The Masai Mara in Kenya, world renowned for exceptional wildlife viewing and incredible scenery with the vast rolling plains, so iconic of East Africa, playing host to an array of species. Famed for wildlife events such as the Great Migration, when thousands of wildebeest undertake the daunting prospect of crossing the crocodile infested waters of the Mara River to reach the richer grasses on the other side. Away from this pretty intense spectacle, it is possible to enjoy the beauty of the Masai Mara with fewer other vehicles and – whisper it quietly – possible greater variety of species seen as the skyline is not dominated by one animal.
This concern regarding the number of vehicles that might be seen is a common one, but there are hidden gems to be discovered along the border of the main Masai Mara Reserve – the Mara Conservancies. Offering a much more exclusive, and crucially, sustainable option for people to be able to enjoy the riches that the Masai Mara has to offer with the benefit of fewer vehicles on the land. These conservancies are not only crucial for wildlife conservation but also play a vital role in supporting local communities.
The Concept Behind The Masai Mara Conservancies
Buffering the main Masai Mara National Reserve, the Masai Mara Conservancies are a partnership between the Masai owners of the land, conservation organisations and safari operators. The land is leased by the owners in return for a direct income from their land, whilst also preserving their ancient rights of grazing for their herds. In addition many employment opportunities arise and community development projects, such as health clinics and schools, are also provided. This model offers a virtuous circle where the Masai owners receive a sustainable income, a greater amount of land is under conservation for wildlife, protects it from overgrazing due to the rotational grazing agreement in place. In addition wildlife is offered greater protected from poaching.
Fewer Visitors, More Wildlife
With an increasing number of Masai Mara Conservancies being formed, wildlife is offered ever greater protection. In addition each conservancy offers only a handful of camps to stay in – numbers of both camps and vehicles are strictly limited. Therefore, unlike the sometimes crowded national reserve, a safari on a Masai Mara Conservancy is not only directly supporting communities it offers a much more peaceful and exclusive wildlife viewing experience.
Rich Wildlife Experiences in the Masai Mara Conservancies
Wildlife on the Masai Mara Conservancies is every bit as rich as that in the main reserve. With no fences between the two wildlife has free movement. Predators, such as lions and cheetah, are particularly well-protected in these areas, and there are plenty of plains species, including giraffe, elephant, buffalo, zebra, wildebeest and plenty of smaller antelope species as well. Birdlife is prolific and there is something magical about sitting at a viewpoint looking at the endless plains dotted with wildlife and nothing else.
Exclusive Camps and Lodges
With the strictly limited number of both camps and vehicles allowed on the conservancies at any one time, the camps and lodges which are here tend to be small with a focus on the quality of the entire experience – wildlife viewing, guiding and the in-camp experience. With options ranging from luxury tented camps to eco-lodges, there is a style to suit everyone. With many of them unfenced, wildlife has free movement through the camp, adding an extra layer of excitement to your stay.
Camps like Kicheche Valley, Mara Plains, and Offbeat Ndoto Camp offer luxurious tents with stunning views, gourmet dining, and exceptional guiding. Staying here means you can enjoy the wilderness in comfort while knowing your visit is contributing to both wildlife conservation and community well-being.
Benefits to the Community
Human – wildlife conflict is often cited as a major issue across Africa, and in many instances this is the case. The Masai Mara Conservancies offer one solution to this perennial problem. Every guest that stays on one of the conservancies is directly supporting the community, and therefore providing an income for them. With 1,580 Masai families currently benefiting from lease payments, wildlife is seen as a benefit not a threat.
Of the income generated by the camps, 25% goes directly to the protection and maintenance of 250,000 acres of conservancies. Education, healthcare, and infrastructure projects, are funded adding an additional direct benefit to the people who have lived in harmony with this land for centuries. Camps and lodges on the conservancies are almost exclusively staffed by members of these communities, providing additional income and career development for the people who call this land their home.
A Sustainable Future
The Masai Mara Conservancies are shining a light on how responsible tourism, conservation and communities can work together to offer both a sustainable future for the ancient custodians of the land, in this instance the Masai, and the wildlife they live alongside. In a world where space is becoming increasingly pressured, these conservancies are vital for the protection of both the people and the wildlife who call this area home. By choosing to safari in one conservancies you are directly contributing to the preservation of one of Africa’s most iconic landscapes and supporting the Masai people who call it home, whilst not compromising on the quality of the experience you will enjoy – and in actual fact, enhancing it.
Please do get in touch to discuss a holiday Kenya, or for any other plans for a holiday to Africa or the Indian Ocean. Lucinda will be delighted to help.
