Olare Motorogi Conservancy in the Greater Maasai Mara - Kenya

About Maasai Mara National Reserve’s Private Olare Motorogi Conservancy

One of the Masai Mara’s greatest conservation successes is the Olare Motorogi Conservancy, a 142-square-kilometer private conservancy dedicated to wildlife conservation while supporting Maasai landowners through sustainable safari tourism. With just five safari camps- Mara Plains Camp, Porini Lion Camp, Olare Mara Kempinski, and the intimate Kicheche Bush Camp- this conservancy offers an exclusive experience, limiting guests to only 94 beds. This setup allows for a single safari vehicle to traverse every 8.5 square kilometers, ensuring a serene safari tour experience.

Before 2006, the area was split into two separate conservancies, Motorogi and Olare Orok. Rolling grasslands, Acacia woodlands, and lush riverbanks defined the landscape, dotted with Maasai homesteads. However, extensive cattle grazing led to overuse of the land, threatening both the ecosystem and the local way of life.

To safeguard this incredible wilderness, the two conservancies merged, forming what is now the Olare Motorogi Conservancy. This union strengthened conservation initiatives while allowing the five safari operators to seamlessly traverse the landscape. Today, visitors enjoy an uninterrupted, fenceless terrain teeming with wildlife, while the 288 Maasai landowners benefit from employment opportunities, education programs, and community projects, proving that conservation and community can thrive hand in hand.

Wildlife in Olare Motorogi

While many safari enthusiasts typically flock to the Masai Mara during the bustling months from July to October, Olare Motorogi Conservancy offers exceptional game-viewing experiences throughout the year. The conservancy’s hills are a haven for a diverse array of herbivores, including giraffes, wildebeests, warthogs, and zebras. This abundance of prey naturally attracts a variety of predators, making it a hotspot for big cats like lions, cheetahs, leopards, as well as hyenas and jackals. The picturesque ‘luggas’—small seasonal streams—meander through the hills, their banks adorned with lush green forests that draw in elephants, baboons, buffaloes, and hippos. During the great wildebeest migration, the conservancy becomes even more dynamic, with migrating herds bustling through wildlife corridors. For those seeking the dramatic river crossings, a drive south towards the Mara Confluence is recommended.

Activities in Olare Motorogi

Why choose a stay at a conservancy in the Masai Mara? The answer lies in its unmatched concentration of wildlife, making it an unmissable highlight of your itinerary. Here, adventure goes beyond the ordinary—think exhilarating night game drives, off-road safaris that bring you closer to nature, immersive bush walks, and unforgettable alfresco dining beneath the African sky. Picture all of this unfolding amid lush riverine forests snaking through the lower valleys of the Olare Orok and Ntiakitiak Rivers. Towering cliffs, the striking Ntiakitiak Gorge, and a sweeping twelve-kilometer escarpment complete this breathtaking landscape. Below, acacia woodlands thrive, sheltering an array of fascinating wildlife. Unlike the Masai Mara National Reserve, conservancies allow for intimate, off-the-beaten-path encounters with nature, creating a safari experience that’s both exclusive and unforgettable.

Accommodation in Olare Motorogi

Despite its wild and untamed appearance, Olare Motorogi Conservancy is home to some of Kenya’s most luxurious safari camps, where indulgence meets adventure. These camps offer exceptional wildlife encounters alongside a variety of safari and cultural experiences. Whether you prefer spotting the Big Five from a 4×4 safari vehicle or embarking on an immersive guided nature walk, Olare Motorogi’s camps cater to every explorer’s dream. Blending intimate luxury with modern comforts, they ensure that guests never have to sacrifice a cozy bed or a refreshing shower while enjoying the wilderness. With each camp limited to fewer than 24 beds, an exclusive and authentic safari experience awaits.

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