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Masai Mara Conservancies, Exclusive Safari Experiences

The Maasai Mara is renowned for its breathtaking landscapes and abundant wildlife, but beyond the famed Maasai Mara Game Reserve lies a collection of exclusive conservancies mainly offering, unique safari experience as well as contributing to the development of local communities through land leasing, job creation and establishments of facilities like Hospitals and Schools. These conservancies provide a quieter, more secluded alternative to the busier reserve, where visitors enjoy close encounters with the Safari Big Five, witnessing spectacular wildlife migrations, and engaging in cultural experiences with the local Maasai community. Below are some of the untouched soul of the Mara Ecosystem.

Ol Kinyei Conservancy

Ol Kinyei Conservancy is nestled in the southwestern part of the Mara ecosystem adjacent to the Maasai Mara Game Reserve and bordering Serengeti National Park of Tanzania. The conservancy was established in 2005 in partnership between the Maasai and a Safari operator for the purpose of promoting wildlife conservation. It is approximately 15-20km from Maasai Mara Reserve covering about 17,500 acres. It borders Naboisho Conservancy to the west and Siana Conservancy to the east. It offers a pristine environment with rich wildlife, abundant water sources and spectacular landscapes of rolling hills. The conservancy is home to a variety of animals including; lions, cheetahs, elephants, and giraffes, making it a prime safari destination for game drives. The best time to visit is actually during the dry season June to October and December to March. The great migration happens between July and October. Visitors can access Ol kinyei via the Olare Orok Gate, and the nearest airstrip is Ol kiombo Airstrip. For a memorable Kenya Safari experiences at the conservancy, participate in activities such as Day & Night Game drives, Guided walking safaris, Bird watching, and Cultural visits to local Maasai villages. Accommodation options such as Porini Mara Camp and Porini Cheetah Camp provide luxury safari tented camp stays through minimal environmental impact, ensuring an exclusive safari experience.

Naboisho Conservancy

Naboisho Conservancy is one of the most celebrated private conservancies located in the northeast of the Maasai Mara National Reserve. It covers around 50,000 acres of land, with its name “Naboisho” translating to “Coming Together” in the Maasai language which replicates the collaboration of about 500 local Maasai Landowners working together to conserve their ancestral land. The conservancy offers diverse wildlife and scenic landscapes. The conservancy is easily accessible through the Naboisho Gate, and the closest airstrip is Naboisho Airstrip. Visitors can enjoy early morning and late evening game drives, guided bush walks, and bird watching. Cultural visits to Maasai villages allow for an enriching experience, and the chance to learn about the community's traditions and lifestyle. Naboisho Camp offers luxurious, eco-friendly accommodations where guests can relax and unwind after a day of adventure.

Lemek Conservancy

Lemek Conservancy is located to the North of the Maasai Mara ecosystem covering around 19,000 acres. It is a community-owned conservancy, managed and protected by the Maasai communities through a partnership between the landowners, existing camps and lodges. It is known as a peaceful and an all year-round wildlife-rich area perfect for those seeking an off-the-beaten-path African safari experience. Accessible via the Lemek Gate or Mara North Airstrip, Lemek provides excellent game viewing opportunities, including sightings of the African Big Five. Activities include game drives, nature walks, and visits to Maasai villages to experience their culture and traditions. Accommodation options in Lemek are typically luxury tented camps that offer a high level of exclusivity, comfort and personalized services, making it a perfect choice for a Kenya private safari getaway.

Olare Motorogi Conservancy

Olare Motorogi Conservancy is one of the most well-known private conservancies in the Maasai Mara ecosystem, located at the northern edge bordering the Maasai Mara Game Reserve at the lower valley Nkitiaktiak and Olare Orok River. The conservancy was formed through merging of two sub-conservancies i.e. Olare Orok and Motorogi. Olare Motorogi is accessible through the Olare Orok Gate and served by the Olkiombo Airstrip. Olare Motorogi is home to a diverse range of wildlife, including Elephants, Lions, and Cheetahs. Popular activities here include day and night game drives, Guided nature walk safaris, Hot air balloon safaris. The conservancy is also known for its luxury safari camps, such as the Olare Mara Kempinski, which guarantee guests an exclusive safari combined with coziness in the heart of the Mara.

Mara North Conservancy

Mara North Conservancy lies to the north of Maasai Mara Reserve, about 10-20 kilometers from central areas within the Mara Reserve. It is the largest conservancy in the Mara, covering about 69,160 acres of land and a virtual part of the Maasai Mara ecosystem. The conservancy is as a result of partnership between 12 tourism partner members and over 700 Maasai landowners who aim at conserving the wildlife, environment and advancing local communities. Mara North is a renowned area for exceptional game viewing due to its high wildlife density. The conservancy is accessible through the Mara North Gate and the nearby Mara North Airstrip. The Conservancy is committed to low-density tourism, that limits visitor’s capacity which ensures exclusive safari experiences. Mara north is home to a collection of wildlife such as baboons, buffaloes, zebras, lions, jackals, cheetahs and leopards. Mara North also offers the opportunities for witnessing The Great Migration Safari but not compared to the southern Mara confluence. Accommodation options like the Elephant Pepper Camp offer both luxury and immersion in the surrounding wilderness.

Ol Choro Oirowua Conservancy

Ol Choro Oirowua is a community-owned conservancy located on the northwestern edge of Maasai Mara National Reserve pioneering wildlife conservation. It provides a tranquil environment with rich wildlife and fewer tourists. It is accessible by road or air, with the nearest airstrip being Mara North airstrip or Musiara Airstrip. The best time to visit this conservancy is during the dry season, from late June to October. Ol Choro offers game drives, bird watching, and nature walks with Maasai guides. Visitors can also enjoy the opportunity to engage with the local Maasai community and learn about their culture. Within the conservancy accommodations such as the Richard's forest camp and Ngerende island lodge combine eco-friendly practices with luxury, making it an excellent choice for a private and relaxed safari experience.

Siana Conservancy

Siana Conservancy is located in the southwestern approximately 10-15 kilometers from the eastern edge of Maasai Mara National Reserve. It is a stunning wildlife sanctuary known for its scenic beauty and abundant game. Visitors can enter the conservancy through the Siana Gate or fly into the nearby Siana Springs Airstrip. The best time to visit is during the dry season from June to October and again in January to February. If you are interested in the Annual Great Migration, the peak period from July to October is ideal. Wildlife animals that can be spotted in the conservancy include several pride lions, hundreds of Elephants, cheetahs, baboons, buffalo and plain games like zebras, giraffes, antelopes and warthogs. Activities include off road day and night game drives, bird watching, and guided walks. Siana also offers cultural experiences, where guests can interact with the Maasai people and learn about their way of life. Accommodations in the conservancy include Siana Springs Tented Camp, which provide comfortable and eco-friendly stay while allowing guests to immerse themselves in the natural surroundings.

Masai Mara Conservancies entry fees

Kenyan Citizen East African Residents Non-Residents
Adults (Ksh.) Child (Ksh.) Adults (Ksh.) Child (Ksh.) Adults (USD) Child (USD)
1000 - 2000 300 - 1000 1000 - 2000 500 - 1500 80 -120 47 - 75

Mode of Payment:

- Through Cash US dollars and Kenya shillings

- Cashless payment (Via visa /MasterCard and M-Pesa mobile payment).

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