Patrick Kilonzo Mwalua is proof that not all heroes wear capes. Known as the Waterman of Tsavo, Patrick was born in a very rural area called Kajire in Taita County, Kenya. He grew up in a small village where he attended elementary and secondary school. Patrick became passionate about caring for animals while he helped his family graze cattle and goats during the weekends.
In 2016, he became a lifeline for wildlife during a drought by driving hours to fill a truck to bring 2,642 gallons of fresh water to the bone-dry watering holes around the parched wilderness of Tsavo. The animals such as elephants, buffalo, antelope, and zebras quickly became familiar with his truck and would come running as this water was their only option for survival. Oftentimes, these majestic creatures would be at the waterhole waiting for Patrick to arrive.
Artwork done by a young conservationist and found on the walls of Giraffe Center, in Nairobi, Kenya.
I decided to take a trip to Kenya to meet Patrick myself and check out his small remote conservancy that borders Tsavo West.
Q: What made you fill up a truck full of water and take it to the thirsty wildlife?
Patrick: Around 2016 there was a big drought around the Tsavo ecosystem. Having lived here for quite some time, I knew how detrimental it would be. In the past years, I have seen a lot of animals die because of a lack of water.
In 2016, I made up my mind to give them water because there was no way they could find water on their own without going into the community and risking human-wildlife conflict. I decided that I needed to follow them into the wild and give them water there so they didn’t need to go into the community and cause problems.
Q: Did you pay for the water out of your own pocket?
Patrick: Yes, in the beginning, I had very little money in my pocket. I saw a buffalo sniffing at an empty waterhole. I put myself in the buffalo’s shoes and thought about what it would be like if I needed water and couldn’t find it. I decided I needed to do something for these animals.
I went back to where I could find water 70 kilometers away. I hired a truck with my own funds and brought water for several days before people started to help me out.
Q: What did your friends and family think?
Patrick: They understood because they know that animals are a part of the ecosystem and need the same benefits from the earth just like us humans.
Q: I understand you have been battling some serious health conditions?
Patrick: When I started, I had health problems but I was still strong enough to run up and down and drive the truck. But now it’s difficult because I have had kidney failure for 9 years and I am slowing down. I try to be more careful than before, so I can maintain my health and wait for a permanent solution.
Q: And the permanent solution would be a kidney transplant?
Patrick: Yes.
Q: Tell me about your volunteer project.
Patrick: It’s a place where volunteers can come and contribute to wildlife conservation, such as planting trees to make sure this place is green and safe for the animals in the Tsavo ecosystem. Volunteers are always welcome and anyone with an idea of conservation and ways to enhance the efforts we have already begun. They can also help patrol with rangers to dismantle snares that poachers leave behind.
Q: So, if someone is visiting Kenya, they can stop by for a few days, weeks, or even a month?
Patrick: Yes, they are welcome to come and do whatever they can.
Q: This experience and accommodations here have been really great. The food is amazing and you even catered to me being a vegetarian. You also have only 4 rooms overlooking the waterhole making it quite the exclusive experience. There is even an electric fence to help keep people safe.
Patrick: Yes, there is a chef available to provide our guests with their meals. These houses have been great places for volunteers who are coming here to stay. We’ve been fortunate to run this operation while only charging a small fee.
I let Patrick know I was vegetarian and he brought in a chef who prepared all vegetarian meals for me.
Q: Have you seen the effects of climate change?
Patrick: Yes, thousand times over. When I was young the rains in this area came every rainy season. Nowadays, rain has become really unpredictable because of climate change. This year, we were supposed to have rain making it a bit green, but unfortunately, it isn’t green here.
Water isn’t enough to keep the animals alive. They also need trees and vegetation to provide them with something to eat. Now, it has to be done artificially by planting trees and enclosing areas in order to promote the growth of grass and trees. That way, when the animals come to the waterhole, they have something to drink and eat. Planning for vegetation is paramount in Tsavo. Our goal is to make Tsavo green, but it costs a lot of money.
If you are looking for an amazing volunteer opportunity, in a stunning, authentic African wildernes you should consider volunteering with Patrick. You can Contact Partick directly either to donate or volunteer.
The experts at King Salama Safaris can help you customize one of our safari itineraries to include volunteering opportunities. Contact us today to see how you can do your part to protect this stunning landscape.
