Olderkesi Wildlife Conservancy in the Greater Masai Mara - Kenya

Olderkesi Conservancy location

Tucked away in the southeastern expanse of the Maasai Mara National Reserve, bordering Tanzania and the legendary Serengeti, Olderkesi Conservancy spans an impressive 80 square kilometers. This unspoiled wilderness provides a refuge for elephants, majestic big cats, and elegant giraffes. With only one safari camp within its borders, Olderkesi remains among the most exclusive conservancies in the Masai Mara. A joint initiative between Cottar’s Wildlife Conservancy Trust and the Olderkesi Wildlife Community Trust, this partnership ensures the area remains free from poaching while preventing land from being fragmented for agricultural use.

A breathtaking mosaic of landscapes unfolds across the conservancy, from rolling grasslands and dense forests to riverine valleys and scattered woodlands. Years of dedicated conservation efforts have transformed Olderkesi into a haven for diverse wildlife species and a crucial migratory pathway for the annual wildebeest migration. The indigenous Maasai people still call this region home. Known for their resilience, they have upheld their ancestral customs despite the rapid modernization around them. As semi-nomadic herders, the Maasai nurture vast cattle herds, allowing them to roam the land while maintaining a delicate balance with nature. Their coexistence with wildlife, from prowling lions to migrating wildebeest, is a testament to their deep-rooted harmony with the environment. By working alongside the conservancy, the local community plays a vital role in safeguarding this crucial wildlife corridor.

The establishment of Olderkesi Conservancy marked a turning point for the local Maasai, encouraging them to reduce herd sizes to preserve the land from overgrazing. This practice not only rejuvenates the landscape, fostering the return of native flora and fauna, but also ensures that the region remains an unfenced paradise for wildlife. In an era where global warming and prolonged droughts increasingly threaten the Masai Mara, such conservation efforts are more critical than ever. In exchange for their land stewardship, the Maasai receive a steady income from eco-tourism through a lease agreement with safari operator Cottar’s. Additionally, the Maasai community gains from investments in community social amenities, emphasizing economic and educational opportunities. Through collaboration with the Olderkesi Community Wildlife Trust, this model fosters sustainability, preserves biodiversity, and secures a prosperous future for the land and its people.

Conservation and sustainable tourism

Olderkesi Conservancy takes conservation seriously, enforcing strict penalties for any breaches of its agreements. If someone is caught poaching or illegally grazing livestock, the conservancy deducts a portion from the monthly lease payments made to Maasai landowners. In response, Maasai elders impose a fine on the offender—five times the deducted amount—which is then deposited into a shared community fund. This system of self-governance ensures compliance with conservation commitments set by the two managing trusts, allowing the Maasai to maintain authority over their land and its protection.

By leasing their land, Maasai landowners help sustain critical migration routes that support the awe-inspiring Great Migration between the Mara and Serengeti. Taking place from July to November, this phenomenon attracts thousands of travelers eager to witness its grandeur. Through conservation efforts, 6,500 Maasai landowners safeguard this ecological marvel while securing their economic well-being through eco-tourism. The agreement designates specific zones for farming, settlements, and grazing, while vast expanses remain untouched. This untouched land becomes a haven for secluded Africa wildlife, offering them access to water, food, and breeding grounds.

Accommodation in Olderkesi Conservancy

Cottar’s Safaris stands alone as the exclusive safari operator within Olderkesi Conservancy, offering a rare glimpse into untouched wilderness. Tucked between verdant forests and hidden springs, their camps provide an immersive nature experience. With a legacy spanning over 100 years in the Mara-Serengeti ecosystem, the Cottar family has long been a trusted guide for adventurers craving an extraordinary safari. Every guest at Cottar’s 1920s Safari Camp directly aids conservation efforts and uplifts the Masai community. Tourism revenue offers the Maasai a steady livelihood, surpassing the uncertainties of farming and cattle herding. Furthermore, the conservancy creates jobs in tourism and wildlife protection, employing 29 rangers, six security personnel, and four chefs at the camp.

Planning Your Olderkesi Safari Adventure

Let the Olderkesi Wildlife Conservancy be your next unforgettable adventure! If you’re ready to explore this extraordinary destination or have any questions about planning your safari, we’re here to help. From the best times to visit and the incredible wildlife you’ll encounter to immersive cultural experiences with the Maasai, we’ll guide you every step of the way. Don’t just dream about the perfect safari- let’s make it happen. Contact us today and start your journey into the heart of the Masai Mara!