Wildlife Conservancies in Maasai Mara

Conservancies in Maasai Mara

Maasai Mara is more than just a national reserve. It is an ecosystem with many wildlife species living beyond the reserve that first-time visitors know little about. Just next to the national reserve is a large network of conservancies founded to protect important wildlife corridors and grasslands, as they provide income to the community living around.

How many Conservancies are there in Maasai Mara?

The Maasai Mara Wildlife Conservancies Association (MMWCA) currently has 24 conservancies at various development stages. Their model of operation is based on the relationship between the landowners and their partners in tourism on a lease plan.

Are the Maasai Mara Conservancies Private?

While the conservancies offer private services, they are not private. Conservancies restrict the number of visitors and vehicles entering the conservancy. It is also important to note that visitors travelling to these conservancies stay in selected accommodations and visit at specific times as per the owners' agreement. The control is meant to create a quiet and less disturbed ecosystem.

What are the most popular conservancies in Maasai Mara?

Mara Naboisho, covering approximately 52 000 acres, is widely recognized for lions, giraffes, and elephants among other large animals. The conservancy stands as a strong option for travelers who are interested in watching the Big Five. Also, it is the best option for wildlife photography.

Mara North Conservancy, covering 29 000 acres on the northern side of Maasai Mara National Reserve, is known for its accessibility for tourism and ecological research. The Conservancy is strategically located for Visitors who want to experience the great migration.

Olare Motorogi Conservancy covers approximately 33, 386 acres and hosts an extensive wildlife area including the migration corridors. The conservancy is particularly known for hosting elephants and major predators, including leopards.

Ol Kinyei Conservancy covers approximately 18 641 acres and was established in 2005. The conservancy is strategically located between Loita migratory plains and the Maasai Mara National Reserve. It has a wide savannah and long riverine forest that hosts over 300 species of birds, which makes it a better option for birders and photographers.

Oldersie Conservancy covers approximately 7000 acres in the southeastern part of the greater Mara at the Tanzanian border. Above serving the tourism purpose, the conservancy helps to protect wildlife and habitat connectivity between the Kenya-Tanzania boundaries.

What Advantages do Conservancies Have Over the Maasai Mara National Reserve?

Conservancies give a different type of safari experience. They give a wide range of activities that are not allowed at the Maasai Mara National Reserve, including night game drives and flexible wildlife viewing experiences. This gives wildlife photographers and visitors who want extra time to watch specific animal behaviors an opportunity to experience their interests legally.

Similarly, the lesser-controlled numbers of vehicles and visitors at the conservancy allow visitors to enjoy longer sightings without pressure.

Kenya travel agencies like  Olanka Safaris help our guests choose between the Maasai Mara National Reserve and the Conservancy experience depending on their mission, be it wildlife photography, the Big Five exploration, specific research interests, or other private desires in a controlled vehicle and visitor environment. We believe that a successful safari counts for more than just choosing where you stay or your choice of travel, but also where and when to travel.