Masai Mara

Masai Mara National Reserve

The Masai Mara Game Reserve began in 1948 as a 520 km² wildlife sanctuary. It was expanded eastward in 1961 and went through several changes before reaching its current size of 1,510 km². The name “Mara” comes from the Maasai people. In their language, Maa, it means “spotted,” which describes the landscape dotted with acacia trees, shrubs, and wildlife.

To the east lie the sandy Ngama Hills, thick with bush and favored by black rhinos. The Oloololo Escarpment marks the western border. To the north is the Musiara Swamp, a hotspot for elephants, lions, cheetahs, and leopards. The Mara Triangle, bordered by the Mara River, features lush grasslands that draw large herds of wildebeest during the Great Migration.

The Mara Triangle is managed by the Trans-Mara County Council, a non-profit organization. The popular southeastern section is under the Narok County Council. Both manage conservation, tourism, and anti-poaching efforts.

The Mara River

The Mara River begins in the Napuiyapi Swamp in Kenya’s highlands. The Amala and Nyangores Rivers merge to form the Mara, which flows through the Masai Mara and Serengeti before ending in Lake Victoria. Its most dramatic scenes occur in the Masai Mara during the Great Migration.

This river is the Masai Mara’s main water source, serving wildlife year-round. From late July to October, it becomes the stage for epic river crossings. Giant crocodiles lie in wait for the migrating herds.

Wildebeest usually cross where the current is gentler, though these spots may be more dangerous due to predators. Sometimes herds wait at the riverbank for hours, then retreat without crossing.

Masai Mara Conservancies

About 25% of Kenya’s wildlife lives in the Masai Mara ecosystem. Much of it roams rangelands outside the reserve, owned by individuals, communities, or subdivided group lands.

Many landowners are Maasai pastoralists. These lands form key wildlife corridors. If fenced or farmed, Kenya’s wildlife could suffer major losses.

The conservancies operate under a shared model—leasing land from Maasai landowners, reinvesting tourism income into local communities, and protecting wildlife. This creates a win-win for conservation, local livelihoods, and tourism.

Enonkishu Conservancy

Located at the northern edge of the Greater Mara Ecosystem, Enonkishu borders the Mara River. It’s home to giraffes, buffalo, plains game, and a lion pride. Leopards roam the riverine forests. Hippos and crocodiles are common. Rare species like aardwolf, caracal, and aardvark are occasionally seen. The conservancy also runs cattle programs with the local community.

Mara Naboisho Conservancy

Next to the Masai Mara Reserve, this private conservancy hosts high wildlife densities. Big cats, elephants, giraffes, and wildebeests are frequent sightings. It offers exclusive safari experiences while supporting the Maasai community through revenue-sharing.

Mara North Conservancy

A non-profit run by 12 camps and 788 Maasai landowners, Mara North borders the reserve. It’s one of the region’s most wildlife-rich areas. Leopard Gorge, featured in BBC’s Big Cat Diary, is located here. The area also hosts rare wild dogs and thousands of wildebeest during the Loita Hills migration (Dec–May).

Ol Kinyei Conservancy

This was the first conservancy in the Mara. Originally 8,000 acres, it’s now 17,500 acres of community-owned land set aside for wildlife. No human settlements or cattle are allowed. The area is home to 30+ lions, leopards, and 300+ bird species. With only two camps and 15 tents, visitors enjoy an intimate, uncrowded safari.

Olare Motorogi Conservancy

Formed in 2006 with 277 Maasai landowners, this conservancy borders the Masai Mara Reserve. The community agreed to relocate and limit cattle grazing. This has led to a rise in wildlife diversity and numbers. Today, big cats, elephants, and other herbivores thrive in this low-traffic, high-quality safari area.