When I first set foot in Tsavo as an intern with Tsavo Trust, I could feel something different in the air. The landscape here is not just wild, it’s alive. Every gust of wind carries stories of resilience, every footprint tells a tale of survival, and every sunrise reminds you that conservation here is not just a job; it’s a calling.
Over the past few years, my journey in conservation has taken me from classrooms to community meetings, from field research to national parks. But nothing quite prepared me for the raw, awe-spiring power of Tsavo. It’s a place where nature beats with its own rhythm, untamed, vast, and deeply interconnected with the people who live within and around it.
Interning with Tsavo Trust over the past two months has been one of the most transformative chapters of my life. From the very first day, I was immersed in work that stretched across the land, the community and the air. Tsavo Trust operates with a powerful synergy, partnering closely with the government, non-governmental organisations and other stakeholders to protect some of Kenya’s most iconic and vulnerable species.
Nancy interviewing community members of Kumungi Conservancy
One project that truly resonated with me was the Kamungi Conservancy. Here, I saw what community-led conservation truly means. Tsavo Trust has empowered local communities, many of whom once saw wildlife as a threat, to become active stewards of conservation. They are now partners in conservation, benefiting through improved livelihoods, access to resources and capacity building. Seeing women leading conservation dialogues and youth participating in education programs gave me hope for the future. What struck me most was how conservation becomes sustainable only when communities are empowered to lead it themselves. Kamungi is more than a conservancy; it’s a model of hope. Here, conservation is not imposed, it is embraced.
Working alongside the Tsavo Trust team, who are driven, knowledgeable and grounded in community, was a great honour. They taught me that conservation is not always about saving species, it’s about improving livelihoods, healing ecosystems, and fostering coexistence. This experience reshaped my approach to conservation at WildLandscapes. It reminded me that landscapes are not just spaces to protect, but homes to people and wildlife alike.
Nancy talks with another Kamungi Conservancy community member and now, active conservationist.
“Tsavo Trust has empowered local communities, many of whom once saw wildlife as a threat, to become active stewards of conservation. ”
Tsavo reaffirmed my belief that conservation is about balance between species, ecosystems, and human needs. My time there wasn’t just about gaining field skills. It was about deepening my understanding and reaffirming my commitment to working with communities as equal partners in conservation.
As I return to my role at WildLandscapes East Africa, I carry the spirit of Tsavo with me, the lessons from the field, the voices from the communities and the silent strength of the land itself. This wasn’t just an internship. It was a powerful reminder of why I chose this path of conservation, to be part of something meaningful, lasting, and deeply connected to the people and places we strive to protect.
Photos: Tsavo Trust
