Before I visited the famous Masai Mara in Kenya, I was under the impression that the only area in the whole of the Greater Masai Mara eco-system that was worth seeing was the Masai Mara National Reserve, and that the conservancies adjacent to the national reserve provided more of a cultural, rather than a wildlife viewing experience.  However, on my recent visit to the Masai Mara, I was proved wrong. The Maasai Mara National Reserve is only a fraction of the Greater Masai Mara Ecosystem, which also includes more than ten group ranches or conservancies that are adjacent to the National Reserve; all of them offering excellent wildlife viewing opportunities. These conservancies were formed by negotiation with the local Masai people who have joined together to lease their land to tourism companies with the aim of increasing the area allocated to protection of wildlife. These companies have set up lodges and camps in these conservancies focusing on photographic tourism.

The main attraction of staying in one of the camps and lodges within the conservancies to avoid the crowds. Each conservancy supports only a few small lodges and there is no mass tourism in these areas. Game drives are therefore pleasant with generally no more than two vehicles at a wildlife sighting. Another attraction is the fact that, in addition to the usual game drives that are offered as activities when visiting the Masai Mara, the lodges and camps in the conservancies can offer night drives, walking safaris and cultural excursions. This is advantage over staying inside the Maasai Mara National Reserve, where walking and night drives are not allowed, and cultural excursions are not always possible.  Don’t get me wrong, a few nights spent at a lodge inside the Masai Mara reserve is definitely still worthwhile, especially if you are visiting during the wildebeest migration when millions of wildebeest cross over the Mara river from the Serengeti to spend a few months in the Masai Mara reserve in search of food before returning to the Serengeti.  But, when planning your next safari to Kenya, consider spending some time not only in the Masai Mara Reserve, but also a few days in one of the adjacent conservancies for a unique and different experience. You will not be disappointed! For more information on the Great Masai Mara ecosystem, please contact This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it