The Big North

28/09/2026

In 2025, tourism bookings through facilities in Northern Rangelands Trust member conservancies generated KSh119 million in revenue.

Behind this figure is a growing digital tourism ecosystem helping travellers find and book community-owned tourism facilities across Northern Kenya.

Through The Big North, lodges, campsites, bandas and tourism experiences across the region are brought together on one digital platform, making it easier for travellers to find destinations, plan their visits and make bookings.

But digital tourism goes beyond putting a destination online. It connects travelers to communities, local tourism businesses, guides and conservation experiences, while creating opportunities for tourism revenue to reach local economies.

This is particularly relevant to this year’s World Tourism Day theme, “Digital Agenda and Artificial Intelligence to Redesign Tourism.” As AI and other digital technologies change how people search for destinations and plan their travels, they also create new possibilities for community-led tourism to reach wider markets and become more visible to travellers.

For Northern Kenya, the opportunity is clear: use technology to open more doors for community tourism while keeping the people, places and conservation efforts behind these experiences at the centre.

Happy World Tourism Day 2026 🌍

27/09/2026

Picture this: You get your phone and book a staycation or vacation with The Big North at Tassia Eco Lodge . You’re prepared to leave the noisy town for quiet days miles away, shaped by the simple yet awe-inspiring beauty of the bush.

When you arrive at the Lodge and check into one of its seven en-suite rock-and-wood rooms, you'll find a cozy room waiting. The grand bed looks like an invitation: fresh, crisply ironed linens; a daybed piled with crisp white pillows and an array of woven cushions; bath towels folded into whimsical shapes; and heavy white mosquito netting artfully draped and tied back with local beaded leather tassels, ready to be dropped before twilight.

Every corner holds a touch of wilderness luxury: thick, fluffy towels are rolled neatly beside organic soaps that smell of eucalyptus, and the lounge chairs on your private terrace are angled precisely toward the watering hole and perfect for watching a night of clear constellations and the breathtaking view of the Lengishu plains, Nesarge and Lossos hills.

All this is possible, thanks to 24-year-old Beatrice Kilipan. You’ll usually find her in her Maasai traditional regalia, moving through every corner of Tassia Lodge, room to room, doing the job she’s been fond of for the last 4 years as a room steward.

Read more about her story and how Lekurruki Community Conservancy 's Tassia has become a model for how tourism can benefit both people and nature: https://mashinaniworks.org/meet-the-faces-behind-your-memorable-stay-in-northern-kenya-beatrice-kilipan-tassia-lodge/

26/09/2026

Celebrating one of our own this . 🌍

Jackie’s journey at OlGaboli Lodge is a beautiful example of how tourism creates opportunities for our local communities and how the growth of women in tourism can inspire others to follow.

Read Jackie’s story from MashinaniWorks 👇🏽

MagicalKenya

As we prepare to mark on 27th September, how about we introduce you to some of the people behind your memorable stays at the community-led tourism facilities in Northern Kenya?

If you have been to Laikipia County, you may know Ol Gaboli Lodge in Naibunga Lower Community Conservancy, known for its unique bandas and the gigantic fig trees that stand beside the Ewaso Nyiro River. Here, you’ll meet Jackline Keshine, fondly known as “Champion Jackie”

Her dad worked in the tourism industry, and as a little girl, his stories about experiences in the wild fascinated her. She became intrigued and began imagining herself in his shoes. By the time she was pursuing her studies, she already knew, somewhere in the back of her mind, the career she wanted to pursue.

Today, her charisma and cheerfulness keep the mess area lively as she interacts with guests, serving food and drinks. After a long day of game drives in search of the elusive black leopard or a hike through the conservancy, the weariness begins to fade the moment you step back into camp. Jackie’s warm reception and service have a way of making you feel right at home.

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Read more about Jackie’s story and learn more about how tourism has played a key role in supporting a viable local economy while reinforcing conservation outcomes👇🏽 https://mashinaniworks.org/meet-the-faces-behind-your-memorable-stay-in-northern-kenya-jackline-keshine-of-ol-gaboli-lodge/

Then, why not book your own stay at Ol Gaboli? 😉: https://thebignorth.travel/lodge/olgaboli-lodge/

09/05/2025

Ever dreamed of running an eco-lodge that actually makes a difference?

Nasuulu Eco-Lodge — nestled in Nasuulu Conservancy and right next to Samburu and Buffalo Springs National Reserves — is now up for lease. This is more than a business opportunity. It’s a chance to work hand-in-hand with the local community, protect wildlife, and offer guests a real taste of northern Kenya’s culture and landscapes.

Why it’s special:
🦓 Wildlife and community at your doorstep
🌍 Supports conservation and livelihoods
🤝 Built by and for the local people

We’re looking for someone who’s not just passionate about tourism but about doing tourism right.

Sound like you? DM us or Get the full notice in the link below:
https://mashinaniworks.org/opportunities-lease-opportunity-nasuulu-eco-lodge/

21/04/2025

We extend our sincere appreciation to Ms. Lydia Dentewo and the Lake Bogoria Spa team for their continued support of our community conservancies. Your partnership plays a key role in fostering resilient, empowered communities.

18/03/2025

Nkoteiya Eco-lodge is available for lease!

Nkoteiya Community Conservancy invites prospective investors and operators to seize the opportunity to lease Nkoteiya Eco-lodge, a community-owned accommodation facility located in Nkoteiya Conservancy, Samburu County.

Deadline: 28th March 2025

Read more here https://mashinaniworks.org/job-opportunities/ for more information.

12/02/2025

Lease Opportunity: Olgaboli Bandas

Olgaboli Women Group is offering a lease opportunity for Olgaboli Bandas, a community-owned tourism facility located in the Naibunga Lower Conservancy, Laikipia County. This is an excellent opportunity for individuals or investors to manage and operate an adventure tourism facility in a high-potential area.

Please check out the link for more information: https://mashinaniworks.org/job-opportunities/

26/09/2024

As we prepare to observe World Tourism Day tomorrow with the theme 'Tourism and Peace', it's not just about traveling—it's about the connections we form, the stories we share, and the peace we promote along the way.

At The Big North, tourism is more than just an adventure; it's about the people. From the vibrant communities to the stunning landscapes, each journey brings us closer, uniting cultures and creating harmony. Here, tourism opens doors to livelihoods, empowers local cultures, and promotes conservation, fostering peaceful coexistence between people and nature.

Every visit leaves a mark of peace, progress, and conservation. Join us as we celebrate the power of tourism as an instrument of peace.



📸 Ami Vitale

16/07/2024

Today, our CEO Vishal Shah and Tourism Consultant Director Allister Lindsay paid a courtesy visit to Hon. John Ololtuaa, Principal Secretary of the State Department for Tourism, and Hon. Geoffrey Kaituko, Principal Secretary for Shipping and Maritime Affairs. The discussions focused on strategies to increase tourism development in Northern and Coastal Kenya through stronger partnerships with communities, government, and other stakeholders.

They also presented the 2023 MashinaniWORKS Annual Report! (https://mashinaniworks.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/MashinaniWORKS-Annual-Report-2023.pdf)

02/04/2024

Meet Jackline Nolari Keshine, a chef at Nkoteiya Eco-lodge, who shares her inspiring story with ECOTOURISM KENYA

https://ecotourismkenya.org/blog/women-in-tourism-are-champions/

Building a Passion-Driven Career. The last interview in the Women in Tourism features a young lady eager to sharpen her skills, satisfy guests and push the boundaries of what she understands a woman can be in tourism. About Jackline Keshine My name is Jackline Nolari Keshine. A 23-year-old mother of...