AndBeyond unveiled an exclusive tourism concession in the Suyian Conservancy in Kenya in partnership with global conservation charity Space for Giants.
The multidecade lease and partnership gives AndBeyond exclusive access to over 44,000 acres of prime wilderness land on the Suyian Conservancy in northwestern Laikipia. AndBeyond will be the sole luxury lodge and tented camp operator on the conservancy and is planning to open the Suyian Lodge in 2025.
"Laikipia is a prime wilderness area that is home to a greater population of wildlife than anywhere else in Kenya outside of the Masai Mara. This includes a large number of globally threatened mammals that make it particularly important from a conservation perspective," said Joss Kent, AndBeyond CEO and executive chairman.
Forming part of an important wildlife movement corridor, Suryian is home to a huge diversity of creatures, including rarities such as melanistic, or black, leopards and African wild dogs as well as northern Kenyan species like Grevy's zebra, reticulated giraffe, gerenuk and desert warthog. Elephants and buffaloes are present in healthy numbers as are lions, leopards and cheetahs as well as both striped and spotted hyenas.
With its diverse wildlife and varying landscapes, Suyian is ideal for less commonplace activities such as walking safaris, camel safaris and horseback safaris. The diversity of flora lends itself to botany walks, and the rich cultural history includes evidence of cave paintings and artifacts that date back to the Stone Age. Travelers will also be able to interact with local pastoral tribes such as the Samburu and Pokot as well as participate in conservation and research activities.
AndBeyond's partner, Space for Giants, was founded by Dr. Max Graham 10 years ago following his research into the conflict between people and elephants in Laikipia. A key lesson from this research was the importance of removing the cost of wildlife to local people and replacing it with benefits. This has driven a strategy of transforming private ranches into wildlife conservancies owned by not-for-profit trusts.