Wildlife Conservancies in Machakos
Swara Plains Wildlife Conservancy: Athi-Kapiti
Swara Plains Wildlife Conservancy, a private wildlife conservancy, is dedicated to conservation, eco-tourism, and community engagement. Set on 20,000-acres at hand with Lukenya Hills, the family-run holding holds about 3,000 game animals within the acacia-wooded savanna. Originally acquired in the early 1960s by the conservation pioneer Mr. David Hopcraft, Swara Plains remained an untravelled sanctuary up until 2000 when the Swara Acacia Lodge was opened to the public.
As it stands today, nature walks and biking through extensive 100 km parkways, through the wilderness, are as popular as safari game drives. Swara Plains Wildlife Conservancy is home to a variety of wildlife, including zebras, giraffes, antelopes, and numerous bird species. By the same token, children of all ages are very much welcome and encouraged to explore here. For the enthusiastic nature lover, they offer photography safaris, cultural tours, and conservation education programs.
Unique to Swara Plains Wildlife Sanctuary, part of the vast Athi-Kapiti ecosystem which connects with Nairobi National Park. is that there are no dangerous animals lurking about. Another unique feature of Swara Plains, and a salient selling point, is the ability for guests to go on night game drives. In many conservancies where they aren’t forbidden, night game drives are often really expensive, where as in the Swara Plains it’s free if you have your own car and provide your own spotlight.
At the heart of Swara Plains Wildlife Sanctuary is the 13-cottages Swara Acacia Lodge, with its traditional thatched roofs and rustic stance contrasting beautifully with the savanna and thicket surroundings. It offers a serene and immersive ‘out of Africa’ experience while being conveniently close to Nairobi. For avid campers there’s a great camping ground with running water and washrooms. Firewood is included in the Kes. 1,600 camping fee. Then there is their snugly Hop-Inn Bar.
Kenya has about 110 wildlife conservancies, all promoting the placid co-existence of local people and wildlife in mutual well-being. Improved security, better land management, income, employment and support to community projects have all encouraged the epic rise of conservancies unique attractions and experiences.
Index of Wildlife Conservancies in Kenya
Baringo County - Kimn'gochoch Conservancy, Irong Conservancy, Ruko Conservancy, Chuine Conservancy, Kaptuya Conservancy, Kabarion Conservancy, Morop Tarambas Community Conservancy, Garissa County - Ishaqbini Hirola Conservancy, Homa Bay County - Gwassi Hills Forest Conservancy, Isiolo County - Biliqo Bulesa Community Conservancy, Leparua Conservancy, Ol Lentille Conservancy, Oldonyiro Conservancy, Nasuulu Community Game Conservancy, Nakuprat Gotu Conservancy, Kajiado County - Rimpa Estate Wildlife Conservancy, Shompole Wildlife Conservancy, Olkirimatian Conservancy, Mount Suswa Conservancy, Sidai Oleng Wildlife Conservancy, Selenkay Conservancy, Kericho County - Chebulu Conservancy, Kilifi County - Kuruwitu Marine Conservancy, Galana Wildlife Conservancy, Kirinyaga County - Ragati Conservancy, Kitui County - Kanyanyoo Conservancy, Laikipia County - Ol Ari Nyiro Conservancy, Loisaba Conservancy, Naibunga Game Conservancy, Ol Lentille Conservancy, Ol Jogi Conservancy, Ol Pejeta Conservancy, Lekurruki Conservancy, Il Ngwesi Conservancy, Lamu County - Kipini Conservancy, Machakos County - The Athi Kapiti Conservancy, Swara Plain Wildlife Conservancy, Makueni County - Kilalinda Conservancy, Marsabit County - Jaldessa Community Conservancy, Shurr Community Conservancy, Songa Conservancy, Melako Conservancy, Mandera County - The Dandu Hills Conservancy, Chachabole Wildlife Conservancy, Rhamu Conservancy, Meru County - Lewa Wildlife Conservancy, Nakuru County - Oserengoni Conservancy, Narok County - The Mara Triangle, Mara North Conservancy, Oloisukut Conservancy, Lemek Conservancy, Olare Motorogi Conservancy, Ol Choro Oiroua Conservancy, Enonkishu Game Conservancy, Pardamat Conservancy, Naibosho Conservancy, Ol Kinyei Conservancy, Ol Derikesi Conservancy, Samburu County - Kalama Conservancy, Westgate Conservancy, Meibai Conservancy, Namunyak Conservancy, Sera Conservancy, Taita Taveta County - Lumo Conservancy, Mbulia Conservancy, The Wushumbu Conservancy, Tana River County - Kipini Conservancy, Ndera East Conservancy, Bura East Conservancy, Vihiga County - Kaimosi Mission Wildlife Conservancy, Wajir County - Sabuli Wildlife Conservancy, Uasin Gishu County - Chebororwa Community Conservancy, Ndalat Hill Conservancy
outlook
Part of the larger Ukambani alongside Kitui and Makueni, Machakos County is a nexus between Maasailand, the coast region, the central highlands, and Nairobi. The northern area of Machakos, being a dormitory zone for the capital of Nairobi and a peri-urban buffer for Kiambu, is developed with useful amenities. Southerly heading the ecology is continually semi-arid and the countryside more desolate.
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Explore Destinations Nearby Swara Plains Conservancy
A Guide to Machakos County
A Summa Digest of Machakos
About Machakos Way Back When
45 Destinations in Machakos County, arranged as one would visit these - north, south, east then north - with aid of in-depth narratives, images, maps and distance chart:
Makuyu Ridge, Masinga Dam, Seven Forks Circuit, Mwea National Reserve, Ol Donyo Sabuk National Park, Ol Donyo Sapuk Resort, MacMillan Castle, Fourteen Falls, Yatta Plateau, Kanzalu Range, AIC Kangundo, The Komarock Shrine, Hyena Caves, Kitonga Garden Resort, The Thui Stone, African Heritage House, Athi-Kapiti Conservancy, Kwa Kyelu Wildlife Sanctuary, The Whistling Moran, Stony-Athi, Small World Country Club, Swara Plains Conservancy, Lukenya Hills, Kikao Camping Farm, Lukenya Motocross, Maanzoni Sanctuary, Amazing Kenya Retreat, Chumvi Tamu Camp, Konza Technopolis, Machakos Peoples Park, Masaku Flea and Curio Market, Old Fort of Machakos, Gelian Hotel, Kiima Kimwe, Machakos Golf Course, Mua Hills, Mua Hills Tented Camp, Iveti Forest Reserve, AIC Mumbuni, Kituluni Hill, Kamuthanga Farm, Wamunyu Handicrafts
Know More About Machakos County: Its Geography, Land-Use, Highlights, Population, Roads - including distance chart, Airports, Climate & National Monuments
Generally speaking, Machakos has a temperate to warm climate with average annual temperatures ranging from 12°C to 27°C. Climate in much of the area is pleasant and similar to that of Nairobi, and finest below the hill ranges. Rain is heaviest in March, April and September.
Machakos County has rather unique topographical map – Hills and a small plateau in the mid area, a large plateau elevated in the south, and isolated hillscape in the north.