Our Story
Tassia Lodge was established in 1999 by the Lekurruki community and stands as a beacon of hope and resilience, inspired by the successes of neighbouring conservancies such as Il Ngwesi, Borana, and Lewa. The lodge was developed by the local Yaaku community with invaluable support from notable figures, including Lucy Moris from the UK, Michael Dyer of Borana, the late Gilfred Powys, and Ian Craig from Lewa. Their collective vision aimed to create a sustainable future for an area that had previously suffered from poaching, insecurity, and land degradation.
The conservancy was founded to promote social, economic, and ecological sustainability while integrating rural communities into wildlife conservation efforts. By fostering biodiversity protection alongside economic development through community-led projects, Tassia has become a model for how tourism can benefit both people and nature. Revenue generated from the lodge is thoughtfully allocated; 40% supports operational costs while an impressive 60% is directed towards community activities. This financial structure has enabled significant advancements since its inception. The local community has witnessed improvements in employment opportunities and land management practices such as soil erosion control and grazing plans. Access to education has been enhanced through bursaries and school feeding programmes, while healthcare services have expanded with the establishment of dispensaries and mobile clinics.
Our Team
We believe it’s the warm smiles and impeccable service of our dedicated team that elevate your experience at Tassia. Our chefs, housekeepers, and waiters, all from the local community, work harmoniously to ensure that every aspect of your stay at Tassia is met with care and professionalism.
Amos Moiyare
Beatrice Kilepan
Grace Makena
Our community
The Yaaku Community embodies a rich tapestry of history and culture deeply intertwined with the landscapes of southern Ethiopia and central Kenya. This indigenous community has thrived in these regions until at least the 18th century, showcasing a remarkable resilience through changing times.
In recent years, recurring droughts have had devastating impacts on the Lekurruki community within which many Yaaku reside; reports indicate that households can lose up to 90% of their livestock during these harsh periods. In response to environmental pressures, there has been an admirable shift towards diversifying livestock herds to include camels, goats, and sheep. This adaptability highlights the community’s enduring connection to nature while striving for sustainability through practices that respect ancestral lands.
The ongoing journey of the Yaaku people is one of resilience—a testament to their enduring spirit as they strive to navigate contemporary realities while holding fast to their rich heritage.
Your Visit Makes a Difference
Revenue from ecotourism initiatives like ours directly funds community and conservation development projects. By choosing to visit Tassia, you become part of a grassroots movement that blends traditional knowledge with modern conservation strategies, impacting the lives of 820 families who call this land home.
Wildlife
Safeguarding endangered species and restoring vital wildlife habitats. Through community-led patrols and anti-poaching initiatives, we are committed to protecting the rich biodiversity that defines our landscape.
Conservation efforts at Tassia Community Lodge play a crucial role in preserving the rich biodiversity of the Lekurruki area. This community is nestled within an important wildlife corridor, bordered by three other conservancies: Ol Donyiro, Leparua, and Il Ngwesi. Together, these areas provide a sanctuary for key wildlife species such as elephants, giraffes, lions, Grevy’s zebras, common zebras, elands, lesser and greater kudus, leopards, cheetahs, wild dogs, buffaloes, and warthogs. The region is also home to a diverse array of bird species that thrive in this unique ecosystem.
Communinty
At Lekurruki Conservancy, we are dedicated to a pioneering approach to conservation that harmonises environmental stewardship with the well-being of local communities.
The local community's relationship with the land is vital for both their livelihood and the conservation of wildlife. During the dry season, community members graze their livestock around Melita, Nasikor, Lolbangi, Ltirim Lesakui, Porowet, Rere, Losos and Pejeto. Conversely, during the wet season they shift to grazing near Naimarlal settlement areas and the Nadung’oru plains adjacent to Mukogogo forest. This careful management of grazing patterns is overseen by the Conservancy Grazing Committee; however it faces challenges due to encroachment from livestock belonging to neighbouring communities.
Land
We prioritise sustainable land use by integrating livestock grazing plans with wildlife corridors. This thoughtful approach ensures coexistence between humans and nature, allowing both communities and wildlife to thrive together.
However, these efforts face challenges due to encroachment from livestock belonging to neighbouring communities. Such disruptions threaten not only the delicate balance of wildlife habitats but also the livelihoods of those who depend on these lands for grazing their animals. At Lekurruki we recognise that successful conservation requires collaboration between all stakeholders involved—wildlife enthusiasts and local communities alike—to ensure a harmonious coexistence that benefits both nature and people for generations to come.
