Constellations

 Constellations

The staff that work at Loisaba for Loisaba Conservancy and Elewana Collection epitomise the cultural diversity of the whole country, representing as they do fifteen different tribes and two religions - Christian and Muslim. Whilst the conservancy is neighboured by Samburu pastoralists, staff come from all over the country and represent the Samburu, Maasai, Turkana, Luhyia, Kamba, Kikuyu, Borana, Rendille, Kisii, and Luo  tribes with only six white Kenyans. As well as speaking their tribal language – and tribal languages close to it - all of the staff are at least bi-lingual and all speak Kiswahili, a fascinating Bantu-based language that has been pragmatically moulded by the interaction and integration of indigenous Kenyans with incoming traders and colonialists. Many also speak English – the language of business and politics in the country.

This journal will endeavour to introduce many of the wonderful characters that work at the Conservancy and will include regular stories and reports from our seven ‘stars’  who have been chosen to start us off. These people have been chosen for their enthusiasm for the project from the outset and highlight the wide range of occupations within Loisaba and Elewana Collection.

L to R, Top: Joseph, William, Rita, and Haron. Bottom: James, Moses, and Ambrose.

We will also follow seven iconic animals: some domesticated, some wild and some half-and-half. You will meet Tulip the camel and her friend Shilingi, Bounty the Grevy's Zebra and Viki the kudu, as well as Narok, matriarch of the Narok Pride, Jo, the self-sufficient leopard and her two cubs, Lolopo, the ragged-eared giraffe, and Sanikata, one of the collared, migratory elephants. 

Our seven interesting places include outstanding landscapes at The Oasis, White Rock, Falcon Rock and the Kiboko Dam, as well as the headquarters, the camel boma and the stables. 

We'll tell you about seven key events taking place throughout the year which will feature Tom, the CEO's, endeavour to bring 'unicorns' to Loisaba. (Rather chubby ones). As well as seven key tasks.

We'll take a look at what's generally happening at seven different times of day - starting of course at 7 a.m. when the sun has just come up.

And, we'll include all kinds of extra things about Swahili, geology, barefoot horses, community matters, and life in general. 

Contributions are also welcome from readers who may have travelled to Loisaba. Share your stories and your pictures with us.