As Ker & Downey World Travel’s Philanthropy Manager and an avid ultrarunner, an idea sparked when I learned about the For Rangers Ultra with Beyond the Ultimate in Kenya. I had the great privilege of visiting Northern Kenya on safari in 2023 and Lewa was my first introduction to the vast and wild conservancy. Before the plane touched down, I got a glimpse of an African elephant meandering through the bush; I had never seen such a majestic animal. Once on the ground, the green rolling hills came alive with herds of elephant, rhino, giraffe, Grevy’s zebra, and even a lioness laying in the grass calling her cubs. I fell in love with this place and Lewa Wildlife Conservancy’s impressive and longstanding conservation story.

As the first and leading private rhino sanctuary in East Africa, Lewa’s rhino population has grown from an initial 15 rhinos to over 280 rhinos today. Additionally, thanks to their ranger program, there hasn’t been a poaching incident since 2019. It is proof that what they're doing works. When Lewa reached out to partner with the Ker & Downey Foundation, I knew I had to pitch the idea for me to run the ForRangers Ultra while raising money for them. 

Now, I will be taking on my biggest ultra challenge to date. Over 5 days, I will run self-supported for 230km (143 miles), spanning 5 critical conservancies in northern Kenya (Lewa, Borana, Lolldaiga, Ol Jogi, and Ol Pejeta). I will be fully immersed in true African wilderness, sleeping in the bush, and will live the day-to-day life of a ranger who risks their life to protect vulnerable wildlife. The race itself is in partnership with Save the Rhino and ForRangers, an international group who provides equipment and welfare support to those protecting Africa’s legacy. This race has conservation at its core. To be a part of something bigger than myself will make this race extra special. 

I will be raising money on behalf of Lewa Wildlife Conservancy to aid in their conservation efforts. Lewa is currently home to 136 black rhino who are safe to roam freely alongside Grevy's zebra, elephants, lions, giraffes, and 500+ bird species. Beyond wildlife, Lewa also gives back to the surrounding communities by investing in education, healthcare, water access, and local enterprise. 

As someone who works in philanthropy and sees the great need around the world, I understand that it can be difficult to give your hard-earned money to protect wildlife in Africa. But imagine a world without it, without towering, big tuskers and ancient rhinos walking the planet. Without the support of these conservancies and programs, that is a real possibility. Please consider supporting me on this grand adventure and endeavor, every little bit helps. 

To support Amy and the Lewa Wildlife Conservancy in the ForRangers Ultra, click here.