Conservancies typically engage in a range of activities, including land acquisition, habitat restoration, species protection, environmental education, research, and policy advocacy. They often collaborate with local communities, government agencies, scientific institutions, and other stakeholders to achieve their conservation objectives.
Conservancies play a crucial role in safeguarding biodiversity, mitigating climate change, promoting sustainable land use practices, and preserving cultural heritage. By protecting and managing natural areas, they help maintain ecological balance, support wildlife populations, and provide ecosystem services such as clean water, clean air, and recreational opportunities for the benefit of present and future generations.
The Maasai Mara Conservancy, also known as the Maasai Mara National Reserve, is a renowned conservation area located in southwestern Kenya. It is named after the Maasai people, who are the indigenous inhabitants of the region, and the Mara River that runs through the reserve.
The Maasai Mara Conservancy is one of Africa’s most famous wildlife destinations and is globally recognized for its diverse and abundant wildlife populations, particularly the annual wildebeest migration. This migration involves millions of wildebeest, zebra, and other herbivores moving between the Maasai Mara in Kenya and the Serengeti National Park in Tanzania in search of fresh grazing and water.
The conservancy spans an area of approximately 1,510 square kilometers (580 square miles) and is characterized by open grasslands, scattered acacia trees, and seasonal marshes. It supports a wide variety of wildlife species, including elephants, lions, leopards, cheetahs, giraffes, hyenas, and numerous bird species.
Conservation efforts in the Maasai Mara Conservancy aim to protect the area’s biodiversity, preserve the natural habitat, and maintain the delicate balance between wildlife, local communities, and tourism. These efforts involve anti-poaching measures, habitat restoration, community engagement, and sustainable tourism practices.
The Maasai Mara Conservancy is a popular destination for wildlife safaris, attracting numerous tourists who come to witness the spectacular wildlife sightings and experience the unique African wilderness. It offers a range of safari activities, including game drives, guided walks, hot air balloon rides, and visits to Maasai cultural villages, providing visitors with an immersive and educational experience in this remarkable conservation area.

Conservancies vs The Masai mara National Reserve
The Maasai Mara National Reserve and conservancies in the Maasai Mara region are related but distinct entities. Here are some key differences between the two:
Ownership and Management: The Maasai Mara National Reserve is owned and managed by the Narok County government in Kenya. It is a government-run protected area. In contrast, conservancies are privately owned or community-owned land managed by local communities or private entities in collaboration with conservation organizations or tourism operators.
Land Use and Control: The Maasai Mara National Reserve is a designated national park, meaning it has strict regulations regarding land use and resource management. It is primarily focused on wildlife conservation and offers limited human activities. Conservancies, on the other hand, often allow for a mix of wildlife conservation, livestock grazing, and limited tourism activities. Local communities may have more control over land use decisions in conservancies.
Size and Boundaries: The Maasai Mara National Reserve is a large protected area spanning approximately 1,510 square kilometers (580 square miles). It has defined boundaries and is managed as a single entity. Conservancies, however, are smaller in size and may vary in their boundaries and management structures. Each conservancy typically has its own management plan and regulations.
Wildlife and Tourism: The Maasai Mara National Reserve is famous for its wildlife, including the annual wildebeest migration. It attracts a significant number of tourists and offers various safari activities. Conservancies within the Maasai Mara region also boast abundant wildlife and offer similar safari experiences. However, conservancies often provide a more exclusive and private safari experience due to their smaller size and lower tourist numbers.
Community Involvement and Benefits: While the Maasai Mara National Reserve involves local communities to some extent, conservancies place a stronger emphasis on community involvement and benefit-sharing. Conservancies often work closely with local communities, providing them with opportunities for employment, education, healthcare, and other socio-economic benefits. The involvement of local communities in conservancy management helps promote conservation while supporting community development.
It’s worth noting that some conservancies operate within or adjacent to the Maasai Mara National Reserve, and they often collaborate with the reserve authorities to coordinate conservation efforts, wildlife management, and tourism activities in the wider Maasai Mara ecosystem. Together, the Maasai Mara National Reserve and conservancies contribute to the protection and preservation of this iconic African wilderness.
The Maasai Mara ecosystem is home to several well-known conservancies, including the Mara North Conservancy, Olare Motorogi Conservancy, Naboisho Conservancy, and several others. These conservancies work towards wildlife conservation, community empowerment, and sustainable tourism practices.
Mara North Conservancy
Mara North Conservancy is one of the prominent conservancies in the Maasai Mara ecosystem, situated on the northern border of the Maasai Mara National Reserve in Kenya. It is a community-owned conservancy that covers an area of approximately 30,000 hectares (74,000 acres). Here are some key features of Mara North Conservancy:
Ownership and Management: Mara North Conservancy is owned and managed by a partnership of 14 local Maasai landowners. These landowners came together to establish the conservancy with the aim of conserving the land and wildlife while also generating sustainable benefits for the local community.
Wildlife and Biodiversity: The conservancy is renowned for its diverse wildlife populations, including large numbers of elephants, lions, leopards, cheetahs, giraffes, and various antelope species. The conservancy’s location adjacent to the Maasai Mara National Reserve allows for the free movement of wildlife between the two areas, contributing to the overall conservation of the Maasai Mara ecosystem.
Conservation and Community Benefits: Mara North Conservancy focuses on sustainable wildlife conservation and community development. The conservancy implements sound conservation practices, including anti-poaching initiatives, habitat management, and monitoring of wildlife populations. It also supports community-based projects, provides employment opportunities for local residents, and invests in education and healthcare facilities.
Tourism and Safari Experience: The conservancy offers a unique and exclusive safari experience for visitors. With a limited number of tourists allowed, the conservancy provides a more private and intimate encounter with wildlife compared to the busier Maasai Mara National Reserve. Game drives, guided walks, night drives, and cultural visits to Maasai villages are among the activities available to tourists in Mara North Conservancy.
Conservancy Fees and Regulations: To support conservation efforts and community initiatives, visitors to Mara North Conservancy are required to pay conservancy fees, which contribute directly to the local community and conservation programs. The conservancy also has specific regulations in place to ensure sustainable tourism practices and minimize the environmental impact.
Mara North Conservancy stands as an exemplary model of community-based conservation, where local communities actively participate in wildlife conservation and benefit from tourism revenue, creating a positive impact on both conservation and community well-being.
Mara Naboisho Conservancy
Naboisho Conservancy is a community-based conservancy located in the greater Maasai Mara ecosystem in southwestern Kenya. It borders the Maasai Mara National Reserve and is considered one of the successful conservancies in the region. Here are some key details about Naboisho Conservancy:
Ownership and Management: Naboisho Conservancy is owned and managed by the local Maasai community in partnership with tourism operators and conservation organizations. The conservancy is governed by a board comprising representatives from the local community, tourism stakeholders, and conservation experts.
Size and Location: Naboisho Conservancy covers an area of approximately 20,000 hectares (50,000 acres). It is situated in the eastern part of the Maasai Mara ecosystem, adjacent to the Maasai Mara National Reserve. Its strategic location allows for the free movement of wildlife between the conservancy and the national reserve.
Wildlife and Biodiversity: Naboisho Conservancy is known for its rich biodiversity and high density of wildlife. It supports a wide range of species, including elephants, lions, leopards, cheetahs, giraffes, zebras, wildebeests, and many more. The conservancy’s diverse habitat, including open plains, acacia woodlands, and seasonal rivers, provides a favorable environment for various animal species.
Conservation and Community Benefits: Naboisho Conservancy focuses on sustainable conservation practices and community development. It implements wildlife monitoring, anti-poaching initiatives, and land management to protect and preserve the ecosystem. The conservancy actively involves the local Maasai community, providing them with opportunities for employment, education, healthcare, and other socio-economic benefits. Revenue generated through tourism activities in Naboisho Conservancy is shared with the community, providing them with a direct incentive to support conservation efforts.
Safari Experience: Naboisho Conservancy offers an exclusive safari experience, with limited tourist numbers allowed at any given time. This provides visitors with a more private and intimate wildlife viewing experience compared to the busier Maasai Mara National Reserve. Game drives, guided walks, night drives, and cultural interactions with the Maasai community are among the activities available in the conservancy.
Naboisho Conservancy is recognized for its successful community-based conservation model, where conservation and sustainable tourism are integrated to benefit both wildlife and local communities.

Enonkishu Conservancy
Enonkishu Conservancy is a community-led conservancy located in the greater Maasai Mara ecosystem of southwestern Kenya. It is situated on the northern boundary of the Maasai Mara National Reserve and is part of the larger Mara-Serengeti ecosystem. Here are some key details about Enonkishu Conservancy:
Ownership and Management: Enonkishu Conservancy is owned and managed by the local Maasai community. The conservancy is operated in collaboration with the local landowners, conservation organizations, and tourism partners. The community plays an active role in the decision-making and management processes of the conservancy.
Size and Location: Enonkishu Conservancy covers an area of approximately 6,000 hectares (15,000 acres). It is located in the northern region of the Maasai Mara ecosystem, adjacent to the Ol Chorro and Lemek Conservancies. Its location provides a critical wildlife corridor and contributes to maintaining connectivity between different protected areas.
Wildlife and Biodiversity: Enonkishu Conservancy is known for its diverse wildlife and rich biodiversity. It supports a variety of wildlife species, including elephants, lions, leopards, cheetahs, giraffes, zebras, wildebeests, and numerous bird species. The conservancy’s habitat includes open grasslands, acacia woodlands, and riverine forests, providing a favourable environment for a wide range of flora and fauna.
Conservation and Community Benefits: Enonkishu Conservancy focuses on wildlife conservation, sustainable land management, and community development. The conservancy implements anti-poaching measures, wildlife monitoring, and habitat restoration initiatives. It actively involves the local community through employment opportunities, education programs, and initiatives that promote cultural preservation and socio-economic empowerment.
Sustainable Livestock and Land Use: Enonkishu Conservancy embraces a unique model that combines wildlife conservation with sustainable livestock management. The conservancy employs innovative approaches such as holistic grazing management to ensure the coexistence of wildlife and livestock while minimizing ecological impacts. This integrated approach aims to restore and maintain the ecological balance while supporting the livelihoods of the Maasai community.
Visitors to Enonkishu Conservancy can enjoy a range of activities such as game drives, guided walks, bird watching, and cultural experiences. The conservancy offers a more exclusive and intimate safari experience with fewer tourist numbers, allowing for a closer connection with nature and the local community.
Enonkishu Conservancy showcases the potential for community-led conservation initiatives that prioritize wildlife protection, sustainable land use, and community development in the Maasai Mara ecosystem.
Ol Kinyei Conservancy
Ol Kinyei Conservancy is a community-owned conservancy situated in the Maasai Mara ecosystem of southwestern Kenya. It is located in the Sekenani Valley, adjacent to the northeastern boundary of the Maasai Mara National Reserve. Here are some key details about Ol Kinyei Conservancy:
Ownership and Management: Ol Kinyei Conservancy is owned and managed by the local Maasai community in partnership with a conservation organization. The community plays a central role in the decision-making process and management of the conservancy, ensuring that their interests and traditions are respected and protected.
Size and Location: Ol Kinyei Conservancy covers an area of approximately 18,700 hectares (46,200 acres). It is strategically located in a wildlife-rich region of the Maasai Mara ecosystem, characterized by rolling plains, riverine forests, and acacia woodlands. Its location provides a vital wildlife corridor and contributes to the overall conservation of the ecosystem.
Wildlife and Biodiversity: Ol Kinyei Conservancy boasts diverse wildlife populations. It is home to a wide range of species, including elephants, lions, leopards, cheetahs, giraffes, zebras, wildebeests, and numerous bird species. The conservancy’s varied habitat supports a thriving ecosystem and offers excellent opportunities for wildlife viewing and photography.
Conservation and Community Benefits: Ol Kinyei Conservancy is committed to conservation and community development. It implements effective wildlife monitoring, anti-poaching measures, and sustainable land management practices to protect the natural resources and biodiversity. The conservancy provides employment opportunities, supports education and healthcare initiatives, and promotes cultural preservation, ensuring that the local community benefits directly from tourism revenue and conservation efforts.
Sustainable Tourism: Ol Kinyei Conservancy offers an exclusive and low-impact safari experience. With limited tourist numbers, visitors can enjoy a more intimate and immersive encounter with wildlife and nature. Activities include game drives, guided nature walks, birdwatching, and cultural interactions with the Maasai community, providing a well-rounded safari experience.
Ol Kinyei Conservancy is a successful example of community-based conservation, where wildlife conservation and community empowerment go hand in hand. The conservancy’s sustainable practices and inclusive approach demonstrate the positive impact that can be achieved when local communities are actively involved in conservation efforts.
Olderikesi Conservancy
Along the eastern border of the national reserve close to the Serengeti in Tanzania, the 24 700-acre Olderikesi Conservancy is located in one of the most remote areas in the Masai Mara ecosystem.
It’s also one of the most exclusive concessions, as there are only 20 rooms on the entire conservancy a distribution of one room per 1200 acres.
Olderikesi is your spot if you’re looking for solitude on your Masai Mara Safari. It’s also particularly rich in game and is known for fantastic lion, leopard, and cheetah sightings.
Mara Siana Conservancy
The Mara Siana Conservancy is a community-owned conservancy located in the Maasai Mara ecosystem in southwestern Kenya. It is situated in the northern part of the Maasai Mara, adjacent to the eastern boundary of the Maasai Mara National Reserve. Here are some key details about Mara Siana Conservancy:
Ownership and Management: Mara Siana Conservancy is owned and managed by the local Maasai community. The community members have come together to establish and govern the conservancy, ensuring their active participation in decision-making processes and benefit-sharing arrangements.
Size and Location: Mara Siana Conservancy covers an area of approximately 12,000 hectares (29,600 acres). It is strategically located within the Maasai Mara ecosystem, offering a vital wildlife corridor and contributing to the overall ecological connectivity of the region.
Wildlife and Biodiversity: The conservancy is renowned for its abundant wildlife and diverse ecosystems. It supports a wide range of wildlife species, including elephants, lions, leopards, cheetahs, giraffes, zebras, wildebeests, and numerous bird species. The conservancy’s varied habitats, such as open grasslands, acacia woodlands, and riverine forests, provide a favorable environment for a thriving ecosystem.
Conservation and Community Benefits: Mara Siana Conservancy focuses on wildlife conservation, sustainable land management, and community development. The conservancy implements effective anti-poaching measures, wildlife monitoring, and habitat restoration initiatives to protect the ecosystem. It also emphasizes community engagement, providing employment opportunities, education support, healthcare facilities, and other social and economic benefits to the local Maasai community.
Safari Experience: Mara Siana Conservancy offers a unique and exclusive safari experience for visitors. With fewer tourist numbers allowed compared to the Maasai Mara National Reserve, it provides a more intimate and private encounter with wildlife. Game drives, guided walks, bird watching, cultural visits to Maasai villages, and night drives are among the activities available to tourists in the conservancy.
Mara Siana Conservancy showcases the successful integration of wildlife conservation, community involvement, and sustainable tourism practices in the Maasai Mara ecosystem. By supporting the conservancy, visitors contribute to the preservation of the area’s biodiversity and the well-being of the local Maasai community.
Loita Hills
Loita Hills, also known as the Loita Plains, is a mountain range and a region located in southwestern Kenya, near the Maasai Mara National Reserve. Here are some key details about Loita Hills:
Geography: Loita Hills is a range of rolling hills and mountains, with the highest peak reaching approximately 2,776 meters (9,108 feet) above sea level. It is situated to the east of the Maasai Mara National Reserve and covers an extensive area.
Cultural Significance: The Loita Hills region is of great cultural significance to the Maasai people. It is home to the Loita Maasai, a sub-tribe of the Maasai community, who have traditionally inhabited this area for centuries. The Loita Maasai have preserved their traditional way of life, customs, and ceremonies, making the region an important cultural heritage site.
Biodiversity: Loita Hills is known for its rich biodiversity and unique ecosystems. The area encompasses various habitats, including montane forests, grasslands, and rivers, which support a diverse range of flora and fauna. The region is home to various species of wildlife, including elephants, buffaloes, antelopes, primates, and numerous bird species.
Trekking and Hiking: Loita Hills offers opportunities for trekking and hiking adventures. The scenic landscape and trails provide a chance to explore the stunning natural beauty of the region while immersing oneself in the cultural heritage of the local Maasai community. Treks in Loita Hills can be organized through local tour operators and guides who have knowledge of the area.
Conservation Efforts: There are ongoing conservation initiatives in the Loita Hills region to protect its unique ecosystems, wildlife, and cultural heritage. Local communities, non-profit organizations, and government agencies collaborate to promote sustainable land management, community-based tourism, and conservation education in the area.
Loita Hills provides a combination of natural beauty, cultural experiences, and outdoor activities for visitors. It is a destination where one can appreciate the scenic landscapes, encounter wildlife, and engage with the traditional Maasai way of life.

Loita Migration
The term “Loita Migration” typically refers to the seasonal movement of wildlife in the Loita Hills region of southwestern Kenya. While it is often overshadowed by the more famous Great Wildebeest Migration in the Maasai Mara and Serengeti ecosystems, the Loita Migration is a notable phenomenon in its own right. Here’s some information about the Loita Migration:
Timing and Route: The Loita Migration usually occurs from December to March, although the exact timing can vary depending on weather patterns and food availability. During this period, large numbers of wildebeests, zebras, and other herbivores move in search of fresh grazing and water. They traverse the Loita Hills and surrounding areas in a cyclical pattern.
Unique Characteristics: The Loita Migration has its distinct characteristics compared to the Great Wildebeest Migration. The scale of the movement is smaller, and the herds often disperse into smaller groups. Additionally, the Loita Migration involves a significant number of zebras, which play a key role in this migration.
Ecosystem and Wildlife: The Loita Hills ecosystem provides a favorable habitat for wildlife during the migration period. The diverse landscape, including grasslands, forests, and rivers, offers grazing opportunities and water sources for the migrating herds. Besides wildebeests and zebras, the migration also attracts other herbivores such as gazelles and elands, as well as predators like lions, hyenas, and cheetahs.
Cultural Significance: The Loita Migration holds cultural significance for the local Maasai community, particularly the Loita Maasai people. The migration coincides with important cultural ceremonies and rites of passage, adding a unique cultural element to the overall experience.
Around May, at the start of the dry season, a smaller movement of hundreds of thousands of wildebeest and other antelope make their way from the Loita Plains (that lie to the north of the Masai Mara National Reserve) southwards into the reserve itself.
The animals move through the Mara Naboisho, Olare Motorogi, and Ol Kinyei Conservancies, so if you want to experience this mini version of the migration, book a stay at one of the camps in these concessions for your Masai Mara Safari.
Travel Tips
The peak Great Migration months of August to October are especially busy in the Masai Mara, so be sure to book well in advance for lodging at conservancy camps.
Keep in mind that many camps are small and intimate, so they only offer a few tented rooms and get booked up quickly.

The best and easiest way to access lodges and camps on the conservancies is by flying into conservancies’ airstrips, where the lodge you’ve booked will have staff waiting to pick you up. You can drive to the conservancies, but you’re not allowed to self-drive inside the conservancy.
If you stay in a conservancy, you can take game drives in the Masai Mara National Reserve to see the Mara River crossings during the Great Migration months.