This amazing plateau is set against the backdrop of Mt Kenya and it extends over 9500 sq km (roughly the size of Wales) of semi-arid plains, dramatic gouges and acacia-thicket-covered hills. The area is made up mostly of privately owned ranches, wildlife conservancies and small-scale farms has become one of the most important areas for biodiversity in the country. It has some of the greatest wildlife densities second only to those found in the Masai Mara, is the last refuge of Kenya’s African wild dogs and it's here that some of the most effective conservation work in the country is being done. Indeed, these vast plains are home some of Kenya’s highest populations of endangered species, including half of the country’s black rhinos and half of the world’s Grevy’s zebras.