The Francombe Family

Colin Francombe was born and raised in Kenya and for 25 years managed a 90,000 acre ranch in northern Kenya. As well as raising cattle and sheep, he became increasingly involved in conservation, creating a safe environment for wildlife and especially then, for the endangered Black Rhino. He was appointed an Honourary Game Warden by the Kenya Wildlife Service. He explored vast areas of northern Kenya on foot and in the process developed into a committed naturalist. His knowledge of Kenya is vast and Colin regales many an entertaining story under a thorn tree or in their sitting room around the fire.

Rocky Francombe was born and raised in Kenya and after a teaching career set up a small safari business before marrying Colin in 1971. She has always worked with Colin, responsible for the administration of the ranches and raising their three children - Anne, Julia and Andrew. Two of the three are still at Ol Malo, Andrew helping with running the ranch and tourism enterprises and Julia who has set up the Samburu Trust which aims to protect and secure the future of the Samburu people and their land.

Colin and Rocky had always dreamed of owning their own piece of Africa, and when some land became available they jumped at the chance and moved to Ol Malo in 1991. They carved a future for themselves and their children in this rugged area of northern Kenya. Ol Malo is the Francombe home - built, hosted and run by the family, even the grandchildren play a part in Ol Malo.

Andrew Francombe was brought up with the wild African bush as his playground. After school he spent a year in Argentina riding polo ponies as a gaucho and guiding tourists on horseback in Patagonia. He then ran a 6 million acre game reserve in Mozambique with an old school friend who later become his best man. On returning to Kenya he attained his pilots license. Andrew works closely with his parents at Ol Malo, he is a natural bushman with an affinity for wide-open spaces and what they have to offer. As an experienced bush pilot he is often called upon to help with game counts and animal operations for Kenya Wildlife Service, Save the Elephants and International Rhino Foundation. He has flown all over Kenya, Mali and Garamba National Park in the DRC. His pride and joy is his Cessna 185.

Chyulu Francombe was born in Kenya but grew up in Garamba National Park in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), one of the most remote and spectacular areas in Africa. Her parents battled with wildlife conservation in war torn Congo for 24 years giving her a unique upbringing and appreciation for nature. Her family moved back to Kenya in 1997. Chyulu is an accomplished horse rider competing regularly and has represented Kenya in show jumping. She now runs the horses at Ol Malo, guides and hosts, amongst numerous other responsibilities.

Andrew and Chyulu met in the DRC when Andrew came to help Chyulu’s parents with aerial park surveys and anti poaching. They married at Ol Malo in 2011 and are now bringing up the 3rd generation on the ranch.