
The Loisaba Story
Loisaba is a 58,000 acre wildlife conservancy and working ranch located in Northern Laikipia, Kenya, East Africa. Loisaba's journey began in the early 1970s when the Ancilotto family purchased the land. Their vision was clear: to manage the property as a low-impact cattle ranch and tourist destination while preserving the wilderness for wildlife and future generations. The land became a sanctuary where both nature and sustainable practices coexisted harmoniously.
In 1997, the Loisaba brand was established by Tom Silvester, then the livestock manager, along with his brother Peter Silvester and their friend Giles Davis. With the support of investors Jim and Lori DeNooyer, they transformed Loisaba into a successful conservation, tourism, and ranching enterprise. Their collective efforts ensured that Loisaba not only thrived as a business but also as a vital conservation area.
The year 2014 marked a significant milestone in Loisaba's history. The Nature Conservancy, with the backing of generous donors, facilitated the transfer of ownership from private hands to the Loisaba Community Trust. This transition guaranteed that the land would be dedicated to conservation efforts in perpetuity, securing Loisaba's future as a haven for wildlife and a beacon of sustainable land management.
Today, Loisaba stands as a thriving conservation landscape under the leadership of Tom Silvester, now the CEO. The Loisaba Community Trust, in collaboration with its partners, plays a pivotal role in ensuring that Loisaba remains a catalyst for community development, a centre for pioneering wildlife research, and a world-class ecotourism destination. Guests who visit Loisaba are not merely observers—they are invited to become an integral part of the Loisaba story, engaging with conservation efforts during their stay and fostering a lasting connection with this extraordinary landscape for years to come.
Jim and Lori DeNooyer, the American investors who were key partners in the creation of the Loisaba brand, have remained deeply involved in the conservancy's mission. Their dedication goes far beyond financial contributions; they have been passionate advocates for education and community development. The DeNooyers have played a crucial role in the establishment and ongoing support of Loisaba's scholarship program, which provides educational opportunities for local youth. This program has empowered countless young people from the surrounding communities, offering them the chance to pursue higher education and develop skills that can be used to improve their own communities. The DeNooyers’ unwavering support has been vital in ensuring that Loisaba’s conservation efforts are intertwined with the well-being and future of the local population.
As we work together to protect this vital piece of land, we believe Loisaba is a model for integrated conservation and social impact that catalyses peace and security across the Ewaso Ecosystem for people and nature in perpetuity.