About Shades of Amboseli
A community-based organization dedicated to preserving Maasai cultural heritage, building climate resilience, and protecting the unique wildlife of the Amboseli ecosystem.
The Amboseli Ecosystem
The Amboseli ecosystem is a vast and diverse area located in southern Kenya near the border of Tanzania. It encompasses approximately 8,000 square kilometers, including Amboseli National Park, community lands, and conservation areas, situated at the foot of Mount Kilimanjaro.
Home to the Maasai people and their livestock, over 80 mammal species, 600 bird species, reptiles, amphibians, and insects. The ecosystem is most famous for its African elephants and Masai giraffes, both listed as vulnerable on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species.
The ecosystem serves as an important carbon sink, with its grasslands, forests, and wetlands playing a critical role in capturing and storing atmospheric carbon dioxide, mitigating climate change.
The Amboseli ecosystem has significant cultural and economic value, particularly for the Maasai people who have lived in the area for generations. Its diverse wildlife and stunning landscapes make it an important site for tourism, providing a source of income for local communities.
Ecosystem Highlights
Location
Southern Kenya, near Tanzania border
Biodiversity
80+ mammals, 600+ bird species
Carbon Sink
Critical role in carbon storage
Cultural Value
Home to Maasai people for generations
Our Response to Challenges
Climate Change
Implementing sustainable land use practices and climate adaptation measures to build resilience.
Human-Wildlife Conflict
Community-based conservation initiatives and conflict resolution strategies to protect both people and wildlife.
Unsustainable Land Use
Promoting sustainable practices, reforestation, and education on land value and conservation.
Meet Our Team
Kenneth Ole Saei
Founder & Chairman
Holds a Diploma in Sales and Marketing from ICM and has undergone various training in community programs such as Participatory Rural Appraisal Program from Egerton University.
Served as Secretary for the Olgulului Group Ranch for 12 years, representing 10,000 members, and initiated an intensive bursary program for children from Kajiado South.
A conservationist by birth, Saei has been encouraging his people to plant trees and establish conservation and cultural sites in the Amboseli ecosystem.
“Climate change is real and on this, I want to lead my people in confronting it.”
Paul Lovatt-Smith
President
Aged 61, lives in East Sussex, UK. Holds a degree in Earth Science and spent 35 years as a Geoscientist in the oil and gas industry.
Passionate about organic farming, now runs a smallholding while working part-time for a local organic dairy farm.
Inherited a love of wildlife from his father David, who was involved in conservation and community development in the Amboseli area for many years.
Brings knowledge of organic farming to the slopes of Mount Kilimanjaro to help address the ever-increasing shortage of food.
Core Values
Inclusive
Integrity
Co-operative
Innovativeness
Excellence
Sustainability Plan
Long-term Partnerships
Building sustainable partnerships and collaborations with institutions, school clubs, and community groups to create lasting impact.
Capacity Building
Empowering community members and local organizations through training, education, and skills development.
Income Generation
Developing sustainable income sources through tourism, agriculture, and community enterprises to fund ongoing work.