At Tsavo Trust, transparency and communication are key pillars of our conservation model. That’s why we release detailed monthly field reports and a comprehensive annual report every year—so that our partners, supporters, and the public can clearly understand what we’ve achieved and what we continue to strive for.
This article offers a summary of our key activities and successes from 2024, as outlined in our latest Annual Report. From increased wildlife security to strengthened community partnerships and improved human-wildlife coexistence, 2024 was a year of measurable progress across the Tsavo Conservation Area.
Wildlife Monitoring and Protection
As one of Kenya’s largest protected ecosystems, Tsavo is a critical landscape for endangered species. In 2024, our aerial and ground teams worked closely with the Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) and the Wildlife Research and Training Institute (WRTI) to monitor, protect, and study wildlife across 40,000 km².
Key Achievements in 2024:
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201 Big Tusker sightings — averaging one sighting every two days.
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20% increase in Super Tuskers — from 8 to 10 individuals.
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10% increase in Emerging Tuskers — now numbering 32.
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5.6% growth in Tsavo’s black rhino population, with 28 individuals tagged and monitored during a major rhino intervention operation.
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8% increase in Hirola numbers, a promising sign for this critically endangered antelope.
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33% reduction in snares, 71% reduction in wildlife-related arrests, and a 74% reduction in bushmeat recovered—reflecting the deterrent effect of joint de-snaring and patrol activities.
These outcomes demonstrate that our combined efforts with KWS and WRTI are not only stabilising but enhancing the protection of Tsavo’s most iconic species.
Elevating Rhino Conservation
In November 2024, Tsavo Trust played a central role in a collaborative black rhino monitoring operation in Tsavo West National Park. This involved:
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Immobilising and tagging 28 black rhinos.
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Deploying 123 hours of aerial surveillance covering 14,000+ km.
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Increasing our ability to monitor and protect one of the world’s most genetically important rhino populations.
As one of the few designated “Key 1” populations in Kenya, Tsavo West is poised to become a global stronghold for the critically endangered Eastern black rhino.
Strengthening Elephant Monitoring
Tsavo remains home to Kenya’s largest elephant population, with over 17,000 elephants.
In August 2024, we helped collar 13 elephants (9 bulls and 4 females) to monitor movement patterns, support habitat connectivity, and reduce human-elephant conflict. This real-time data supports landscape planning and conflict mitigation in and around the park.
Revealing the Secrets of Tsavo’s Lions
2024 marked the third lion survey led by Tsavo Trust and WRTI in southern Tsavo East and Shirango Conservancy. Our team covered over 10,000 km², using photographic ID and SECR models to:
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Update population estimates.
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Understand sex ratios and distribution.
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Highlight threats like bushmeat poaching.
These insights guide predator conservation strategies and inform broader ecosystem management.
Community Programs: Coexistence and Resilience
Our conservation mission depends on strong relationships with the communities bordering protected areas. In 2024, Tsavo Trust implemented transformative programs in Kamungi and Shirango Conservancies:
Water Security
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Supplied 889,596 litres of clean water through boreholes.
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Distributed 40 dam liners and 25 water tanks to enhance rainwater harvesting.
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Improved water access for hundreds of households.
Healthcare
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Upgraded the Ngiluni Dispensary, which treated 1,604 patients in 2024.
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Launched renovation of Nthunguni Dispensary, including a new maternity unit.
Education and Digital Inclusion
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Distributed 160 laptops and installed 7 digital education systems.
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Supported interactive learning for hundreds of rural students.
Human-Wildlife Conflict Mitigation
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33 km elephant exclusion fence led to an 80% reduction in conflict.
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Four new wildlife-proof fences now protect 140 acres of farmland.
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Tsavo Trust’s snake-handling program removed 140 snakes from homes since 2022, reducing risk and improving coexistence.
Climate Resilience and Livelihoods
In 2024, our climate-smart agriculture initiative reached 180 households, improving yields and food security. We also distributed solar lighting systems to 46 off-grid households, improving safety, education, and sustainability.
These projects show that community development and conservation are not mutually exclusive—they are, in fact, deeply interconnected.
Sustainable Tourism: Kamungi Bandas
The launch of the Kamungi Bandas in 2024 marks a milestone in community-driven ecotourism. Built and operated with local involvement, the Bandas offer visitors an immersive experience while generating income for conservation and community development.
Financial Highlights
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Total Revenue: $2.86 million
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Over 65% of funds directly invested into wildlife protection
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$1 million+ provided in support to KWS and WRTI
We are proud of our operational transparency and deeply grateful to the donors, foundations, and individuals who make this work possible.
Looking Ahead
In 2025, Tsavo Trust aims to:
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Strengthen partnerships with Makueni County and Taita Taveta Conservancies.
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Continue expanding rhino and Big Tusker protection.
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Support new initiatives in youth development, digital literacy, and climate adaptation.
We remain a field-based, action-oriented Kenyan organisation committed to the long-term future of Tsavo’s wildlife and people.