Kirisia Forest is one of the last remaining pristine forests in the world where people live in symbiosis with their natural environment. The forest spans 78,000 hectares, unfolding across the remote Lerroki Mountain range. Samburu communities, who remain true to their ancestral way of life and rely on the forest for their very existence, live on the forest periphery.
Kirisia Forest is unique to the Samburu District as it still retains its rich diversity of flora and fauna. Consequently, it is an island of genetic inheritance which can be utilised as a seed bed to ecologically restore the surrounding landscape where deforestation has impoverished the land and its peoples.
Kirisia Floral species include the threatened African Pencil Cedar, and the majestic African Fern Pine. A strong population of elephants pervade every pore of the forest as they roam in matriarchal groups. It is also habitat to African Wild Dogs, a wonderful species which hangs by a thread, along with leopards, lions, buffalo and many more.
A Forest Island Under Threat
Kirisia forest and its peoples are today in need of assistance. Recent population growth and changes in traditional forest management practices are threatening the health of the forest and consequently that of the people.
The forest also faces the long-term threat of logging, as it contains a wealth of tree species highly prized by industry.
Kirisia Forest Initiative
To protect the forest and help improve lives, The Wilderness Foundation are supporting local community conservation and sustainable development initiatives. As part of the initiative, The Wilderness Foundation are running trails in Kirisia Forest. Samburu Warriors lead you into an inspirational realm of nourishing wilderness, where your soul can be replenished and you can break free from the ties which bind your daily existence.
The latest fundraising for Kirisia has recently paid for a set of bee-hives to help stabilise the bee population and provide additional income.
For further information on the Kirisia Forest Initiative please contact Rona Birnie
