About Masai Mara
From an administrative point of view it is not a national park but it is a National Reserve administered by Narok County Government: the Eastern part of the reserve, to the East of the Mara River, is managed by the Narok County Council, while the Western part, to the West of the Mara River, i.e. the Mara Triangle, is administered by the Trans Mara County Council.
The National Reserve is located at an altitude ranging between 1,500 and 2,170 metres above sea level, and it covers an area of 1,510 km2; it doubles the size if you include the Conservancy area.
The Masai Mara is named after the Maasai people who have inhabited these lands since the seventeenth century, when they came here from what is today South Sudan, and the Mara River, with its tributaries, that crosses it in several points; "Mara" in Maa language, the language spoken by the Maasai people, means "dots" and this refers to two things: the grasslands dotted with trees and acacia shrubs and the shade of clouds on the plains. The landscape of the Masai Mara National Reserve is dominated by grasslands, woods and acacia bushes, typical elements of the open African savannah that covers the central plain and the hills in the East.
The acacia bushes are the favourite place by the tsetse fly, which is responsible for sleeping sickness.
In the past, this insect was a danger for both Maasai people and cattle, as well as for wildlife; but now it has been eradicated from the whole area as a result of the work of man, who has partially cleared infested bushes, but also thanks to the arrival, in the 1930s, of the elephant who reshaped this area.
The Mara River and its tributaries, especially the Talek River, divide the National Reserve into three parts; the river banks are covered with bushes and trees, the same that can be found on the lonely hills rising out from the plain.
The first conservation area was established here in 1961 and was enlarged during subsequent years to reach the current size; moreover, beyond the borders of the National Reserve several Conservation Areas have been created in recent years, acting as a sort of buffer where wild animals and man co-exist.
In 2010 the Kenya Wildlife Service made an application to UNESCO for the recognition to the Masai Mara National Reserve of the status of World Heritage Site, though to date it is still registered in the provisional list and the decision is pending.
Alongside the Serengeti National Park in Tanzania, the Masai Mara National Reserve, that is part of the Serengeti or Serengeti-Mara ecosystem, is an amazing and spectacular area home to one of the most incredible events of nature, the Great Migration, as well as being one of the best destinations for photo safaris.
The Masai Mara National Reserve is best known to travelers for three main reasons: the extraordinary concentration of lions, among the highest in Africa; a chance to see all the Big 5 and the presence in these lands, from June to the end of October, of the Great Migration: one of the most exciting and amazing phenomena of nature of our planet.
Nearly two million wildebeests and zebras gather here after an epic journey across the plains of the Serengeti National Park in search of new pastures and water; the Mara River and its tributaries are the only permanent and reliable source of water during the dry season. Anyhow here they are not safe either: a high presence of predators and the need to continue to move from one area to another, forcing them to cross the Mara river, that is infested with crocodiles, are constant dangers forcing them to be always alert.
Viewing this spectacle of nature is undoubtedly one of the main reasons behind the choice of visitors to come from June to October, a time when the Masai Mara National Reserve becomes a little too crowded, but the crossing of herds is well worth a visit; although the crossing is repeated, there is clearly no guarantee of the time when it actually occurs.
As an alternative, you can travel to one of the private reserves surrounding the National Reserve or to the Mara Triangle, where there are less tourists and the wild animals are quieter; the Mara Triangle is also home to the highest concentration of wildlife of the entire Great Masai Mara ecosystem. The Mara Triangle lies West of the Mara River, and covers a third of the surface of the Masai Mara National Reserve; inside there is one lodge only, this means there are far fewer visitors and the animals are more relaxed because the rangers make sure they are not disturbed and protect them from poachers.
In the Great Masai Mara ecosystem there are 95 species of mammals and 570 species of birds, a rich fauna with few equals in the entire African continent. The Masai Mara National Reserve is only a part of the Great Masai Mara ecosystem, also including private reserves and conservation areas; the private reserves where you can go on safari are: the Mara North Conservancy, the Naboisho Mara Conservancy, the Olare Motorogi Conservancy, the Ol Kinyei Conservancy, the Ol Choro Oiroua Conservancy, the Lemek Conservancy, the Siana Conservancy and the Olderikesi Conservancy. The land on which the Conservancies have been set up belongs to the Maasai people, the individual owners have rented the estate property to lodges and tented camps and are committed to remove their villages and livestock to preserve nature, in return the organisations managing the tourist facilities are committed to pay the rent and finance projects for the development of the Masai community.
The Masai Mara National Reserve and all the Conservancies are well worth a visit and each time of the year has its own special attraction: from June to October you can’t miss the migration of wildebeests and zebras; from November to April is the best time for bird watching, while in January and February you can witness the birth of most of the herbivorous puppies. There is no lack of safari activities available to visitors: daylight game drives in both the National Reserve and the Conservancies; you can fly over the National Reserve on board of a hot air balloon at dawn, while walking safaris or night-time safaris in a 4x4 jeep are only possible in private reserves. The Great Masai Mara Ecosystem has a delicate balance and it is at risk due to series of threats to which a solution is constantly looked for: the presence of numerous safari vehicles and off-road drives in the private reserves deteriorates the soil with a severe impact on its fertility; the presence of Masai villages and cultivated fields creates a barrier, a physical barrier to the free movement of wild animals and subtracts grazing pastures; the growth in human settlements in general threatens nature because they steal vital space to wildlife; finally poaching in recent decades has decimated many species of animals and some of them are severely endangered such as black rhinos, elephants and many others.
The Conservancy Areas have been established to try to create a sort of buffer to preserve nature; many positive results have certainly been achieved, but there are still many things to do; Conservancies also play a vital role in the preservation of nature; inside there are no human settlements of any kind nor Masai livestock, that allows wildlife to move freely without any hindrance or danger.
The Masai Mara National Reserve and the surrounding areas are home to more than one entity in charge of studying animals and the ecosystem; with positive effects not only for this portion of Kenya but also for other protected areas and for some species of animals living in most of Africa.
The Masai Mara National Reserve and the various Conservancies are about 6 hours’ drive from Nairobi; most of the 270 km road leading to the nearest gate is paved. There are five entrance gates: Sekenani Gate, the main entrance that takes the shortest time if you come from Nairobi thanks to the good condition of the last stretch of road, passing through Narok, unlike the rough roads passing through Lemek and Aitong, the Talek Gate, the Musiara Lake Gate, the Sand River Gate and the Oloololo Gate, that is the furthest from Nairobi and hence the least used. As an alternative, you can fly from Wilson Airport in Nairobi, from Samburu, Nanyuki, Mombasa or Diani and land in one of the airstrips~ Explore Africa
Masai Mara- 8th Wonder
Masai Mara was named one of the new Seventh Wonders of the World in a poll of experts conducted by ABC Television’s Good Morning America. The incredible annual migration of over a million Wildebeest from the Serengeti plains to the Mara has been described as being one of the most awe inspiring sights on earth, and a broadcast on US morning television took this spectacle into millions of American homes. The sheer spectacle of this event draws visitors keen to witness one of the planet’s largest and most fascinating natural cycles to Kenya each year, and is regarded as the planet’s greatest natural spectacle- and it is this remarkable event that saw the Mara ranked as one of the new Seven Wonders. The central migratory herds of over 1.3 million wildebeest spend much of the year grazing throughout the plains of the Serengeti. The herds calve in January to March, the young born ready to make their first, epic journey. In June, as the dry season withers the grasslands and a distant scent of moisture brings promise of rain in the north, they begin to gather, massing together to form a single vast herd. They pour northwards, a pulsing, surging column of life. The sound of the approaching herd is a deep, primal rumbling of thundering hooves and low grunts. This endless grey river of life is mottled with black and white as zebras join the throng, drawn on wards in the search for the rains and fresh life giving grass. By July the herds begin crossing from Tanzania to Kenya, bringing the plains to life as predators are drawn to this perfect opportunity for easy hunting. At the edge of the Maasai Mara the herds face their greatest obstacle, a series of rivers that must be crossed. At the Mara River the herds gather at the banks, piling together in front of the broad fast flowing waters. As the pressure built the herds finally surge into the river, many animals hurling themselves off high banks. As they struggle across the rivers many are drowned or swept away by strong currents. The crossing attracts massive crocodiles who each year await this season of bounty. There is always great frenzy in the waters as the crocodiles plunge into the herds and pull down the prey, as the mounting pressure on the shore pushes more and more animals into the water. As they reach their goal, the herds spread out to graze across the expanse of the Mara. October sees the herds turn southward and repeat the same journey back to the Serengeti, where the renewed grasslands await. This is truly a Wonder of the World- an incredible display of nature at work. Of all the calves born in the Serengeti, two out of three will never return from their first and most demanding migration. It is the inextricable binding of renewal and sustenance, feast and famine, life and death that saw this latest honor bestowed upon Kenya. A safari to witness this event is an unforgettable experience. You will see the forces of nature at work in a massive complex system that has always existed, and continues oblivious to the influence of our modern world. This is life at it most elemental and enigmatic- without doubt the world’s greatest wildlife spectacle—Author by Magical Kenya
MARA CONSERVANCIES
Mara North Conservancy
Mara North Conservancy is a beautiful private wilderness area of more than 29,170 Ha (~72,080 acres). It is a vital part of the Maasai Mara ecosystem as it forms the north-western zone, bordering the Maasai Mara National Reserve in the south of Kenya. MNC is a not-for-profit entity established in January 2009, The conservancy is a partnership between 12 Tourism Partner members (10 permanent camps & 2 riding outfits) & 783 Maasai Landowners. The aim is to create a best-practice, world-class conservancy with long-term commitments to the environment, wildlife, and local communities
Ol Choro Oirouwa Conservancy
Ol Choro Oirouwa Conservancy is among the first conservancies established in East Africa as a Wildlife Trust in 1991. In 1992, the late Willy Roberts advised Maasai elders that white rhinos could flourish in Ol Choro’s habitat: Hence, they borrowed two rhinos from Solio ranch. In 1993, there were 10 southern white rhinoceros in Ol Choro which were translocated from Kwa Zulu Natal, South Africa, and the borrowed ones were retranslocated back to Solio ranch. Being a model conservancy, today, Ol Choro is the only conservancy in Mara protecting two southern white rhinos under the surveillance of rangers and Kenya Wildlife Service officers.
Enonkishu Conservancy
Enonkishu is situated on the northernmost point of the Greater Mara Ecosystem covering an area of 5,928 acres, two tourism partners, and 42 landowners. The main focus of the conservancy is livestock improvement through innovative cattle management programs, running alongside novel tourism projects. Indeed, the name Enonkishu – Maa for healthy cattle – was chosen by community elders as the description of the ideal livestock herd. The habitat comprises wooded acacia savannah with open plains on flat plateaus, riverine acacia forest, and rocky, undulating hills which provide a varied habitat for browsing and grazing ungulates, as well as hideout thickets for the predators. The Mara River runs alongside the conservancy. There is a large number of giraffes and resident buffalos that live close to the Olerai boundary along the Mara River. Elephants frequent the conservancy and there is a pride of lion that is based on the edge of Enonkishu and Ol Choro Oiroua. There are many hippos and crocodiles in the section of river that borders the conservancy and the riverine forests provide an area popular with leopards. Rare species such as Aardvark, Caracal, serval cat, and Aardwolf are occasionally found. Colobus monkeys have been spotted in the valleys on the Kileleoni Hill and there have also been sightings of wild dogs in the conservancy.
Mara Lemek Conservancy
Lemek Conservancy was initially part of the Koiyaki Lemek Community Wildlife Trust established on September 15th, 1995. Later, Lemek members felt the need to break away from the Trust and formed Lemek Conservancy, registering it in 2009. Covering 17,350 acres with 350 landowners, Lemek Conservancy is one of the high wildlife density areas with Great Plains offering pleasant scenery and the best wildlife viewing areas of the Maasai Mara ecosystem. It is home to big cats namely Lions, Leopards, and Cheetahs, and occasionally large herds of Elephants can be spotted. Others include Hippo, Warthog, Buffalo, several species of Antelope, and numerous bird species. The Conservancy comprises open savannah and a tree-lined section of the Mara River with high concentrations of plains game and the wildlife numbers are particularly intensified during the annual wildebeest migration.
Mara Naboisho Conservancy
Mara Naboisho Conservancy is more than 52,000 acres made up of land contributions from 636 landowners. Located adjacent to the Maasai Mara National Reserve, Naboisho is home to the big cats – in impressive numbers – and herds of elephants, giraffe, and wildebeest. The density of lions within Naboisho is one of the highest in the world, with a population of more than 70 identified lions who use Naboisho as their home territory. Rare species such as Aardvark, Caracal, Serval cat, Aardwolf, and Ratel are occasionally found. Naboisho is a bird watcher’s paradise with several bird species rarely seen elsewhere in the Mara such as White-Headed Buffalo-Weavers, Northern White-Crowned Shrike, Pigmy Falcon, Von Der Deckens Hornbills, and Bush Pipits. The conservancy strictly monitors the number of tourists who enter the area, reducing the number of vehicles and the human impact on the environment and wildlife.
Olare Motorogi Conservancy
Olare Motorogi Conservancy (a combination of Olare Orok and Motorogi conservancies) covers an approximate area of 33, 386 acres and is a strategic buffer zone for the Maasai Mara National Reserve and key wildlife migration corridors. Built upon a partnership with 288 landowners, Olare Motorogi management has worked with the local people who agreed to move their homes and only allow carefully managed cattle grazing, leaving the wildlife completely unimpeded. The Conservancy offers pleasant and exclusive tours in a pristine environment, with a rich and diverse wildlife population of both predators and herbivores, including Mara’s famous big cats and many elephants. Rhinos and wild dogs have also been sighted, and it is becoming a very viable habitat for these two highly endangered species, given the right sort of protection through sensitive tourism development.
Nashulai Maasai Conservancy
Nashulai Maasai Conservancy was established in 2016, It covers 10,000 acres and has 195 landowners. We have one tourism partner, Oldarpoi Mara Camp. Nashulai is a Maasai-founded, directed, and run conservancy protecting a critical migratory corridor and wild elephant nursery. Nashulai means peaceful coexistence of wildlife, people, and livestock. We conserve wildlife, preserve culture, and reverse poverty. Our model is community-based conservation, that combines wildlife conservation, sustainable tourism, and community development, where local communities are directly involved in wildlife and habitat protection. The goal is to conserve the environment and wildlife while improving the livelihoods of the indigenous Maasai people.Nashulai borders the Maasai Mara game reserve in the west and acts as a migratory route of wildlife to other conservation areas. There is a large number of giraffes and a resident pride of lion that lives in our core area and several species of birds.
Ol Kinyei Conservancy
Ol Kinyei Conservancy was established in 2005 and lies between the Masai Mara National Reserve and the Loita migratory plains in the wildlife dispersal zone in the greater Mara Ecosystem. This migratory route is where, historically, the wildebeest passed through to the northern part to breed. It was the first conservancy to be established after the Olchoro Oiroua Wildlife Trust. The Conservancy was established based on three concepts, whose pillars are to support conservation, enhance community benefits, and increase the clients’ experience. Ol Kinyei is a pioneering and award-winning conservancy in the Mara ecosystem, having been green-listed by IUCN for 2018–2023. It covers an area of 18,641 acres. The conservancy is a partnership between 177 local private landowners and GameWatchers Safaris/Porini Safari Camps. Since the formation of the conservancy, many indigenous species have returned to the land. The Conservancy is now home to a wide variety of wildlife, including the resident pride of lions, leopards, and numerous other animals, as well as over 300 species of birds. It comprises open savannah, plains, riverine forest, streams and rivers, rolling hills, and spectacular views across the Mara.
Olderkesi Conservancy
Olderkesi Conservancy is adjacent to the southeast corner of the Maasai Mara National Reserve, just north of Tanzania’s Serengeti National Park. The conservancy is managed by two trusts: Cottar’s Wildlife Conservancy Trust (CWCT) and Olderkesi Wildlife Community Trust (OCWCT). These two groups have worked closely together over the past 20 years to create a vital, truly sustainable conservancy management plan. Olderkesi Conservancy is owned by the Maasai, who are the OWCT, but it is rented by Cottar’s Wildlife Conservancy Trust Pardamat Conservation Area The Pardamat Conservation Area is premised on a mixed conservation model to ensure the survival of the greater Maasai Mara ecosystem and the generation of economic benefits for local communities. Through this model, the Pardamat community’s 850 landowners have legally registered their 26,000 hectares of land as a wildlife conservation area. The Pardamat area is important to the well-being of the greater Mara ecosystem. It is adjacent to Naboisho, Olkinyei, Lemek, and Mara North conservancies and serves as a migration route from the Loita plains that connects the four established conservancies to the Mara Triangle and then to the Maasai Mara National Reserve. Additionally, its hilly and forested terrain is cherished by elephants for browsing as well as open spaces, against rising threats, like unplanned development and settlements as well as fencing.
Mara Siana Conservancy
The Siana Conservancy was originally established in 2004. After several attempts, the present MSC is the result of a close partnership between Entumoto Safari Camp, Spirit of Maasai Mara, and 1450 local landowner families. Thanks to donations from WWF UK/Germany/Kenya, another 812 landowners recently joined and put their land into the Conservancy. This brought an additional 11,000 Ha for wildlife and nature, also for the benefit to the local community. We pay yearly leases to over 2000 Maasai landowner families, we employ 50 local rangers and we support schools, clinics and pay bursaries to many school-children. We also have a fund for human-wildlife conflicts. MSC is a not-for-profit organization
Mbokishi Mara Conservation Area
Mbokishi Mara Conservation Area lies in North East of the Northern Mara Conservancies, adjacent to Enonkishu Conservancy. It was established in September 2021 and comprised of 600 families who have been supportive of the conservancy system since the inception of the conservancy models. Its location provides vast potential for increasing the acreage of wildlife habitat by nearly 10,000. Mbokishi houses five different communities that have committed their land to the conservation of wildlife species. The habitat includes forested hillsides which provide valuable habitat to young elephants and numerous threatened raptor species. Although the charismatic predators often make their presence known through conflict incidents with livestock, Mbokishi began implementing mitigation strategies to enhance the coexistence and teach the story of how wildlife conservation can benefit sustainable human development as well as additional improvement to livelihoods as the quality of livestock improves.
The Olerai Conservancy
The Olerai Conservancy – protecting land for wildlife and people With around 70% of wildlife in Africa living outside protected areas such as National Parks, the proactive formation of community conservancies continues to grow in importance as a way of giving wildlife more space to prosper. In 2017, 23 landowners from the Ndoinyo community on the border of the Massai Mara agreed to lease their parcels of land to form the 2,020 Ha
Olerai Conservancy. Olerai is a Maasai name for the Yellow barked acacia Acacia xanthophloea which is a characteristic vegetation among the diverse indigenous trees and shrubs that are currently protected in the area. Additionally, the conservancy harbors horses for horse riding safaris. Mara Ripoi Conservancy Mara Ripoi Conservancy covers 24,500 acres and is a partnership between 2,200 landowners and 2 tourism camps.
Oloisukut Conservancy
Oloisukut Conservancy is a haven gracefully situated along the Siria Escarpment in the northern expanses of the Mara. Unfolding across 23,000 acres, with 16,000 acres securely leased for 25 years, this conservation masterpiece is a collaborative endeavor uniting 59 devoted landowners and a thriving community of 109 members. Our commitment to conservation is amplified through strategic partnerships with esteemed organizations like WWF, MMWCA, and the Base Camp Foundation. Teaming up with tourist partners Mara Nyota and House in the Wild, we prioritize sustainable growth, cultivating a seamless coexistence with the natural tapestry that surrounds us. The conservancy boasts a diverse landscape—graceful grasslands, lush forests, meandering riverine forests, and expansive open and closed bush lands. This harmonious mosaic of ecosystems provides a dynamic sanctuary for a rich array of flora and fauna. Oloisukut offers a captivating wildlife experience, home to an impressive population of Maasai Giraffes that distinguishes Oloisukut as a standout destination within the Mara. Additionally, serving a pivotal role as an Elephant Corridor linking Mara North, the greater Mara and Mara Triangle to the Nyakweri Forest, our conservation efforts play a crucial role in preserving vital wildlife migration routes. Oloisukut takes pride in safeguarding rare and exquisite wildlife and bird species among them, the Mountain Reedbuck, Giant Forest Hogs, and two Pangolin species—the majestic Giant Pangolin and the elusive Temminck’s Pangolin. Our steadfast commitment to preserving these unique creatures underscores our dedication to biodiversity and ecological harmony. Embark on a journey of discovery at Oloisukut Conservancy—a seamless fusion of nature, community, and sustainable stewardship. Witness the wonders of conservation in action with us.
Enarau Conservancy
Enarau Conservancy was formed in 2022 The Enarau Conservation Area was established in the Maasai Mara, Kenya to expand wildlife conservation areas, restore degraded farmland, and protect existing vegetation and critically threatened habitats. When managed appropriately, the conservation area has the potential to attract more wildlife and promote natural plant regeneration. The latest addition to Northern Mara Conservancies which includes Lemek, Ol Chorro, and Enonkishu; Covers 866 hectares (2140 acres); Contiguous to newly formed Mbokishi Conservancy; Further expansions of the conservancy are possible; Site for CERK (Center for Ecosystem Restoration-Kenya); A wildlife corridor to Mbokishi will be built connecting Enarau to the Maasai Mara, adding another 1,000 acres to the conservation, bringing the total to 3,140 acres. This includes a 336-acre plot of leased farmland that had been exclusively used for intensive agriculture for more than two decades.
Mount Suswa Conservancy
Mount Suswa Conservancy was started in 2008 as Mount Suswa Conservation Trust. Suswa Conservancy is a trans county and covers both Narok in the south west and Kajiado to in eastern sides The board of trustees was derived from the eight cluster villages from within and outside the slopes of the mountain. The scenic caldera of the mountain and mout Suswa lava tube caves act as tourists attraction features in Suswa. There is also several wildlife in the area. Nyekweri Kimintet Conservancy Nyekweri Kimintet Community Forest Conservation Trust was formed in 2004 and registered as a Community-Based Organization (CBO) by the Current chairman Mr.Peter Tompoy and later became registered as a trust in June 2021 and a company limited registered in March 2022. It currently comprises 18 Staffs supported by different organizations such as World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF), Maasai Mara Wildlife Conservancies Association (MMWCA), Indigenous Information Network (IIN) & Africa Foundation (AF). It is a mixed-model Conservancy where Wildlife coexists with People & Livestock. The Conservancy boasts of the rich Maasai rich Cultural traditions, Scenic Siria Plateau and currently discovered as a suitable habitat for the Giant Ground Pangolin only in Kenya.
Isaaten Conservancy
Isaaten conservancy sitting on 2,600 hectares of protected land is located in the eastern part of Maasai Mara. The conservancy comprises of 318 land owners that have come together to lease their land for conservation. Isaaten conservancy offers a heaven for Browsers, Elephants, Lions and even Cheetahs. With it’s rich vegetation and beautiful landscape, Isaaten stands out to be among the most important wildlife corridor in the Eastern Mara conservancies.
Orpua Conservancy -The land is 6,070+ (Ha)
Maasai Moran Conservancy
The Maasai Moran Conservancy (MMC) currently has a committee led by a Chairman, Secretary, and Treasurer who are also co-signatories to the MMC bank account. It is also currently manned by 20 rangers shared with the Nyekweri Kimintet and Nyekweri Oloirien Trusts respectively. It currently comprises 250 landowners with 15,000 acres of land. It also currently has five eco-tourism bandas suitable to accommodate guests. We support Women’s enterprises in beadwork and beekeeping and improve livestock production by improving breeds. Giraffe research and monitoring is ongoing at the OGR to better understand habitat use by giraffes, especially by mother-infant groups, which is so important for sustaining and recovering this endangered species. Comparisons of various vegetation types frequented by giraffes are being made throughout the year. Maasai teams monitor giraffe movements on local conservancies and patterns of entering and leaving the Mara Triangle.
Unique Features in the Conservancy
- It has good connectivity and links to other conservation areas, including Maasai Mara National Reserve/Mara Triangle, Nyekweri Kimintet Trust, Nyekweri Oloirien, and Oloisukut Conservancy.
- It has diverse rangelands that support livestock, people, and wildlife. It includes the Siria escarpment, which provides good viewing points to the Maasai Mara Game Reserve and conservation areas in the Rift Valley.
- It has unique forest islands with different plant species native to the Siria Plateau.
- Many bird species are endemic to the area, along with the rich bird biodiversity, and many endangered and declining mammals, such as the giant ground pangolin, Maasai giraffe, African elephant, and Oribi, depend on the area.
- It provides a critical habitat for endangered Maasai giraffe as there is an abundance of short acacia & other giraffe food plants used by newborns,likewise Lions densities are lower on the Siria plateau than in the Rift Valley reserves due to presence of Maasai homes.
Nyekweri Oloirien Conservancy
Nyekweri Oloirien Conservancy Trust was established in the year 2020 and registered in 2022 as a Trust, with 10 trustees: 3 women and 7 men. Located in the western part of Mara Triangle and Mara Conservancy and at the side of Nyekweri Forest. Nyekweri Oloirien Conservancy Trust is unique because of various species of birds and wild animals that you can’t find in the other areas like for example the Giant pangolin (group pangolin), which you can only find at Nyekweri in the whole region.
More About Magical Mara
The Masai Mara National Reserve is famously known as the 8th Wonder of the NEW SEVEN WONDERS OF THE WORLD -for its wildebeest migration to and from the Serengeti park southwards to Tanzania. This makes it the best area to see the Wildebeest Migration as the animals migrate across the crocodile infested Mara river in there thousands, and still remains the favorite tourist attraction for the Masai Mara and Kenya alike. Masai Mara National Reserve is located in Kenya, Narok District. It is about 270 kilometers from Nairobi, and takes about 4 to 5 hours by road. There are also scheduled flights, twice daily from Wilson Airport Nairobi, which take about 40 – 45 minutes. It is named after the native tribe – The Maasai People and the Mara River, which runs across the Reserve. The Mara Triangle consists of the western third of the Maasai Mara National Reserve. Its stretches from the edge of the Siria (Oloololo) Escarpment south to the Tanzanian border and east to the Mara river.
How To Get To Masai Mara
There are two ways to travel to the Masai Mara after arriving in Kenya. If you’re looking for a fast and convenient way to travel, or just have a few days to spend in the area, your best option is to fly to the Masai Mara. Flying is a quick and comfortable mode of travel and is made easy through daily flight options to the various airstrips in and around the Masai Mara. The airstrip you fly into depends on which accommodation you plan to stay at. Flying time from Nairobi to the Masai Mara is approximately 40 – 45 minutes. On the other hand, driving from Nairobi to the Masai Mara can definitely add to the feeling of freedom and adventure. If you would like to do some sightseeing en route from Nairobi to Masai Mara or would like to save a dime on transportation, taking to the open road is the way to go. The downside to this is that the roads are long and the drive will take approximately six to seven hours. However, if it is an adventure you crave, driving to the Masai Mara from Nairobi will certainly be your cup of tea. That being said... most people who love road trips choose road.
Road Safaris
The most popular mode of getting to Masai Mara is by road, typically starting and ending in Nairobi, with the choice of vehicle being a 4x4 Landcruiser Jeep or the less costly Safari Minibus (Tour Van). The trip from Nairobi to Masai Mara typically takes 5 to 6 hours depending on which Camp has been booked for your tour. The benefit of a safari by road is the typically lower tour cost as well as getting to see and experience more of the real Kenyan countryside. The downside is that stretches of road on the route are of average condition.
Flying Safaris
The Fly~in or "Flying Safaris" as these are also known offer the convenience of getting to Masai Mara within an hour from Nairobi and are norm for certain Safari Camps in Maasai Mara which are more remote or those that only offer packaged stays including safari drives. Flights take off from Wilson airport in Nairobi twice daily and upon arrival at the airstrip in the Mara, guests are received and transferred to their respective Camp or Lodge in time for lunch. Game drives are provided in 4x4 Safari Tour Vehicles by the property or tour agent.
we are the Best tourist destination
Masai Mara National Reserve is one of the most famous game reserves in the world, known for its native populations of antelopes, gazelles, giraffes, and more. Make the most of your trip to the reserve on this 3-day or more days budget tour, which includes multiple game drives for the greatest chance of spotting wildlife. See Mara River, witness wildebeest, and enjoy the convenience of having meals, transport, and safari tent accommodation included. See native wildlife in their natural environment Go on multiple game drives at Maasai Mara National Reserve Hassle-free tour with meals included No need to book transport—round-trip transfers are included Read more about our Safaris for Mara Guided Safari from Nairobi to Mara
Our Services (Tour Agent)
Making arrangements for transport to and inside Maasai Mara
Booking camping accommodation for clients
All accommodation bookings/reservations
Planning activities inside Mara
Group tours and tailor made safaris.
Hot Air balloon safaris.
Flights/ Air Bookings
Eco-Tourism Adventure tourism
Nature expeditions and peoples cultural programs
Car Hire, Rental,
Airport transfers
Group tours and tailor made safaris.
Camping Safaris for budget travelers.
NB: For Car hire- 4X4 Land-cruisers, Tour Vans, camps and Lodge bookings, give us a call/ whatsApp or email us…
Activities
Enjoy the Great Migration budget/ luxury safari experience at Masai mara. Book now for 2024/ 2025. Beautiful private accommodation in the Maasai Mara.
