Lenkiloriti is the Maasai word for acacia nilotica, an elegant tree with yellow flowers, loved by elephants and used by humans for a variety of medicinal purposes.

It is also the name of our oldest ranger outpost, dating back to the 1990s. Nestled deep in lava forests of the northern sector of the Chyulu Hills National Park, it has been a key base for Big Life’s rhino protection operations ever since. From here, Big Life rangers work alongside rangers from the Kenya Wildlife Service to carry out anti-poaching patrols and monitor the tiny remnant population of critically endangered eastern black rhinos that call the area home.

What started as a couple of tents grew over time into a permanent ranger outpost. But being in one of the more remote parts of our area of operation, it’s also taken a serious beating over the years and was in serious need of some upgrades.

Thanks to generous donors, Lenkiloriti base is blooming once again. New ranger accommodations, toilets, and a mess area complete with modern technologies have breathed new life to this important outpost.

As we grow as an organization, we are keen to ensure that our infrastructure grows with us. A functioning outpost is critical to the success of our rangers fighting to protect wildlife, who need a safe space to rest, train, coordinate, and conduct operations.  

All of our outposts need similar upgrading at varying levels. Your support makes it possible.  

📸: Joshua Clay