The Cheetah Conservation Project
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If you ever see a cheetah hunt on the savannah - then count your lucky stars! The explosive acceleration, the aesthetics, and the drama will be imprinted in your mind for ever. One hundred and twenty km/h , flexible spine, the tail high - the cheetah is esteemed and admired for its grace and beauty. There are still 46 of these amazing cats left in the Masai Mara. This is one of the few places left on earth where you still have a fair chance of experiencing the cheetah hunting in its natural environment.
In contrast with other cats, the cheetah seeks out its prey during the day. It is thus more vulnerable to the noise, smells, and physical interference of the many safari vehicles in the Mara. Basecamp is committed to reducing this threat. We have therefore initiated a research program, in cooperation with Kenya Wildlife Service, to learn more about what is needed to secure a healthy and sustainable population of cheetahs in the Masai Mara National Reserve and its surroundings.
By providing education and training, and strengthening the skills and understanding of guides, as well as working with the surrounding communities, we are also working towards minimizing the harassment, killing, and wounding of cheetahs. The cheetah is a so-called ‘flagship species’ of the Mara. It promotes tourism and generates income for local people. Therefore both tourists and locals need to learn about its vulnerable situation.
Our work on the cheetah has enabled us to enhanced the wildlife experiences of our guests. Basecamp Masai Mara now offers high-quality lectures, and tailor-made cheetah game drives, guided by experts on this spectacular cat.
Through a collaboration with Dr Lauri Marker and her research center in Namibia, Basecamp has secured the expertise of the world’s leading cheetah scientist for this project.
Partners:
Basecamp Explorer Kenya - L Lindkvist
Kenya Wildlife Service - Director Biodiversity Conservation Dr R Bagine
Namibia - Dr. Lauri Marker
Funding:
Basecamp Explorer Foundation
Kenya Wildlife Service
Private donations
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