Mugie Conservancy

Founded in the early 1950s as a cattle ranch, Mugie Conservancy has undergone a remarkable transformation over the decades. The conservancy has evolved through various ownerships, each contributing to a shift in mission and vision. Despite these changes, Mugie has steadfastly maintained its core values of conservation, agriculture, and community engagement. This enduring commitment has been pivotal in shaping the conservancy into what it is today—a beacon of sustainable development and environmental stewardship.

Mugie Conservancy integrates sustainable conservation practices with productive rangeland management, emphasizing collaboration with neighboring communities and responsible tourism. This holistic approach aims to balance ecological preservation with economic development, ensuring that both wildlife and local communities thrive. By embracing innovative strategies and fostering a collaborative spirit, Mugie Conservancy is dedicated to achieving its mission of creating a harmonious relationship between nature and people, while setting a benchmark for the future of conservation.

Game Drives Mutamaiyu has various 4x4 safari vehicles to offer both night and day drives. Claus Mortensen, Mugie’s manager, frequently takes the game drives so guests can learn about the history of the ranch, the Rhino Sanctuary or the Laikipia Predator Project. There are also expert guides who will help to identify the wildlife and birdlife and answer questions on flora and fauna. Game drives often finish with a bush breakfast in the morning or a sundowner drink in the evening.

Bush Walks
One of the benefits of visiting a private conservancy like Muvgie is not being confined to safari vehicles. Walking is a most rewarding wildlife experience, an opportunity to decipher the stories told by animal tracks, learn the defence mechanisms used by the acacia trees, look inside a termites nest or glimpse a feeding elephant.

Visit to the School
A visit to Mugie Primary School is a mutually rewarding experience. Many of our visitors have been impressed at the high standard of achievement particularly with Susannah Mortensen’s art room and the singing. Many visitors have generously bought with them small gifts (pens, notebooks & pencils) which you are most welcome to do. Sweets are discouraged!

Visit to the Cultural Village
A visit to a local Pokot village is a unique opportunity to understand the way of life of this local tribe. A visit may includes an opportunity to be shown around their “rondavals” - round thatched houses, hearing about their history and day-to-day life and perhaps watching a tribal dance in their traditional dress.

Painting & Sketching
Whether you are an accomplished artist or an interested novice, a day spent painting your impressions of Africa with guidance from Susannah Mortensen will make a memorable contribution to your safari. Claus’s wife Susannah was born and brought up on a neighbouring ranch to Mugie and studied at the Chelsea School of Art and the Slade School of Art, London University. She is an accomplished water colour painter specialising in landscapes, people, animals and flowers. Susannah regularly exhibits in Nairobi and the UK.

A Day in the Ranch
Guests interested in farming are most welcome to inspect or help out with the livestock. Mugie has also been planted a substantial number of indigenous trees and has developed a 12 hectare irrigation project to provide fresh vegetables for guests and employees. Along with the re-introduction of rhino to Mugie, bloodhounds have been introduced primarily to assist in security. These working dogs are trained to track human scent and are a great asset against poaching. Bloodhounds are friendly dogs and happy to demonstrate their tracking talents.