The Masai Mara Conservancies

The Masai Mara in Kenya is world-famous for its abundant wildlife, breathtaking landscapes, and the Great Migration. Beyond the main reserve, the Masai Mara Conservancies offer an exclusive and eco-friendly alternative to the crowded safari experience.

These private conservancies, located on the periphery of the Masai Mara National Reserve, are partnerships between Maasai landowners and tourism operators, offering unmatched game viewing, cultural immersion, and sustainable tourism.

What Are the Masai Mara Conservancies?

The Masai Mara Conservancies are private wildlife reserves that border the Masai Mara National Reserve. They are formed through agreements between local Maasai communities and safari operators, where landowners lease their land for conservation and tourism. The conservancies span an area of over 350,000 acres, divided into multiple conservancies, each with its own unique offerings.

This model promotes conservation by ensuring that the land remains a haven for wildlife while providing sustainable income for the Maasai through lease payments and tourism-related jobs.

Benefits of Visiting the Conservancies

Exclusive Safari Experience
Unlike the Masai Mara National Reserve, where vehicles are often concentrated around popular wildlife sightings, the conservancies limit the number of lodges and visitors. This results in a more private and tranquil safari experience.

Off-Road Driving
In the conservancies, guides can take you off-road to follow wildlife closely, offering better photographic opportunities and closer interaction with nature.

Night Game Drives
Night drives are permitted in the conservancies, providing an opportunity to spot nocturnal species such as leopards, aardvarks, and hyenas, which are rarely seen during the day.

Walking Safaris
Walking safaris are a unique feature of the conservancies. Accompanied by armed guides, visitors can explore the bush on foot, learning about animal tracks, plants, and smaller wildlife.

Cultural Interaction
Many conservancies offer authentic cultural experiences, such as visiting Maasai villages to learn about their traditions, dances, and way of life.

Wildlife in the Conservancies

The conservancies are part of the greater Mara ecosystem, so they host the same incredible array of wildlife found in the national reserve. Visitors can expect to see the Big Five (lion, leopard, elephant, rhino, and buffalo), as well as cheetahs, giraffes, zebras, hippos, and wildebeests.

During the Great Migration, the conservancies also offer a chance to witness the massive herds of wildebeest and zebras as they move through the area. The conservancies often provide equally thrilling migration experiences without the crowds.

Key Masai Mara Conservancies

Olare Motorogi Conservancy
Known for its high density of big cats, including lions, cheetahs, and leopards, this conservancy offers top-notch lodges and uncrowded game drives.

Mara North Conservancy
This conservancy is one of the largest and features diverse landscapes, from open savannahs to riverine forests. It is renowned for its excellent wildlife sights and luxurious accommodations.

Naboisho Conservancy

Ol Kinyei Conservancy
This award-winning conservancy offers pristine wilderness and exceptional biodiversity. It’s perfect for walking safaris and intimate wildlife encounters.

Ol Chorro Conservancy
One of the lesser-known conservancies, Ol Chorro offers stunning landscapes and a quieter safari experience.

Conservation and Community Benefits

The conservancies are a shining example of how wildlife tourism can benefit local communities. Lease payments from the conservancies help fund education, healthcare, and infrastructure for the Maasai people. The model also reduces human-wildlife conflict by providing incentives for conservation and minimizing habitat degradation.