Shades of Amboseli
Preserving Maasai cultural heritage, strengthening climate resilience, and conserving wildlife in the Amboseli ecosystem of Southern Kenya.
Our Mission
To preserve the Maasai indigenous tangible and intangible cultural heritage, strengthen their resilience to climate and global change, and conserve wildlife in the Amboseli ecosystem of Southern Kenya.
Our Vision
To leave a sustainable Amboseli ecosystem for our children and their children's children.
Tagline: Building resilience for the Maasai of Amboseli
The Amboseli Ecosystem
A diverse and unique ecosystem in southern Kenya
The Amboseli ecosystem is a vast and diverse area located in southern Kenya near the border of Tanzania. It encompasses an area of approximately 8,000 square kilometers and includes the Amboseli National Park as well as numerous community lands and conservation areas.
The ecosystem is situated at the foot of Mount Kilimanjaro, which provides a stunning backdrop for the area's unique and varied landscape.
It is home to the Maasai People and their livestock, over 80 mammal species, 600 bird species, reptiles, amphibians, and insects. Most famous of the ecosystem's residents are the African elephant and the Masai giraffe, both of which are listed as vulnerable on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species.
Mount Kilimanjaro
Stunning backdrop to the ecosystem
Biodiversity
80+ mammals, 600+ bird species
Carbon Sink
Capturing and storing atmospheric carbon
Cultural Heritage
Home to the Maasai people
Challenges Facing the Amboseli Ecosystem
The Amboseli ecosystem faces a range of complex and interrelated challenges that threaten its health and resilience.
Climate Change
Increasingly unpredictable weather patterns, including prolonged droughts and flash floods, causing food and water shortages.
Human-Wildlife Conflict
Growing human populations leading to increased conflict between people and wildlife, affecting both survival and livelihoods.
Unsustainable Land Use
Overgrazing, deforestation, and illegal hunting leading to soil erosion, habitat destruction, and biodiversity loss.
The Impact of Climate Change
Historical Droughts
- 2009: Severe drought led to significant decline in wildlife populations and increased conflicts.
- 2015: Another severe drought caused widespread food and water shortages.
- 2023: Parents queuing for food in schools as drought devastated livestock.
Current Impacts
- Increased flooding events damaging infrastructure and causing loss of crops and livestock.
- Changing migration patterns affecting wildlife breeding and survival.
- Shifting vegetation patterns leading to loss of biodiversity.
The Devastating Drought
The current drought within Olgulului in Amboseli is severe and can only be likened to that of 1964 when all livestock and wildlife were wiped out completely.
Food Insecurity
Even when it rains, food will still be a problem as the community depends solely on livestock.
Education at Risk
Many children have not gone to school due to lack of school fees from lost livelihoods.
Our Response
- Introduce kitchen gardens for every family
- Promote small-scale agriculture around every manyatta
- Empower women through groups and income generation
- Support girl child education to prevent early marriages and FGM
- Plant trees and protect water catchment areas
Our Impact & Successes
Improved Livelihoods
Food security for our indigenous Maasai community
Increased Biodiversity
Growing wildlife populations in the ecosystem
Reduced Carbon Emissions
Improved ecosystem resilience
Positive Partnerships
With local and international stakeholders
Core Values
Inclusive
Integrity
Co-operative
Innovativeness
Excellence
Student Sponsorship Program
Your generosity is enabling students from the Amboseli area to continue with their secondary and university education.
Tipepe Ole Saie
Moi Forces Academy, Nairobi
Year 12, 2026
Kenneth's son
Nandiwaa Lekina
Bissel High School
Year 12, 2026
Wants to be a nurse
Sitatian Mantha
Baraka Oontoyie Secondary School
Year 12, 2026
Inspiring young women
Sitayia Jane Saningo
Baraka Ondooyie School
Year 11, 2026
Wants to be a doctor
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