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    Regina Hart from Industry, United States / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 2.0

    Kenya

    Point of Interest

    The Mara Conservancies are private protected areas on Maasai land, bordering the Masai Mara National Reserve to the north and east.

    by Felix Gillen

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    7. Masai Mara
    The Mara Conservancies are private protected areas on Maasai land, bordering the Masai Mara National Reserve to the north and east. Mara North, Olare Motorogi, and Mara Naboisho are particularly well-known, where only a few camps operate, keeping the number of vehicles at a sighting correspondingly small.Here, walking safaris with Maasai guides, night game drives, off-road driving, and bush dinners are possible, all of which are not permitted in the Reserve. From most camps, you can also drive into the Reserve.

    Sights in

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    Mara North Conservancy
    Park

    1Mara North Conservancy

    At around 74,000 acres, the largest of the Mara Conservancies, located in the north of the reserve near Aitong. Approximately ten camps share the area, including Kicheche Mara, Serian, and Karen Blixen Camp.
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    Olare Motorogi Conservancy
    Park

    2Olare Motorogi Conservancy

    Approximately 33,000 acres of land from about 288 Maasai landowners, directly outside the reserve. The bed count is limited to 94, with camps including Mara Plains, Kicheche Bush Camp, Porini Lion Camp, and Mahali Mzuri.
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    Mara Naboisho Conservancy
    Park

    3Mara Naboisho Conservancy

    Around 50,000 acres in the east of the Conservancy Zone, formed from the land of over 600 Maasai landowners. Seven camps, such as the Basecamp camps and Kicheche Valley, share the area.
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    The Conservancy Model

    Maasai Land, Leased by CampsThe land belongs to Maasai families, who jointly lease it to safari operators. Lease payments go back to the landowners, and Maasai herds are permitted to continue grazing on the land under strict conditions. In Olare Motorogi, there are around 288 landowners; in Mara North, nearly 700; and in Naboisho, over 600.Few Beds, Ample SpaceThe Conservancies limit the number of camps and beds. Olare Motorogi, for example, permits a maximum of 94 beds; in Mara North, approximately 700 acres of land are allocated per tent. This results in the quieter safari experience for which the Conservancies are known.Key ConservanciesMara North: The largest of the three, spanning around 74,000 acres, and the most visited, hosting about ten camps.Olare Motorogi: Directly outside the reserve, featuring camps such as Mara Plains, Kicheche Bush Camp, and Mahali Mzuri.Mara Naboisho: Approximately 50,000 acres with seven camps, praised by operators for its high wildlife density.

    Getting Here & Info

    Getting ThereThe easiest way is to fly from Wilson Airport in Nairobi to the airstrip of the respective Conservancy, where your camp will pick you up. Self-driving is not permitted in the Conservancies.Your StayYour camp organises the activities (game drives, walking safaris, night drives), which is an advantage of staying in a Conservancy camp.Drives into the adjacent reserve are possible; Narok County fees apply there.Prices and Conservancy fees vary by camp; inquire directly when booking.

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    Nearby

    Masai Mara National Reserve

    Masai Mara National Reserve

    The Masai Mara National Reserve in southwestern Kenya is the country's most renowned wildlife sanctuary and the northern continuation of the Serengeti. Grassy savannas, acacias, and the Mara River form the backdrop for the Great Migration, as large herds of wildebeest and zebras arrive from Tanzania starting in July.Even outside the Migration, many animals remain year-round by the river and in the swamps. The Reserve is managed by Narok County, not the Kenya Wildlife Service.
    Masai Mara

    Masai Mara

    The Maasai Mara, in southwest Kenya, about 300 road kilometers from Nairobi, is the country's most famous safari area. Open grass savanna, the Mara River, and vast animal herds define this region, seamlessly extending south into Tanzania's Serengeti.From July to October, the Great Migration of wildebeest and zebras moves through, with their river crossings being among Africa's most breathtaking wildlife spectacles. Surrounding the state-run reserve are private conservancies on Maasai land, offering walking safaris and night game drives.
    Hell's Gate National Park

    Hell's Gate National Park

    Hell's Gate National Park lies south of Lake Naivasha, around 90 km from Nairobi, and is one of Kenya's few parks where you can explore on foot or by bike among zebras, buffaloes, and antelopes. Red cliffs, the volcanic plugs Fischer's Tower and Central Tower, and a narrow gorge define the mere 68 km² landscape.The scenery served as inspiration for the animated film "The Lion King" (1994); among other productions, "Lara Croft: Tomb Raider: The Cradle of Life" was filmed here.
    Lake Magadi

    Lake Magadi

    Lake Magadi is the southernmost lake in the Kenyan Rift Valley, about 100 km southwest of Nairobi near the Tanzanian border. During the dry season, a soda crust covers about 80 percent of its surface, hot springs feed the lake, and flamingos and other wading birds live on its shores.En route, a stop at the prehistoric site of Olorgesailie is worthwhile, featuring Acheulean hand axes.
    Ruma National Park

    Ruma National Park

    Ruma National Park is located in the Lambwe Valley southwest of Homa Bay, not far from Lake Victoria. It is the only terrestrial national park in the former Nyanza Province and the last home of the roan antelope in Kenya.Across 120 square kilometers of savanna and bushland, you will also see Rothschild's giraffes, oribis, and topis.

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    • Photos: Wikimedia Commons, Google Maps. Each photo carries its credit.
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