OL KINYEI CONSERVANCY
The First Conservancy of the Mara
History of Ol Kinyei Conservancy
Ol Kinyei was the pioneer, the original innovator that proved the conservancy model was viable. A cooperative union between the 170 landowning Maasai people of the area and two tourism entities, this eco-aware arrangement has been a boon to all parties, as well as the 17,500-acre tract of land and the wildlife which inhabit it.
Under the agreement, the Maasai herders would cut back on their grazing practices in exchange for a leasing arrangement for their land. The income they regularly receive, plus employment at the nearby tourist camps have greatly improved the lifestyle of these native pastoral peoples.
The land has recovered to its full and scenic potential with spectacular views of the Mara, painted with green rolling hills, rivers, and streams. Filling this paradise is a wilderness dream of big cats – a resident pride of 20 lions. Plus, visitors enjoy frequent sightings of cheetahs on these plains, and leopard spottings are not uncommon.
Migrating and Resident Wildlife
On your safari through the conservancy, you’ll be treated to a busy variety of the local population – look for impalas, buffalos, hippos, zebras, giraffes, and elephants. Overhead and up in the trees, you’ll easily find some of the more than 450 species of birds.
Being adjacent to the Masai Mara, the conservancy is also an ideal spot to witness the greatest movement of animals on earth – the Great Migration. From June to October, hundreds of thousands, and sometimes even several million wildebeests and zebras cross into these lands on their yearly trek for richer grasses. Being guests at the conservancy, you’ll have a front-row seat. As an additional bonus, should you be here in January, you’ll witness a second migration into Ol Kinyei from the Loita Plains.
Low-Density Tourism
But as rich as these fields are with wildlife, the conservancy features the lowest density of tourists in the Mara region. There are just two eco-camps here and each has six tents – a limit of only 12 guests at a time. Additionally, no other tourist vehicles are allowed into the conservancy. Lucky guests will enjoy the thousands of unspoiled acres to themselves.
The Maasai
Sharing this land flocked with distinctive acacia trees are the Maasai people, nomadic herders from whom the park takes its name. They construct traditional villages surrounding the reserve and live as they have for eons, herding their cattle and pushing back at an ever-encroaching modern world.
Known for their brightly colored shukas and deft beadwork, the Maasai are a living link to a past that stretches back beyond colonial Africa, to an era when the entire continent was wild and untouched.
Grasslands
Open bush
Dense bush
Riverine Forest
Swamps
Don’t Miss…
When you’re on safari in the neighboring national park, you are required to stay in your vehicle and that vehicle has to stay on the roads – no off-roading there. In the conservancy, it’s a different story.
Walking with the Maasai – Here you can take guided nature walks over the land, getting close to the sights and smells of the bush, the plains, the rivers, and the forest. Making this experience more authentic still is your guide, a Maasai native who grew up on these savannahs.
His Village – You can visit one of the local Maasai villages and there’s a good chance it was where your guide grew up or presently lives. Get close to these native inhabitants and learn firsthand about their traditions and ceremonies.
Full-day Game Drive/Lunch – What’s more fun than a game drive? A game drive where you can enjoy lunch in the field. No need to break up your day to return to camp for a meal. Just pull over to the nearest spectacular view and your guide becomes your host with a wonderful lunch prepared by the camp. Eat, relax, and then safari on!
Safari After Dark – This is another activity you can’t do in the national park – venture out into the cool dark for a nighttime safari. The land and the wildlife take on a different quality, an almost ethereal feeling when the sun has gone down. You’ll see other species peering back at you, their silver eyes glinting in the moonlight. Not to be missed!
Community Projects
These reserve-based projects help the livelihoods of the nearby rural communities.
- Education for local students, including computer skills training
- Healthcare – providing medical supplies to the local health centers and mobile clinic
- Energy – providing hundreds of local families with energy-efficient stoves – reducing the need for firewood.
The Accommodations
Unlike the other conservancies, there are only two small camps in Ol Kinyei, with limited beds, making for a more exclusive safari experience.
Porini Mara Camp and Porini Cheetah Camp host a maximum of only twelve guests each. The lucky few who stay at these camps have seen the wildlife from their tents and verandas.
Getting there: You can Book a tour with Africa Kenya Safaris. And you’ll go in style – a specially outfitted 4 x 4 safari Jeep.
Ol Kinyei Conservancy Facts & FAQ Guide
Ol Kinyei Conservancy is a prime safari destination located near the Masai Mara, offering a unique blend of natural beauty, wildlife, and exclusive experiences. This FAQ section will help answer essential questions about the conservancy, including its location, accommodation options, wildlife, and activities. Whether you’re planning a safari or exploring Ol Kinyei’s rich biodiversity, our answers provide helpful insights to make your visit memorable. Read on to discover everything you need to know about this stunning, eco-conscious conservation area.
How big is Ol Kinyei Conservancy?
Ol Kinyei Conservancy spans an impressive 18,700 acres in the Masai Mara ecosystem, offering a pristine wildlife haven renowned for its untouched landscapes and abundant animal sightings. This privately-owned conservancy ensures limited visitor numbers, creating an exclusive and serene safari experience for guests.
A Protected Paradise
The conservancy was established to preserve wildlife habitats and empower the local Maasai community. With controlled tourism and sustainable practices, it’s a thriving refuge for iconic African species, including lions, elephants, and cheetahs.
A Haven for Safari Enthusiasts
Ol Kinyei Conservancy offers unmatched game-viewing experiences with guided bush walks, off-road drives, and night safaris, ensuring intimate encounters with the wilderness in one of Kenya’s most tranquil settings.
How old is Ol Kinyei Conservancy?
Ol Kinyei Conservancy was established in 2005, making it almost two decades old. Created to protect the Masai Mara ecosystem and promote sustainable tourism, it has since become a model for conservation in Kenya.
A Conservation Legacy
Ol Kinyei Conservancy was among the first Maasai community-owned conservancies in the Mara region. Its creation has preserved crucial habitats for wildlife while ensuring community benefits through eco-tourism partnerships.
A Pioneer in Eco-Tourism
By balancing wildlife protection and local involvement, the conservancy has demonstrated the effectiveness of conservation-led tourism, offering visitors exclusive wildlife encounters in a pristine environment.
What are the best things to do in Ol Kinyei Conservancy?
The best things to do in Ol Kinyei Conservancy include game drives, guided walking safaris, and experiencing the authentic Maasai culture. Visitors enjoy an exclusive and intimate safari experience amidst diverse wildlife and stunning landscapes.
Unmatched Wildlife Safaris
Ol Kinyei offers thrilling day and night game drives, providing sightings of the Big Cats, elephants, giraffes, and abundant birdlife. The unspoiled terrain makes every drive a unique adventure.
Walking Safaris & Cultural Insights
Guided walking safaris immerse you in the natural environment, while Maasai community visits allow you to learn about their traditions, creating a deeper connection with Kenya’s heritage.
What county is Ol Kinyei Conservancy in?
Ol Kinyei Conservancy is located in Narok County, Kenya, within the Greater Maasai Mara ecosystem. It is one of the key conservancies offering exclusive wildlife experiences and cultural connections in this region.
Narok County and the Maasai Mara
Narok County is home to the Maasai Mara National Reserve and surrounding conservancies, including Ol Kinyei. This county is globally recognized for its stunning landscapes and rich biodiversity.
Strategic Location in Kenya’s Wild Heart
Ol Kinyei’s position in Narok County provides easy access to the broader Maasai Mara ecosystem, making it a prime location for unforgettable safari experiences.
Where is Ol Kinyei Conservancy located?
Ol Kinyei Conservancy is located in Narok County, Kenya, within the eastern section of the Greater Maasai Mara ecosystem. This private conservancy is renowned for its pristine landscapes and abundant wildlife, offering a secluded safari experience.
Part of the Greater Maasai Mara
Situated approximately 250 kilometers southwest of Nairobi, Ol Kinyei Conservancy is easily accessible by road or domestic flights. It neighbors other conservancies, contributing to the thriving biodiversity of the Maasai Mara region.
A Tranquil Wildlife Haven
The conservancy spans rolling savannahs, wooded thickets, and seasonal rivers, creating diverse habitats for iconic African wildlife and an exceptional safari adventure.
What animals can be seen on safari in Ol Kinyei Conservancy?
Ol Kinyei Conservancy is home to a wide variety of animals, including the iconic Big Cats—lions, leopards, and cheetahs—alongside elephants, giraffes, zebras, and antelopes. The conservancy’s thriving wildlife population makes it a top destination for intimate, crowd-free safaris.
Big Cats and Predators
Ol Kinyei is particularly famous for its Big Cat sightings, offering opportunities to observe lions, leopards, and cheetahs in their natural environment. Hyenas and jackals are also common, completing the predator-rich landscape.
Herbivores and Birdlife
Guests can expect to see giraffes, buffalos, and gazelles roaming the plains. The conservancy is also a birdwatcher’s paradise, with over 300 species, including raptors and vibrant songbirds.
Who owns Ol Kinyei Conservancy?
Ol Kinyei Conservancy is owned by a collective of local Maasai landowners who partner with conservation organizations to protect wildlife and support sustainable tourism. This unique model ensures that both the landowners and the environment benefit from safari tourism.
A Community-Driven Conservation Initiative
The conservancy’s ownership by the Maasai community reflects their commitment to preserving their ancestral lands and wildlife heritage. The partnership integrates cultural preservation with ecological stewardship.
Supporting Local Economies Through Tourism
Tourism in Ol Kinyei directly benefits the Maasai landowners through lease payments and employment, creating a harmonious balance between wildlife conservation and community welfare.
Is Ol Kinyei Conservancy in the Masai Mara?
Yes, Ol Kinyei Conservancy is part of the Greater Masai Mara Ecosystem. Located adjacent to the Masai Mara National Reserve, it is one of the region’s private conservancies, contributing to the area’s rich biodiversity and sustainable tourism practices.
A Vital Piece of the Masai Mara Ecosystem
Ol Kinyei Conservancy covers over 18,700 acres of pristine wilderness within the broader Masai Mara ecosystem. This strategic location supports vital migration corridors and habitats for diverse wildlife species, including the Big Five.
Seamless Safari Experiences
Visitors to Ol Kinyei Conservancy enjoy uninterrupted access to the Masai Mara National Reserve and neighboring conservancies, creating a unique and comprehensive safari experience. Private game drives and uncrowded landscapes enhance the allure for wildlife enthusiasts.
Is Ol Kinyei Conservancy good for birdwatching?
Yes, Ol Kinyei Conservancy is excellent for birdwatching. With its diverse habitats ranging from savannah plains to riverine forests, the conservancy hosts over 300 bird species, including rare and migratory species, making it a paradise for birding enthusiasts.
Rare and Spectacular Bird Sightings
Birdwatchers can spot a wide variety of birds, from the vibrant lilac-breasted roller to the regal crowned crane. The conservancy’s wetlands and woodlands attract migratory species, particularly during certain times of the year.
Guided Birding Safaris
Ol Kinyei Conservancy offers expert-guided birding safaris, providing visitors with opportunities to learn about the area’s avian life while exploring its serene landscapes. This intimate experience is ideal for capturing stunning photographs and creating lasting memories.
Is Ol Kinyei tented camp accommodation available to stay in?
Yes, Ol Kinyei Conservancy offers luxurious tented camp accommodations for guests seeking an immersive safari experience. These eco-friendly camps provide comfortable lodgings amidst the pristine wilderness, blending modern amenities with the charm of the African bush.
Tented Camps for Every Safari Style
From intimate bush camps to more expansive lodges, options cater to diverse preferences. Guests enjoy en-suite bathrooms, dining areas, and personalized service, ensuring a relaxing stay while surrounded by wildlife.
Exclusive Access and Authentic Experiences
Staying within Ol Kinyei Conservancy offers exclusive access to uncrowded game viewing areas, guided walks, and night drives—ideal for those seeking a secluded, authentic safari adventure.
This is Ol Kinyei Conservancy
This is the ultimate safari experience – a beautiful and practically tourist-empty swath of land where the big cats and other large game are frequently spotted. Stay at one of the two exclusive camps, go for bush breakfasts and nighttime safaris. You’ll feel like it’s just you, the land and wildlife of Ol Kinyei.
When Do You Want to Visit?
The big cats and the dozens of wildlife species don’t have any downtime during the year – there are always in sight on the great savannahs of this storied park.
The climate here is mild and generally sunny year-round. So, the game viewing is excellent any time you choose to go on safari.
However, the park is known for its peak migration season from July through October. These are the months you can expect to witness thousands upon thousands of wildebeests, zebra, and gazelle invading the park on their annual trek for water and more sustainable grasses.
Please view our selection of Masai Mara tours below and let’s talk. We’ll create the safari you’ve been dreaming about.
MASAI MARA 4x4 JEEP SAFARIS FROM NAIROBI
2 , 3 & 4 Days Masai Mara safari packages in our custom 4x4 pop-up top safari Landcruiser jeeps
MASAI MARA FLIGHT SAFARIS FROM NAIROBI
2 , 3 & 4 Days Kenya Fly-In / Air safaris from Nairobi to Masai Mara National Reserve
MASAI MARA FLIGHT SAFARIS FROM DIANI BEACH
2 & 3-day Masai Mara fly-in safaris from Diani, Tiwi, Galu, Shimoni, Msambweni Beach Resorts
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KENYA SAFARI & DIANI BEACH
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ZANZIBAR BEACH HOLIDAYS
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HOLIDAY EXPERIENCES
You came to Africa to live an experience – to see the Big 5, Big cats, wildebeest migration & so much more!
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At Africa Kenya Safaris we are always flexible with your options, we will offer our thoughts on seasons, budgets, lifestyle, accommodations, first-hand experience of the parks, and all the possible activities to fill out your safari story. We’ll work with your impressions and dreams and add our ideas on which to build your adventure.
