Kora National Park
Kora was the home of George Adamson
and Tony Fitzjohn for nearly 20 years. It was recently made into a national park and the trusts have a strong commitment and duty to try to help Kora prosper into the future
At the request of Kenya's then Foreign Minister, and Kenya Wildlife Services, Tony Fitzjohn has conducted several surveys of Kora on behalf of the Kenyan Government and the trusts to try to ascertain what steps need to be taken to continue development and protection of the area. On-site meetings with representatives from the District Offices and Kenya Wildlife Services have taken place, and detailed reports have been written
In the past, Kora was an insecure area. Today, the political will is in place to protect it and Kora is therefore in need of funds for development and long term security. The trusts are assisting the Kenya Wildlife Services Senior Warden of Meru and Kora National Parks on a multi-disciplinary programme of development. This initially includes the rebuilding of George Adamson’s camp to serve as a memorial and a tourist attraction, and the opening up of old road networks and cutting of new road networks. Further plans are in place once these initial tasks are completed.
Tourism could bring in important revenue and a bridge has been built between Meru National Park and Kora - always a dream of George Adamson's - which is helping to put Kora on the map for a new northern tourist circuit.
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| The mess hut at Kora prior to restoration |
Tony has assisted in the siting of a proposed tourist lodge close to the magnificent Tana River
Asako is the main village on Kora's boundaries. George and Tony's loyal and sympathetic neighbours for nearly two decades, it is isolated and virtually forgotten and at the mercy of all too regular shifta bandit attacks. The security of the area is now improving, yet the village is in desperate need of development and assistance. The trusts are funding medical visits and have stocked a small dispensary which has been carried out by the Flying Doctors Service. The trusts have also funded the revival and maintenance of a clean and regular water supply, 
which is being effected through AMREF (African Medical Research and Education Foundation). Upgrading of housing in the village for a recruited government nurse is another priority.
The trusts are working to maintain and increase their close commitment to Kora and the village of Asako to ensure the further development of this unique, and virtually unspoilt, piece of northern wilderness