Want to learn about Masai Mara conservancies? When the exploration of wildlife in this area started, there was a rapid loss of wildlife. Over the last 70 years, Kenya has lost more than 30 percent of its wildlife due to many factors. Some of these factors are linked to climate change, while others are caused by human activity such as poaching and land use changes. These challenges led to the need to protect wildlife in a better way.
Because of this, efforts were made to set up Maasai Mara Conservancies. These conservancies help protect wildlife while also supporting the local communities. Giving the responsibility of conservation to local people helps improve their livelihoods. When communities benefit from tourism, they are more willing to protect wildlife instead of engaging in illegal activities.
List of Masai Mara Conservancies
There are more than 15 Maasai Mara Conservancies covering over 450,000 acres of land. These conservancies bring in more than 4 million dollars every year into the community. This income supports families, schools, and local projects. It also reduces the need for illegal wildlife trade because people can earn from tourism in a legal way.
Nyekweri Kimintet Conservancy
Nyekweri Kimintet is a community forest conservation trust that started in 2004. It is a community based organization led by Mr. Peter Tompoy. The conservancy works closely with partners such as WWF, Maasai Mara Wildlife Conservancies Association, Indigenous Information Network, and Africa Foundation.
This conservancy focuses on helping wildlife and people live together. It allows both wildlife and livestock to share the land. It is located on the Siria Plateau, which is known as a good habitat for pangolins. The conservancy works to protect these animals and maintain the balance between people and nature.
Mount Suswa Conservancy
Mount Suswa Conservancy was established in 2008 as a trust. It operates across Kenya but is divided into village clusters in Narok and Kajiado. Each village is represented and takes part in decision making.
The conservancy works on the slopes of Mount Suswa. It protects wildlife and also protects the caldera and lava tube caves found in the area. These natural features are important for tourism and conservation. The conservancy ensures that both wildlife and natural landscapes are preserved.
Enarau Conservancy
Enarau Conservancy is one of the newest Maasai Mara Conservancies and was established in 2022. Its main goal is to reclaim lost land in the Maasai Mara. It focuses on restoring degraded areas and improving vegetation cover.
The conservancy is located in the northern part of the Maasai Mara where other conservancies like Lemek, Ol Chorro, and Enonkishu are also found. It covers about 2,140 acres, with plans to expand conservation areas. A large portion of the land is used to maintain green cover and support wildlife habitats.
Olerai Conservancy
The Olerai Conservancy is believed that more than 65 percent of wildlife in Africa lives on community land. Olerai Conservancy works to ensure that communities provide space for wildlife.
In 2017, more than 20 landowners offered their land for conservation. The conservancy now manages over 1,361 acres. The name Olerai comes from a Maasai word for the yellow barked acacia tree. This conservancy supports wildlife protection while allowing communities to benefit from conservation.
Mbokishi Mara Conservation
Mbokishi Mara Conservation is located in the north eastern part of the Maasai Mara. It helps local people understand and adopt the conservancy model.
The conservancy encourages landowners to offer land for conservation. It also provides support to reduce conflict between humans, livestock, and wildlife. In addition, it helps farmers improve their agricultural practices and increase production. This improves the quality of life for local people while protecting wildlife.
Pardamat Conservation Area
Pardamat Conservation follows a mixed conservation model. It aims to protect wildlife while also improving the economic situation of local people.
More than 800 landowners have contributed over 25,000 acres to this conservancy. It is located near Naboisho, Ol Kinyei, Lemek, and Mara North conservancies. This area supports animal movement between the Loita Plains, the Mara Triangle, and the Maasai Mara National Reserve. This movement is important for wildlife survival, especially during migration.
Olderkesi Conservancy
Olderkesi Conservancy is located next to the Maasai Mara and near the border with Tanzania’s Serengeti. It is managed through a partnership between Cottar’s Wildlife Conservancy Trust and Olderkesi Wildlife Community Trust.
This partnership has been active for more than 20 years. Their main goal is to support sustainable conservation. The conservancy focuses on long term protection of wildlife while ensuring that local communities benefit from conservation activities.
Ol Kinyei Conservancy
Ol Kinyei Conservancy was founded in 2005 and is one of the first conservancies in the Maasai Mara ecosystem. It covers about 18,641 acres and involves 177 landowners working with tourism partners.
Since it started, many native species have returned to the area. The conservancy is now home to lions, leopards, and many other animals. It also has over 300 bird species. Ol Kinyei shows how conservation can restore wildlife and improve the environment.
Olare Motorogi Conservancy
Olare Motorogi Conservancy was formed by joining Olare Orok and Motorogi conservancies. It covers about 33,386 acres and is an important area for wildlife movement.
More than 290 landowners contributed land to support conservation. Some grazing is allowed in a controlled way. The area is home to animals such as rhinos and wild dogs, which are rare and endangered. This makes the conservancy very important for wildlife protection.
Mara Naboisho Conservancy
Mara Naboisho Conservancy covers about 52,000 acres and was created by more than 636 landowners. It is known for its large population of big cats.
There are many lions in this area, with more than 70 recorded. Other animals include elephants, giraffes, and wildebeest. Rare animals such as aardvark, caracal, serval cat, aardwolf, and ratel are also found here. This conservancy is one of the best places to see wildlife in the Maasai Mara.
Lemek Conservancy
Lemek Conservancy started as part of the Koiyaki Lemek Community Wildlife Trust in 1995 and was later registered in 2009. It covers about 6,027 acres and includes around 480 landowners.
The conservancy is located along the Mara River, which attracts many animals. Wildlife found here includes lions, leopards, cheetahs, elephants, hippos, buffalo, warthogs, and antelopes. The area also supports many bird species. The river and vegetation make it a good habitat for wildlife.
Enonkishu Conservancy
Enonkishu Conservancy is located in the northern part of the Mara ecosystem. It covers about 5,928 acres and includes 42 landowners who lease their land.
The conservancy focuses on improving livestock through better cattle management while also promoting tourism. It has woodland, river, and rocky areas. Hippos and crocodiles are found in the river, while leopards live in the forests. Rare animals such as aardvark and serval cat are also seen here.
Ol Choro Oirouwa Conservancy
Ol Choro Oirouwa Conservancy is one of the oldest in the region, established in 1991. It was started with the help of Maasai elders and conservation partners.
The conservancy introduced white rhinos from South Africa. Today, it is the only conservancy in the Mara protecting two southern white rhinos under ranger protection. It serves as a model for conservation and shows how communities can protect endangered species.
Mara North Conservancy
Mara North Conservancy is a private conservation area covering about 72,080 acres. It forms part of the north western section of the Maasai Mara.
The conservancy works with about 783 landowners and partners with several camps and tourism operators. Its goal is to create a well managed conservation area that supports wildlife, the environment, and local communities. It focuses on long term conservation and responsible tourism.
Importance of Maasai Mara Conservancies
Maasai Mara Conservancies play a very important role in protecting wildlife and supporting communities. They provide safe spaces for animals outside the national reserve. They also allow animals to move freely between different areas, which is important for migration.
These conservancies help reduce human wildlife conflict by giving communities benefits from tourism. When people earn income from conservation, they are more willing to protect wildlife and land. This leads to better conservation results and improved livelihoods.
The success of Maasai Mara Conservancies shows that community based conservation works. It helps protect wildlife, supports local people, and ensures that future generations can also enjoy these natural areas.
