Masai mara National Reserve Kenya Wildebeest Migration safari tour packages
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Explore Masai Mara National Reserve
Masai Mara National Reserve is considered a “must see” for any visitor traveling on safari in Kenya. It is on the “to do” list of most Kenyan visitors because the park is graced by a wide variety of unique and exquisite wild life and birds.
Masai Mara is the best place to see all of the “Big Five” animals (elephants, lions, leopards, rhinos and buffalo) together. The famous wildebeest migration also takes place at the Mara.
Masai Mara National Reserve (also known as Masai Mara or The Mara) is situated within the Great Rift Valley in the southern part of Kenya. Measuring approximately 1510sq. kilometers (approx. 938sq. miles) in size, this unfenced savannah grassland is roughly 150 miles southeast of Nairobi.
Maasai Mara derives its name from the indigenous people of Kenya – the Maasai tribe – and the Mara River that cuts through the park. The Masai Mara provides the best view of the famous wildebeest migration as the animals cross the Mara River between July and August.
The Mara is also home to the richest concentration of wildlife, including the “Big Five” (elephants, lions, leopards, rhinos, and buffalo), zebras, antelope, gnus, Oribis, hyenas, giraffes, warthogs, gazelles, hartebeests, hippos, crocodiles and others.
The park has the largest concentration of African lions, including the black-maned lion. Birdlife is as plentiful as wildlife at the Masai Mara, which boasts over 400 different birds species.
The park experiences a hot and dry climate with a regular rainfall season twice a year. The reserve’s topography is mainly open savannah (grassland) with clusters of acacia trees along the southeastern area of the park.
The Mara and Talek rivers grace the rolling plains of the reserve. Myriad seasonal rivers appear during the rainy season but dry out once the rains are gone.
What to see and Do:
The Masai Mara Game Reserve is one of the best places in Africa for wildlife viewing. Game drives are a great way to experience the park and they take place all year round. If the big cats are what you’re looking for on your Kenyan safari, you are guaranteed to spot them at the Mara. All of the “Big Five” animals (elephants, lions, leopards, rhinos, and buffalo) can be spotted here. However, the population of black rhinos is severely threatened with only 37 black rhinos left as of 2000.
Herds of plains zebras are found throughout the park, as well as Masai giraffes, common giraffes, jackals, white-bearded gnus, Oribis, warthogs, Thomson’s and Grant’s gazelles, hartebeests, hyenas, bat-eared foxes, rare Topi antelope and beautiful rone antelope, as well as hippos and crocodiles in the Mara River.
Masai Mara Conservancies:
Mara North Conservancy: Detailed Information
Mara North Conservancy is a significant over 70,000-acre (approximately 280 square kilometers) private wildlife conservancy located in the northwestern part of the Greater Maasai Mara Ecosystem in Kenya. It borders the Masai Mara National Reserve to the south and is a vital part of this world-renowned wildlife region.
Key Features:
- Location: Northwestern Greater Maasai Mara Ecosystem, bordering the Masai Mara National Reserve to the south.
- Size: Over 70,000 acres (approximately 280 square kilometers or 108 square miles).
- Establishment: Established in 2009, Mara North Conservancy is a pioneering partnership between over 800 Maasai landowners and 12 tourism operators. This collaboration aims to create a sustainable model for conservation that benefits both wildlife and the local communities.
- Governance: The conservancy is managed through a board of directors elected by the member camps, working closely with a Maasai Landowner Committee. This ensures that the interests of both conservation and the community are represented.
- Conservation Focus: The primary goals are to protect wildlife habitats, promote responsible tourism, and provide a consistent income stream to Maasai landowners through land lease agreements. This incentivizes the community to dedicate their land to wildlife conservation.
- High Wildlife Density: Mara North is known for its exceptional wildlife density, often exceeding that of the Masai Mara National Reserve itself. This includes the “Big Five” and numerous other species.
- Lion Stronghold: The conservancy is home to several lion prides and is considered one of the best places in the Mara to see these magnificent cats.
- Great Migration Corridor: During the Great Migration (roughly July to October), Mara North is a prime location to witness the wildebeest and zebra herds as they move through the area. The Mara River forms its northern boundary, making it a key crossing point.
- Exclusive Safari Experience: Mara North enforces low vehicle density and strict codes of conduct for tourism, ensuring a more intimate and less crowded safari experience compared to the national reserve. Off-road driving is permitted in some areas, offering closer wildlife encounters.
- Diverse Landscape: The conservancy features classic East African savannah landscapes, including rolling grasslands, acacia woodlands, riverine forests along the Mara River, and scenic hills like Kileleoni, the highest point offering panoramic views.
Wildlife Viewing:
- Wildlife viewing is excellent year-round in Mara North due to resident populations and the annual migration.
- The conservancy is particularly renowned for sightings of lions, leopards, and cheetahs.
- Other commonly seen animals include elephants, buffalo, giraffes, zebras, various antelope species, and numerous bird species (over 450 recorded).
Activities:
Mara North offers a wider range of activities than the Masai Mara National Reserve:
- Day and Night Game Drives: Explore the conservancy’s diverse habitats and wildlife, with night drives offering the chance to see nocturnal animals.
- Guided Walking Safaris: Experience the bush on foot with knowledgeable guides.
- Cultural Visits: Engage with the local Maasai communities and learn about their traditions.
- Bush Meals and Sundowners: Enjoy dining and drinks in scenic wilderness locations.
- Hot Air Balloon Safaris: Available from nearby locations, offering a breathtaking aerial view of the Mara.
- Bird Watching: A paradise for bird enthusiasts with a wide variety of species.
- Visits to the Ol Chorro Rhino Sanctuary: Located within the conservancy, offering a chance to see rhinos.
Accommodation:
Mara North Conservancy is home to a selection of high-quality, low-impact, and often luxurious camps and lodges, contributing to the exclusive nature of the experience. These include:
- Alex Walker’s Serian
- Elewana’s Elephant Pepper Camp
- Karen Blixen Camp
- Kicheche Mara Camp & Kicheche Bush Camp
- Mara Expedition Camp
- Offbeat Mara Camp & Offbeat Riding Safaris
- Richard’s River Camp
- Royal Mara Safari Lodge
- Safaris Unlimited Africa
- Saruni Mara & Saruni Basecamp
- Basecamp Mara Bush Houses
These accommodations adhere to strict environmental policies and contribute to the well-being of the local Maasai community through lease fees and employment.
Conservation and Community Impact:
- The conservancy’s model provides a sustainable income for Maasai landowners, directly incentivizing wildlife conservation.
- Revenue from tourism supports community development projects, including education and healthcare initiatives.
- The focus on low-impact tourism and controlled vehicle density helps to minimize environmental impact.
- Efforts are made to mitigate human-wildlife conflict and promote coexistence.
Best Time to Visit:
- June to October (Dry Season): Excellent for general wildlife viewing as animals concentrate around water sources. This period also coincides with the Great Migration.
- November to May (Wet Season): The landscape is greener, and it’s a good time for bird watching. Wildlife viewing remains good year-round due to resident populations.
Getting There:
- By Air: Daily scheduled flights from Nairobi’s Wilson Airport (WIL) to various airstrips within or near Mara North Conservancy (e.g., Musiara Airstrip).
- By Road: Approximately a 4-5 hour drive from Nairobi (around 270 km), but road conditions can vary.
In conclusion, Mara North Conservancy offers a premium and exclusive Masai Mara safari experience. Its combination of exceptional wildlife viewing, stunning landscapes, responsible tourism practices, and direct benefits to the local Maasai community makes it a highly sought-after destination for discerning travelers.
The Mara Naboisho Conservancy is a significant 50,000-acre (approximately 202 square kilometers) private wildlife conservation area located in the Greater Maasai Mara Ecosystem in Kenya. It borders the Masai Mara National Reserve to the southwest, the Olare Motorogi Conservancy to the west, and the Ol Kinyei Conservancy to the east.
Key Features:
- Location: Northeastern section of the Masai Mara ecosystem, bordering the Masai Mara National Reserve to the southwest.
- Size: Approximately 50,000 acres (202 square kilometers or 78 square miles).
- Establishment: Recognized as a Conservancy in 2010, it’s a collaborative effort involving over 500 Maasai landowners working together to conserve their land. The name “Naboisho” means “coming together” in the Maasai’s Maa language, reflecting this community venture.
- Governance: The conservancy operates on an innovative partnership model between Maasai landowners and ecotourism operators, ensuring equitable decision rights and income participation.
- Conservation Focus: The primary objective is to combine the conservation of nature and cultural heritage with controlled tourism and the enhancement of livelihoods for the local communities.
- High Wildlife Density: Mara Naboisho is renowned for having a higher density of wildlife than the adjacent Masai Mara National Park, particularly for predators.
- Lion Stronghold: It boasts one of the highest lion densities in the world, with roughly 100 lions residing in the vicinity. The largest pride in the Greater Mara Region often makes the conservancy its home.
- Other Wildlife: Besides lions, the conservancy supports impressive herds of elephant, giraffe, wildebeest, and zebra, as well as the rare wild dog.
- Migration Corridor: Mara Naboisho serves as a crucial migration corridor for hundreds of thousands of animals moving between the Masai Mara National Reserve and the Loita Plains to the east, typically during May-June and November-December.
- Exclusive Experience: The conservancy has a limited number of camps and vehicles allowed inside, ensuring a more intimate and less crowded safari experience compared to the main reserve. Strict codes of conduct for safari guides further enhance responsible tourism.
- Diverse Landscape: The terrain features a wonderful mix of open grasslands merging with acacia-filled woodlands and rolling hills, adding to the scenic beauty.
Wildlife Viewing:
- Game viewing in Mara Naboisho is exceptional year-round due to the resident wildlife populations.
- The chances of lion and cheetah sightings are particularly high.
- Other commonly seen animals include elephants, buffalo, zebra, and giraffe.
Activities:
Mara Naboisho offers a wider range of activities compared to the national reserve due to its conservancy status:
- Game Drives: Conducted in the early morning and late afternoon in open 4×4 vehicles. A limited number of vehicles are allowed at any one sighting.
- Night Game Drives: An opportunity to see nocturnal wildlife, which is not permitted in the Masai Mara National Reserve.
- Guided Walking Safaris: Explore the plains and woodlands on foot with experienced guides, offering a different perspective of the bush.
- Fly Camping: Combine walking safaris with overnight camping under the stars in remote areas.
- Cultural Experiences: Visit local Maasai villages to learn about their culture and traditions.
- Bird Watching: With over 300 recorded bird species, it’s a paradise for bird enthusiasts.
Accommodation:
Mara Naboisho offers a selection of high-quality, low-impact tented camps and lodges, contributing to the exclusivity of the experience. The limited number of accommodations ensures fewer tourists and vehicles in the area.
Conservation and Community:
- The conservancy model directly benefits the Maasai landowners through lease fees and employment opportunities.
- Controlled grazing within the conservancy during drought periods allows the Maasai to continue their traditional way of life while promoting land regeneration.
- Revenue from tourism supports conservation efforts and community development projects, such as access to clean water and education programs.
Best Time to Visit:
- June to October (Dry Season): Ideal for general wildlife viewing as animals congregate around water sources. The weather is mild.
- July to September: Coincides with the Great Migration in the adjacent Masai Mara National Reserve.
- November to April (Wet Season): Excellent for bird watching as migratory species arrive, and the landscape turns green.
Getting There:
- By Air: Fly into one of the airstrips within Mara Naboisho or neighboring conservancies from Nairobi’s Wilson Airport (WIL).
- By Road: Approximately a 5-hour drive from Nairobi (around 230 km), but road conditions can be challenging.
In conclusion, the Mara Naboisho Conservancy offers a premium and exclusive safari experience within the Greater Maasai Mara ecosystem. Its high concentration of wildlife, particularly lions, combined with responsible tourism practices and direct benefits to the local Maasai community, makes it a shining example of successful conservation and a highly rewarding safari destination.
The Olare Motorogi Conservancy is a significant private wildlife conservancy located in the Greater Maasai Mara Ecosystem in Kenya. Here’s a detailed overview:
Location and Size:
- It is situated along the northern edge of the Masai Mara National Reserve.
- The conservancy covers approximately 33,000 – 35,000 acres (around 133 – 142 square kilometers or 52 – 55 square miles).
- It borders the Masai Mara National Reserve, acting as a crucial buffer zone and wildlife dispersal area.
History and Establishment:
- The Olare Motorogi Conservancy was formed in May 2006 through the merging of two previous conservancies: Olare Orok and Motorogi.
- This was a landmark conservation effort involving a partnership between around 277-288 Maasai landowners and tourism operators.
- The primary aim was to create a mutually beneficial partnership where landowners lease their land for wildlife conservation, receiving a guaranteed annual income, while tourism operators gain exclusive access to prime wildlife viewing areas.
- The removal of sedentary homesteads and the reduction of domestic livestock within the core conservation areas allowed the land and vegetation to recover from overgrazing, benefiting both wildlife and the Maasai community through tourism revenue and employment.
Wildlife:
- Olare Motorogi Conservancy is renowned for its rich biodiversity and high concentration of wildlife, often boasting lower vehicle densities than the main reserve.
- It’s particularly known for its large lion population, with some sources citing it as having one of the highest lion densities in Africa.
- Other wildlife commonly sighted includes:
- Elephants
- Leopards
- Cheetahs
- Buffaloes
- Masai Giraffes
- Wildebeests (especially during the Great Migration, typically June to October)
- Zebras
- Various antelope species (Grant’s gazelles, Thompson’s gazelles, Topis)
- Rare African Wild Dogs
- Black and White Rhinos
Conservation Efforts:
- The conservancy operates on a community-based conservation model, ensuring that the Maasai landowners are central to and benefit directly from wildlife protection.
- Strict limits on the number of beds (around 94) and a low vehicle-to-acre ratio ensure a low-impact tourism experience.
- Eco-friendly practices are enforced in the camps, including the use of renewable energy and responsible waste disposal.
- The conservancy employs wardens and rangers to protect wildlife, and poaching is reported to be rare due to community involvement.
- The conservancy also plays a vital role in maintaining wildlife corridors within the greater Mara ecosystem.
Tourism and Activities:
Olare Motorogi Conservancy offers a more exclusive and diverse safari experience compared to the Masai Mara National Reserve, including activities such as:
- Game Drives: Excellent for viewing the abundant wildlife, especially big cats. A limited number of vehicles at sightings ensures a less crowded experience.
- Guided Walking Safaris: Explore the smaller wonders of the bush on foot.
- Night Game Drives: Offering the chance to see nocturnal animals (not permitted in the main reserve).
- Cultural Visits: Opportunities to interact with local Maasai communities.
- Bush Walks: Explore the flora and fauna with knowledgeable guides.
Accommodation:
The conservancy hosts several high-quality, low-impact camps and lodges, ensuring an exclusive and intimate safari experience. Some of the notable accommodations include:
- Mara Plains Camp
- Mahali Mzuri
- Kicheche Bush Camp
- Porini Lion Camp
- Olare Mara Kempinski
- Mara Expedition Camp
- Mara Topi Bush House
In summary, the Olare Motorogi Conservancy is a successful model of community-based conservation in the Maasai Mara. It offers exceptional wildlife viewing, particularly of big cats, within a pristine and less crowded environment, directly benefiting the local Maasai community and contributing significantly to the long-term sustainability of the ecosystem.
The Lemek Conservancy is a significant private wildlife conservancy located in the northern part of the Masai Mara Ecosystem in Kenya. Here’s a detailed overview:
Location and Size:
- Situated in the northern sector of the famous Masai Mara National Reserve.
- Covers an area of approximately 19,000 acres (around 77 square kilometers or 30 square miles). Some sources mention the initial area being larger (around 45,000 hectares) before part of it merged with Mara North Conservancy.
Establishment and Management:
- Established on January 1, 2009.
- It is a community-owned conservation area, managed by local Maasai communities under the supervision of a board of elected members, with the guidance of a chairman.
- The land within the conservancy is owned by both group ranches and private individuals.
- Initially known as Koyaiki Lemek Conservation Area, named after the Koyaiki Group Ranch, it was later rebranded as Lemek Conservancy after more landowners and tourism stakeholders joined.
Wildlife:
- Lemek Conservancy is considered one of the best game-viewing areas in the Masai Mara, offering year-round wildlife viewing.
- The open grassland savannahs with scattered trees along the Mara River attract a variety of wildlife, including:
- Big Cats: Lions (high density), leopards (often seen in trees), and cheetahs.
- Large Herds: Elephants, wildebeest (especially during the Great Migration), zebras, and gazelles.
- Other species: Buffaloes, giraffes, impalas, warthogs, and occasionally black rhinos.
- The Mara River provides a vital water source for the diverse wildlife.
- It serves as a crucial wildlife corridor and sanctuary within the greater Mara ecosystem.
- During the annual wildebeest migration (typically July to October), Lemek becomes a hotspot for witnessing this natural spectacle.
Conservation Efforts:
- The primary purpose of the conservancy is the sustainable use and promotion of natural and cultural resources in the area.
- It aims to minimize the negative impact of tourism on the natural environment.
- A key focus is the equitable division of benefits derived from tourism among the local Maasai community, ensuring their involvement in and support for conservation.
- Rangers patrol the conservancy to prevent poaching, illegal trespassing, and illegal grazing.
- They also monitor wildlife health and report injured animals to the Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS).
- Efforts are made to conserve endangered species, such as cheetahs, and to prevent human-wildlife conflict.
- The conservancy is working on creating a detailed map of the area to aid conservation and tourism efforts.
Tourism and Activities:
Lemek Conservancy offers a more exclusive and intimate safari experience compared to the main Masai Mara National Reserve, with fewer crowds and unique activities:
- Game Drives: Both day and spectacular night game drives are offered, providing opportunities to see nocturnal animals like porcupines, aardvarks, and civets (night drives are not permitted in the main reserve).
- Guided Walking Safaris: Explore the bush on foot with qualified guides, offering a different perspective of the flora, fauna, and smaller wildlife.
- Off-Road Game Viewing: Unlike the national reserve, vehicles in the conservancy can go off-road for closer wildlife encounters.
- Cultural Tours: Engage with the local Maasai community, visit traditional homesteads (manyattas), and learn about their culture and way of life.
- Bush Breakfasts, Dinners & Sundowners: Enjoy meals and drinks in the wilderness.
- Bird Watching: The diverse habitats attract a wide variety of avian species.
Accommodation:
Lemek Conservancy primarily offers budget-friendly to mid-range accommodation options, providing a more authentic and less commercialized safari experience. Some of the accommodations include:
- Mara River Lodge (formerly Livingstone Lodge)
- Mara Wildebeest Camp (formerly Mara Buffalo)
- Enkerende Tented Camp
- Saruni Wild (offers a more luxurious, low-density experience)
- Several other tented camps and lodges.
Accessibility:
- By Road: Approximately a 4-5 hour drive from Nairobi (around 140-190 miles), with a significant portion of the road being well-tarmacked. The closest gate is often the Oloololo Gate.
- By Air: The nearest airstrips are in Mara North Conservancy or the Ngerende Airstrip, which have daily scheduled flights from Wilson Airport in Nairobi.
Key Strengths:
- Year-round game viewing.
- Prime location within the Masai Mara ecosystem, including the Great Migration corridor.
- Exclusive off-reserve safari activities like night drives and walking safaris.
- Lower tourist density compared to the main reserve, offering a more intimate experience.
- Direct benefits to the local Maasai community through employment and conservation fees.
- Integration of community needs with wildlife conservation.
In conclusion, Lemek Conservancy offers a valuable and unique safari experience within the Masai Mara, combining excellent wildlife viewing with opportunities for cultural immersion and supporting community-led conservation efforts in a less crowded setting.
Ol Kinyei Conservancy is a pioneering 18,700-acre (approximately 75.7 square kilometers) wildlife conservancy located in the eastern part of the Greater Maasai Mara Ecosystem in Kenya. It holds the distinction of being one of the first Maasai community-owned conservancies in the region, established in 2005.
- Location: Eastern Greater Maasai Mara Ecosystem, bordering the Naboisho Conservancy to the west and the Siana Conservancy to the east.
- Size: 18,700 acres (approximately 75.7 square kilometers).
- Establishment: Founded in 2005 through a partnership between approximately 171 Maasai landowners and Gamewatchers Safaris/Porini Camps. The community set aside cattle-free zones on their land specifically for wildlife conservation.
- Governance: It’s a cooperative effort between the Maasai landowners and the tourism partners, ensuring that the land is managed for the benefit of both wildlife and the local community.
- Conservation Focus: The primary goal is to protect wildlife habitats and promote sustainable eco-tourism that directly benefits the Maasai landowners through land lease payments and employment opportunities.
- Low Tourist Density: A key feature of Ol Kinyei is its exclusivity. Apart from the small eco-camps within the conservancy (primarily the Porini Camps), no other tourist vehicles are allowed. This ensures a remarkably intimate and uncrowded safari experience.
- Rich Biodiversity: The conservancy boasts diverse terrain, including open savannah plains and rolling hills, with abundant water sources like springs, streams, and rivers. This attracts a wide variety of animal and bird species.
- Lion Stronghold: Ol Kinyei is known for its resident lion pride (around 20 lions) and frequent sightings of other individual lions.
- Excellent Predator Viewing: Besides lions, cheetah sightings are common, and leopards are often spotted.
- Great Migration: The conservancy is strategically located to observe the Serengeti Wildebeest Migration (typically June to October) and also experiences the Loita Hills Migration earlier in the year (usually by January), with wildebeest calving occurring here in February and March.
Wildlife Viewing:
Wildlife viewing in Ol Kinyei is exceptional year-round due to the resident populations and the seasonal migrations. Expect to see:
- Lions
- Leopards
- Cheetahs
- Elephants
- Buffalo
- Giraffes (Masai)
- Various antelope species (Grant’s gazelles, Thompson’s gazelles, etc.)
- Zebras
- Hyenas
- A diverse array of birdlife (over 550 species in the greater Mara ecosystem).
- Rare sightings of wild dogs are also possible.
Activities:
Guests staying within Ol Kinyei Conservancy can enjoy a range of activities focused on an immersive and low-impact safari:
- Game Drives: Conducted exclusively for guests staying in the conservancy’s camps, ensuring minimal vehicle congestion.
- Night Game Drives: Offering the opportunity to see nocturnal wildlife (not permitted in the main Masai Mara National Reserve).
- Guided Bush Walks: Led by experienced Maasai guides, providing insights into the smaller details of the ecosystem and close encounters with plains game.
- Cultural Visits: Opportunities to visit local Maasai villages (Manyattas) to learn about their culture and traditions.
- Bush Meals and Sundowners: Enjoying meals and drinks in scenic locations within the conservancy.
- Bird Watching: The diverse habitats attract a wide variety of avian species.
- Optional Hot Air Balloon Safaris: Available from nearby locations.
Accommodation:
Ol Kinyei Conservancy offers a limited number of eco-friendly and intimate accommodation options, primarily associated with Gamewatchers Safaris’ Porini Camps:
- Porini Mara Camp: A small, award-winning eco-camp known for its authentic safari experience.
- Porini Cheetah Camp: An intimate camp focusing on the cheetah population of the area.
- Porini Ol Kinyei Safari Cottages: Offering private and luxurious self-catering options with stunning views.
- Gamewatchers Adventure Camp: A more budget-friendly option providing a comfortable and authentic experience.
Conservation and Community Impact:
Ol Kinyei Conservancy is a successful model of community-based conservation:
- Landowner Benefits: Maasai landowners receive direct income through land lease agreements, incentivizing them to conserve their land for wildlife.
- Employment: Approximately 90% of the staff employed within the conservancy’s camps are from the local Maasai community.
- Wildlife Protection: The absence of cattle grazing within the core areas has allowed the land and vegetation to regenerate, benefiting wildlife populations. The conservancy actively works to prevent poaching and human-wildlife conflict.
- Sustainable Tourism: The low-impact tourism model ensures that the ecological integrity of the area is maintained.
Getting There:
- By Air: Fly to the Ol Seki Naboisho Airstrip, which is a short transfer to Ol Kinyei Conservancy. Daily flights are available from Nairobi’s Wilson Airport (WIL).
- By Road: Approximately a 4-5 hour drive from Nairobi (around 250 km), primarily on well-maintained roads with some stretches of gravel.
In conclusion, Ol Kinyei Conservancy offers a pristine and exclusive Masai Mara safari experience characterized by exceptional wildlife viewing in a less crowded environment, strong community involvement, and a commitment to genuine eco-tourism principles. It’s an ideal destination for travelers seeking an authentic and impactful safari away from the larger crowds of the main reserve.
The Mara Siana Conservancy is a significant private wildlife conservancy located on the eastern border of the Maasai Mara National Reserve in Kenya, within Narok County. It’s an integral part of the Greater Maasai Mara Ecosystem.
Here’s a breakdown of key information about the Mara Siana Conservancy:
Location:
- Eastern border of the Masai Mara National Reserve.
- Located in the Oloolaimutia region of the Eastern Masai Mara.
- Acts as a crucial wildlife corridor between the main reserve and surrounding private lands.
Size:
- Approximately 140 square kilometers (54 square miles) or around 35,000 acres.
Establishment and Purpose:
- Established during the “conservancy movement” to expand conservation efforts beyond the Masai Mara National Reserve.
- Formed through a partnership between Maasai landowners and conservation groups.
- Aims to protect wildlife habitats, promote sustainable tourism, and preserve local Maasai culture.
- Landowners removed fencing to allow free movement of wildlife.
Wildlife:
- Boasts a high concentration of diverse wildlife, including the “Big Five” (lions, elephants, leopards, buffalo, and rhinoceros).
- Excellent for viewing plains game such as:
- Giraffes
- Zebras
- Topis
- Gazelles
- Elands
- Dik-diks
- A significant location for witnessing the Great Wildebeest Migration (typically in July and October).
- Also home to other carnivores like cheetahs and hyenas, as well as various bird species.
Conservation Efforts:
- Plays a crucial role in anti-poaching efforts.
- Promotes responsible tourism that directly benefits local communities through land lease models, job creation, and support for schools and healthcare.
- Works to protect critical wildlife corridors and create a buffer zone for the Masai Mara National Reserve.
Tourism and Activities:
- Offers a more exclusive and less crowded safari experience compared to the main reserve.
- Activities include:
- Game drives (day and night drives are possible in some areas).
- Guided walking safaris.
- Cultural visits to Maasai villages.
- Bird watching.
- Bush meals and sundowners.
Accommodation:
Mara Siana Conservancy offers a range of accommodation options, from moderate lodges to luxury tented camps, often with competitive pricing compared to the main reserve. Some examples include:
- Mara Siana Camp
- Entumoto Safari Camp
- Leleshwa Camp
- Enkorok Mara Camp
- Mara Tented Camp
Getting There:
- By Road: Approximately a 4-5 hour drive (around 135 miles) from Nairobi’s Jomo Kenyatta Airport or city center. After passing through the Masai Mara gates, it’s another 25 miles on the C12 to the conservancy.
- By Air: Fly to airstrips within the greater Masai Mara region; transfers to Mara Siana can be arranged.
Best Time to Visit:
- July to October: Coincides with the Great Wildebeest Migration.
- June to September (Dry Season): Ideal for general wildlife viewing with low grass.
- December to February (Green Season): Lush scenery, excellent bird watching, and fewer crowds.
Mara Siana Conservancy provides a fantastic safari experience with abundant wildlife, stunning landscapes, and a strong focus on conservation and community benefits, often with a more intimate and less crowded atmosphere than the Masai Mara National Reserve itself.
The Olarro Conservancy is a private wildlife conservancy located in the Greater Maasai Mara Ecosystem in Kenya. Here’s a detailed overview:
Location:
- Situated in southwestern Kenya, in the Loita Hills Massif.
- Approximately 200 km (120 miles) west of Nairobi.
- About a 3-4 hour drive from Nairobi.
- The border with Tanzania is roughly 64 km (40 miles) southwest.
- It lies near the Masai Mara National Reserve, with the Mara River about a 3-hour drive away.
- The conservancy is part of the Maji Moto Group Ranch, owned by the local Masai community.
- Olarro Plains is specifically located within the Siana Group Ranch.
Size:
- The conservancy encompasses approximately 20,000 acres (around 80 square kilometers).
Wildlife:
Olarro Conservancy is home to a variety of wildlife, including:
- Big Cats: Lions, cheetahs, and leopards are commonly sighted.
- Large Herds: Elephants, giraffes, zebras, and wildebeest (especially during the Great Migration).
- Other Mammals: Buffalo, impala, Thomson’s gazelle, spotted hyenas, jackals, wild dogs, civets, genets, banded mongooses, warthogs, tree hyraxes, and porcupines.
- The conservancy plays a crucial role as a wildlife dispersal corridor and is within the path of the annual wildebeest migration.
Conservation Efforts:
- Olarro Conservancy was formed to optimize land use, providing mutual benefits for both conservation and the local community.
- It operates through lease payments per acre to the local Masai landowners.
- The conservancy employs community game scouts/rangers and supports anti-poaching measures in collaboration with the Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS).
- They contribute to the Mara Cheetah Project by collecting data for identification and monitoring.
- Olarro strives for carbon neutrality by utilizing renewable energy sources.
Tourism and Activities:
Olarro offers an exclusive and private safari experience with a range of activities:
- Game Drives: Both day and night drives within the conservancy.
- Guided Walking Safaris: Explore the smaller details of the ecosystem on foot.
- Quad Biking: A unique way to experience the plains (for guests 16 years and older).
- Cultural Visits: Engage with the local Masai community.
- Bush Dining: Enjoy meals in scenic wilderness locations, including bush breakfasts, dinners, and sundowners.
- Spa and Wellness Treatments: Relax and rejuvenate at the Olarro Spa.
- Day Trips to the Masai Mara National Reserve: Arrangeable for guests wanting to see the “Big Five” in the reserve.
- Bird Watching: The diverse habitats attract a variety of avian species.
- Children’s Activities: Tailored experiences for younger guests, including nature walks and cultural activities.
Accommodation:
Olarro offers two distinct lodging options:
- Olarro Lodge: A stylish and exclusive property nestled in the hills with eight luxurious sanctuaries. It features a terraced swimming pool and spa.
- Olarro Plains: An open and airy lodge with panoramic views of the Loita Plains, featuring eight spacious rooms and an infinity pool overlooking a waterhole. Little Olarro is a private two-bedroom suite within Olarro Plains, ideal for families.
Both accommodations offer an all-inclusive experience with meals, drinks, and activities within the conservancy included in the rates.
Community Impact:
- The conservancy provides income to over 2,000 local people through lease fees.
- They have facilitated access to fresh water, preserved cattle livelihoods, and provided solar energy to homes.
- Olarro has created jobs, improved healthcare access, and enhanced community safety.
- They support local schools and promote cultural exchange through village visits.
Getting There:
- By Air: Fly to Mara Siana Airstrip, which is about a 40-60 minute drive from the Olarro properties. Charter and scheduled flights are available from Nairobi’s Wilson Airport (WIL). Helicopter transfers directly to Olarro’s helipads can also be arranged.
- By Road: The drive from Nairobi takes approximately 3-4 hours.
Olarro Conservancy offers a blend of luxury, exclusivity, and authentic wildlife encounters while making a significant positive impact on the local Masai community and the surrounding ecosystem.
Enonkishu Conservancy is a significant 6,000-acre (approximately 24 square kilometers) private wildlife conservancy located on the northern boundary of the Greater Maasai Mara Ecosystem in Kenya. Its strategic position makes it a crucial buffer zone between the protected wilderness of the Mara and the surrounding agricultural and human settlement areas. The name “Enonkishu” means “place of healthy cattle” in the Maasai language, reflecting its innovative approach to conservation that integrates livestock management with wildlife protection.
Key Features:
- Location: Northern boundary of the Mara-Serengeti Ecosystem, bordering human settlements and farmlands.
- Size: Approximately 6,000 acres.
- Establishment: Established as a community-led initiative focused on sustainable rangelands management and balancing the needs of livestock and wildlife.
- Governance: A cooperative of pastoralist families committed to conservation. The Kileleoni Board, a private company with landowner and tourism partner representation, oversees operations.
- Unique Conservation Approach: Enonkishu employs a “Holistic Management” (HM) approach, integrating people, profit, and planet with adaptive management and a “learning by doing” culture.
- Regenerative Grazing: The conservancy utilizes cattle as a tool to rehabilitate degraded grasslands through carefully planned grazing and mobile bomas (livestock enclosures). This improves forage for both livestock and wildlife and reduces soil erosion.
- “Herds for Growth” Program: A community development initiative focused on improving livestock breeding, husbandry, and grazing practices, demonstrating a viable business model for the Maasai community.
- Predator-Proof Mobile Bomas: Significantly reduce livestock attacks by predators like lions, thus minimizing retaliatory killings and promoting human-wildlife coexistence.
- Sustainable Tourism: Works to improve biodiversity and create a balance between livestock, wild animals, and natural beauty to generate revenue for the community through conservation fees and tourism activities.
- Ecological Monitoring: Implements programs like “SnapshotSafari” using camera traps to monitor wildlife species and diversity within the conservancy.
- Mara Training Centre: Located within the conservancy, it provides training in sustainable rangeland management, social cohesion, governance, leadership, and profitable livestock husbandry to community members and other conservation organizations.
- Buffer Zone: Its location on the edge of the Mara makes it a vital “Last Line Of Defense” against human encroachment on the protected ecosystem.
Wildlife:
Enonkishu Conservancy supports a variety of wildlife, including:
- Lions
- Cheetahs
- Elephants
- Leopards (often found in riverine forests)
- Hippos and Crocodiles (in the Mara River bordering the conservancy)
- Various plains game
- Occasional sightings of rarer species like Aardvark, Caracal, Serval Cat, and Aardwolf.
Tourism and Activities:
Enonkishu offers a unique and immersive experience focused on community-led conservation:
- Game Drives: Opportunities to spot the diverse wildlife.
- Walking Safaris: Explore the landscape on foot with knowledgeable guides.
- Cultural Experiences: Interact with the local Maasai community and learn about their traditions and the conservancy’s work.
- Night Drives: Permitted, offering chances to see nocturnal wildlife.
- Bird Watching: The diverse habitats attract a variety of bird species.
- Visits to the Mara Training Centre: Learn about sustainable rangeland management and conservation initiatives.
Accommodation:
While specific lodging options within the core Enonkishu Conservancy might be limited to maintain its low-impact approach, nearby options include:
- House in the Wild: A collection of boutique safari lodges on the bank of the Mara River, within the Enonkishu area.
- Amani House: A spectacular safari home overlooking the plains of Naretoi, within the conservancy.
- Other camps and lodges in the greater Northern Mara conservancies area provide access to Enonkishu for game drives and activities.
Conservation and Community Impact:
Enonkishu’s model demonstrates how conservation can be integrated with community livelihoods and cultural preservation. By empowering the Maasai community through education, training, and economic benefits from sustainable land management and tourism, it fosters a sense of ownership and responsibility for the long-term health of the ecosystem. The conservancy’s success serves as a valuable example for other conservation initiatives in the region.
Getting There:
- By Road: From Narok, take the tarmac road towards Sotik for about 55km. Turn left at the “Mulot” junction onto a dirt road and continue for approximately 27 kilometers to reach Enonkishu.
- By Air: Fly to the nearby Ngerende airstrip, which is about a 15-minute drive from Enonkishu (served by Air Kenya and SafariLink).
Enonkishu Conservancy offers a unique and impactful safari experience for travelers interested in witnessing community-led conservation in action and understanding the intricate relationship between people, livestock, and wildlife in the Maasai Mara ecosystem.
Olchorro Oiroua Conservancy is a significant 17,000-acre (approximately 69 square kilometers) private wildlife conservancy located in the northernmost part of the Greater Maasai Mara Ecosystem in Kenya. It borders the Masai Mara National Reserve. The name is sometimes spelled as Ol Choro Oiroua Conservancy.
Key Features:
- Location: Northern section of the Masai Mara wilderness.
- Size: Approximately 17,000 acres.
- Establishment: Established to protect wildlife and provide a habitat for the native Maasai community. It plays a vital role in the conservation of the unique ecosystem diversity.
- Management: The conservancy logistics and land are managed by Seiya Limited under the guardianship of Fairmont Kenya.
- Conservation Focus: Revenue generated from guest accommodations directly supports essential operations such as wildlife protection, security patrols, and road maintenance. It also funds broader conservation efforts.
- Community Benefits: A significant aspect of Olchorro Oiroua is its commitment to the local Maasai community. Conservancy funds support community projects in education, health, and infrastructure. This includes funding the Enkerende School, a local primary school.
- Unique Approach: The conservancy takes a unique approach to improving the quality of life by addressing waste management. They support projects that transform recyclable waste products into arts and crafts, providing income opportunities and reducing environmental pollutants.
- Low-Density Tourism: Olchorro Oiroua aims for a low-density tourism experience, with a limited number of beds spread across its accommodations.
- Wildlife: The conservancy is home to a diverse range of wildlife, including the Big Five (lions, elephants, buffaloes, leopards, and rhinos). It’s also noted for its intensive rhino conservation efforts with a dedicated surveillance unit. The annual wildebeest migration also passes through this region.
Wildlife Viewing:
- Wildlife viewing is excellent year-round.
- The conservancy is home to a significant population of the Big Five.
- It’s a prime location to witness the Great Wildebeest Migration (typically July to October).
Activities:
- Game Drives: Experienced in varied landscapes, from riverine woodlands to the great plains.
- Guided Walks: Explore the flora and fauna on foot.
- Cultural Visits: Engage with the local Maasai community.
- Hot Air Ballooning: Available for a breathtaking aerial view of the Mara.
- Bird Watching: The diverse habitats attract a wide variety of avian species.
Accommodation:
Accommodations within the Olchorro Oiroua Conservancy include:
- Fairmont Mara Safari Club: A larger option with comfortable tents overlooking the Mara River.
- Richard’s Forest Camp: Offers a more traditional and intimate bush camp experience.
- Ngerende Island Lodge: Provides an exclusive and secluded stay.
Conservation and Community Impact:
- The conservancy’s economic model ensures that a significant portion of tourism revenue is reinvested in community projects.
- It plays a crucial role in protecting wildlife habitats and supporting the livelihoods of the local Maasai people.
- The intensive rhino conservation efforts highlight its commitment to protecting endangered species.
Best Time to Visit:
- June to September and January to February: Best for general wildlife viewing.
- July to October: Ideal for witnessing the Great Wildebeest Migration.
Getting There:
- By Road: Approximately a 5-6 hour drive from Nairobi via the B3 and C12 roads.
- By Air: The nearest airstrip is Ngerende Airstrip, with daily flights from Nairobi’s Wilson Airport (WIL).
In conclusion, Olchorro Oiroua Conservancy offers a valuable and impactful safari experience in the Masai Mara. Its commitment to wildlife conservation, community development, and low-density tourism makes it a unique and rewarding destination.
Olderkesi Community Wildlife Conservancy is a significant conservation area located in the southern part of the Greater Maasai Mara Ecosystem in Kenya. Here’s a detailed overview:
Location:
- Situated in the far southeastern region of the Masai Mara, right at the border with Tanzania and the Serengeti ecosystem.
- It lies between the Masai Mara National Reserve to the northwest and the Loita Hills to the east.
Size:
- The conservancy covers approximately 24,700 acres (10,000 hectares) or around 80 square kilometers. Some sources mention a slightly smaller size of 7,600 acres.
Establishment and Management:
- The Olderkesi Conservancy was formed when the Olderkesi Group Ranch, representing around 6,500 landowners, set aside this land for conservation.
- The Olderkesi Community Wildlife Trust jointly owns the Conservancy.
- The Cottar’s Wildlife Conservation Trust (CWCT) and the Secluded Africa Wildlife and Community Trust (SAWCT) have been key partners in developing and managing the conservancy, working with the local community.
Conservation Focus:
- The primary aim is wildlife and habitat protection while ensuring economic and social benefits for the local Maasai community.
- By leasing their land for conservation and limiting settlements, farming, and grazing to specific zones, the Maasai community receives a reliable income and benefits from eco-tourism.
- The conservancy plays a crucial role in maintaining wildlife corridors and protecting the Great Wildebeest Migration routes.
- There’s a strong emphasis on community involvement in conservation efforts, including anti-poaching patrols and wildlife monitoring.
Wildlife:
Olderkesi Conservancy is a vital part of the Mara-Serengeti ecosystem and boasts a healthy and increasing wildlife population. Common sightings include:
- Big Cats: Lions, leopards, and cheetahs are frequently seen.
- Elephants: A significant population resides in the conservancy.
- Giraffes
- Zebras
- Various antelope species
- The area is also a key route for the Great Wildebeest Migration (typically July to November).
Tourism and Activities:
- Olderkesi Conservancy offers a more exclusive and less crowded safari experience due to a low density of accommodations.
- Activities include:
- Game drives in diverse landscapes (grasslands, forests, riverine valleys, woodlands).
- Guided bush walks.
- Cultural visits to Maasai villages.
- Bird watching.
- Hot air balloon safaris (available in the greater Mara region).
Accommodation:
Due to its focus on exclusivity and low impact tourism, Olderkesi Conservancy has a limited number of accommodations, including:
- Cottar’s 1920’s Camp
- Cottar’s Private Homestead
- Enkewa Mara Camp
Community Impact:
- Income generated from tourism and land lease fees supports community projects such as healthcare and education.
- The conservancy prioritizes hiring staff from local Maasai villages as security scouts and camp staff.
- Initiatives like women’s savings groups and support for local schools further benefit the community.
- The community has a direct role in enforcing conservation agreements, with penalties for poaching or illegal grazing benefiting the community fund.
Olderkesi Community Wildlife Conservancy is a significant area in the southern Masai Mara, crucial for wildlife conservation and providing substantial benefits to the local Maasai community through a successful partnership in eco-tourism. Its exclusivity offers a more intimate safari experience within a vital part of the Mara-Serengeti ecosystem.
The Oloisukut Conservancy is a 23,000-acre (approximately 93 square kilometers) community-owned conservation area located in the Greater Maasai Mara Ecosystem in Kenya. It borders the Maasai Mara National Reserve to the north, in the Trans Mara District.
Here’s a breakdown of key information:
- Location: Northern part of the Greater Maasai Mara Ecosystem, bordering the Maasai Mara National Reserve (Mara Triangle) to the north, in the Trans Mara District, Narok County.
- Size: Approximately 23,000 acres.
- Ownership and Management: It’s an intriguing conservation concept where the land is owned and managed by the community members of Oloisukut.
- Conservation Focus: The conservancy aims to secure the northern part of the greater Mara-Serengeti ecosystem for conservation, providing crucial dispersal areas for wildlife.
- Wildlife: The area boasts a high density of game, including the “Big Five” (except the rhino). Common animal species include:
- Maasai giraffe
- Burchell’s zebra
- Waterbucks
- Elands (Oloisukut is known for its high eland population)
- Lions (with large prides)
- Leopards (also known for a high population)
- Elephants
- Bushbuck
- Over 300 species of birds have been identified.
- Tourism: Tourism within the conservancy is highly controlled to maximize the wilderness experience for visitors and minimize environmental impact.
- Community Benefits: Income generated from conservation provides landowners with a reliable alternative income source to traditional livestock keeping. The conservancy also supports community projects like beekeeping.
- Unique Features: Oloisukut is known for its diverse landscapes, ranging from grasslands to riverine forests, and its strategic location as an elephant corridor linking Mara North Conservancy to the Nyakweri Forest.
- Activities: While specific lodging isn’t always detailed, activities in the area include:
- Game drives
- Walking safaris
- Cultural experiences (visiting Maasai villages)
- Bird watching
- Volunteer opportunities in conservation, cultural activities, and education.
The Mara Siana Conservancy is a significant private wildlife conservancy located on the eastern border of the Maasai Mara National Reserve in Kenya, within Narok County. It’s an integral part of the Greater Maasai Mara Ecosystem.
Here’s a breakdown of key information about the Mara Siana Conservancy:
Location:
- Eastern border of the Masai Mara National Reserve.
- Located in the Oloolaimutia region of the Eastern Masai Mara.
- Acts as a crucial wildlife corridor between the main reserve and surrounding private lands.
Size:
- Approximately 140 square kilometers (54 square miles) or around 35,000 acres.
Establishment and Purpose:
- Established during the “conservancy movement” to expand conservation efforts beyond the Masai Mara National Reserve.
- Formed through a partnership between Maasai landowners and conservation groups.
- Aims to protect wildlife habitats, promote sustainable tourism, and preserve local Maasai culture.
- Landowners removed fencing to allow free movement of wildlife.
Wildlife:
- Boasts a high concentration of diverse wildlife, including the “Big Five” (lions, elephants, leopards, buffalo, and rhinoceros).
- Excellent for viewing plains game such as:
- Giraffes
- Zebras
- Topis
- Gazelles
- Elands
- Dik-diks
- A significant location for witnessing the Great Wildebeest Migration (typically in July and October).
- Also home to other carnivores like cheetahs and hyenas, as well as various bird species.
Conservation Efforts:
- Plays a crucial role in anti-poaching efforts.
- Promotes responsible tourism that directly benefits local communities through land lease models, job creation, and support for schools and healthcare.
- Works to protect critical wildlife corridors and create a buffer zone for the Masai Mara National Reserve.
Tourism and Activities:
- Offers a more exclusive and less crowded safari experience compared to the main reserve.
- Activities include:
- Game drives (day and night drives are possible in some areas).
- Guided walking safaris.
- Cultural visits to Maasai villages.
- Bird watching.
- Bush meals and sundowners.
Accommodation:
Mara Siana Conservancy offers a range of accommodation options, from moderate lodges to luxury tented camps, often with competitive pricing compared to the main reserve. Some examples include:
- Mara Siana Camp
- Entumoto Safari Camp
- Leleshwa Camp
- Enkorok Mara Camp
- Mara Tented Camp
Getting There:
- By Road: Approximately a 4-5 hour drive (around 135 miles) from Nairobi’s Jomo Kenyatta Airport or city center. After passing through the Masai Mara gates, it’s another 25 miles on the C12 to the conservancy.
- By Air: Fly to airstrips within the greater Masai Mara region; transfers to Mara Siana can be arranged.
Best Time to Visit:
- July to October: Coincides with the Great Wildebeest Migration.
- June to September (Dry Season): Ideal for general wildlife viewing with low grass.
- December to February (Green Season): Lush scenery, excellent bird watching, and fewer crowds.
Mara Siana Conservancy provides a fantastic safari experience with abundant wildlife, stunning landscapes, and a strong focus on conservation and community benefits, often with a more intimate and less crowded atmosphere than the Masai Mara National Reserve itself.
The Pardamat Conservation Area (PCA) is a vital and innovative conservation area located within the Masai Mara ecosystem in Kenya. It distinguishes itself through its mixed-use model, where people, livestock, and wildlife coexist.
Key Aspects of the Pardamat Conservation Area:
- Location: Situated in the Greater Maasai Mara Ecosystem, bordering key conservancies such as Naboisho, Lemek, Mara North, and Olare Motorogi. Its strategic location makes it a crucial wildlife migration corridor connecting the Mara’s conservancies to the Loita Plains.
- Size: Approximately 26,000 hectares (around 64,000 acres).
- Establishment: The PCA emerged to address the critical challenges of securing ancient wildlife migration routes and the increasing pressures of human settlement.
- Management: The area is managed by around 850 landowners who have legally registered their land for wildlife preservation.
- Conservation Model: Pardamat operates on a triple-use model, allowing the local Maasai community to continue living and working on their land alongside wildlife and their livestock. This model is supported by lease payments to landowners, providing a sustainable income.
- Wildlife: Pardamat is an important area for a diverse range of wildlife, including:
- Elephants
- Lions
- Leopards
- Cheetahs
- Giraffes
- Zebras
- Various antelope species
- Wild dogs (with packs returning to the area)
- A rich variety of birdlife
- Ecological Importance: The conservancy plays a vital role in maintaining the ecological health of the broader Mara region by ensuring the free movement of wildlife. Its varied terrain, including hills and forests, provides essential browsing and grazing areas.
- Community Impact: The PCA aims to provide sustainable economic benefits for the local Maasai communities while promoting coexistence with wildlife. This includes:
- Providing sustainable income through lease payments.
- Fostering higher education.
- Creating employment opportunities.
- Improving livestock management and quality.
- Supporting beadwork and honey initiatives.
- Restoring wildlife corridors.
- Tourism: The Saruni Basecamp is located within the Pardamat Conservancy Area, offering guests an intimate experience and a chance to understand the unique balance between conservation and community.
- Wildlife Tourism College (WTC): Located on land donated by the community, the WTC serves as a beacon of education and hope for the local Maasai community, building on the legacy of the Koiyaki Guiding School. It aims to empower the community through education in wildlife tourism and support sustainable community projects.
Pardamat Conservation Area represents an innovative approach to conservation in the Masai Mara, prioritizing the coexistence of people, livestock, and wildlife while ensuring the long-term ecological health of the ecosystem and providing sustainable benefits to the local communities.
The complete all-year Africa wilbeest migration cycle from Serengeti in Tanznaia and Masai Mara in Kenyak:
Come experience the greatest wildlife show on earth with Adeli Kenya Safaris
Masai mara wildebeest migration
By the month of June a gentle wind ripples through the tall red oat grass, and the only animals easily visible are the slow moving elephants and giraffes, or a lone topi standing on an abandoned termite mound.
A stillness sits across the savannah and the lions of the Mara lie in the shade of the acacias, waiting in anticipation. One late morning, small specks rise up through the bushes by Sand River and within minutes become clouds of dust. A herd of a few hundred wildebeest swarms its way along and then down the dusty river bank. Some of the herd settles for a few sips of water before the throng returns and takes the thirsty back to the top of the river bank. The migration has arrived. Within a couple of days many herds of thousands of wildebeest are trampling their way through the long grass, snaking their way across to Look-Out Hill and then down to the Mara River.
Many visitors only want to see the river crossings but the true spectacle of the migration is 1,245,000 wildebeest, 200,000 Burchell’s zebra, 18,000 eland and 500,000 Thomson’s Gazelle filling the entire stretch of landscape.
The shifting columns of the herds as they traverse the valleys and the hills can only be watched in awe. There is nothing else like this on earth.
The migration is a phenomenon that started again in the early 1970s; after a widespread immunization campaign against rinderpest in cattle was there an unexpected disappearance of rinderpest among the buffalo and wildebeest.
The wildebeest had, following periodic outbreaks, being kept to around 250,000 animals but following this campaign and an increase in dry season rainfall, the population was able to grow in number and the migration spill over into the Mara. While the migratory population of Serengeti wildebeest has increased, the resident Mara wildebeest have been in steady decline.
The Mara population used to migrate from the Loita Plains to the Maasai Mara around the same time as the Serengeti population, but in recent years the herds are staying in the conservancies just outside the reserve as human activities such as agriculture have limited their migratory routes.
- JANUARY TO MARCH -Calving (birthing) season –LOCATION: Southern Serengeti.
- JANUARY TO MARCH – Intense predator action – LOCATION: Southern Serenget.
- JANUARY TO MARCH – Rutting (a period of sexual excitement, reproductive activity and mating battles between males) – LOCATION: Southern Serengeti.
- MAY TO JULY – Grumeti River crossings – LOCATION: Western Serengeti.
- JULY TO SEPTEMBER – Mara River crossings – LOCATION: Northern Serengeti & Masai Mara
- OCTOBER TO DECEMBER – On the move – LOCATION: Masai Mara & Northern Serengeti
Kenya and Tanzania host a spectacular abundance of wildlife, with the Wildebeest migration being an experience not to miss.
Giant herds of wildebeest, zebras and gazelles make a circular tour between the Serengeti National Park in Tanzania and Maasai Mara National Reserve in Kenya. Moving across ecosystems in search of green pasture, the wildebeest migration is one of the greatest Natural Wonders of the world.
The Great Migration takes a full year to complete a single cycle, which means that you can see the mega-herds throughout the year. But because the animals cover huge distances, certain highlights only happen in specific months:
✅NOTE: the above are guidelines only. The Wildebeest Migration is a year-round journey and the popular river crossings cannot be predicted, although they generally occur between May and September. Sometimes the herds stay put for two weeks, other times they could cross four times in one day
