The Kibwezi Forest is one of Kenya's last remaining groundwater woodlands. Having secured a 30 year concession to conserve this environmentally rich site, the Sheldrick Wildlife Trust has embarked on a partnership with the Kenya Forest Service to protect and sustain this unique area.

This space represents the largest neighbouring protected area in Kenya and is also one of its most important conservation areas. Located within the forest, the Umani Springs are an increasingly important water source for the human population in the surrounding areas as well as wildlife, as it is also the only surface water available throughout the dry seasons in this region. The forest and springs is home to a number of large mammals, birds, reptiles, butterflies, invertebrates and fish. The Kibwezi Forest is also home to our most recently built elephant reintegration unit - Umani Springs.