The Nyekweri Forest is situated within the Trans-Mara District, adjacent to the Masai Mara National Reserve in South West Kenya. The Nyekweri Forest is also proximate to the &Beyond camps of Kichwa Tembo and Bateleur, which are situated on a private concession also bordering the reserve. The Forest is spread across two group ranches, the Oloirien and Kimintet ranches. Originally communal ranches, they have been sub-divided and title is being awarded to community members, who have the legal right to use their land as they please.
We have begun a community-based restoration and conservation project specific to the Nyekweri Forest, the last remaining indigenous forest within the Trans-Mara District. Over 50% of the Nyekweri Forest has been cleared over the last 20 years due to population growth, agricultural transformation and charcoal production. This is accelerating the deforestation and putting severe pressure on this precious resource.