for many. All funds from local village visits contribute directly to the education of village children, whilst the selling of local craftswomen’s traditional beadwork has enabled the women to buy donkeys to support them in their long journey to market at Nkoilale.
This combination of community conservation and responsible tourism has been highly effective and the Naboisho Conservancy is now one of the world’s most diverse and finely balanced eco-systems where wildlife, local communities and tourism partners all co-exist. A perfect place to realise those Lion King dreams!
