Masai Mara is one of the most famous safari destinations in the world, renowned for its abundant wildlife, spectacular scenery, and annual wildebeest migration. But did you know that there are also some hidden gems in Masai Mara that offer a more off-the-beaten-path experience? These lesser-known areas are perfect for travelers who want to explore the wild side of Masai Mara, away from the crowds and the tourist traps. Let us introduce you to some the hidden gems in Masai Mara that will make your safari unforgettable. We will also compare and contrast their features and highlights, and help you choose the ones that suit your interests and preferences.
Mara Naboisho Conservancy
Mara Naboisho Conservancy is a private wildlife reserve that borders the Masai Mara National Reserve. It covers an area of 210 square kilometers and hosts a variety of wildlife, including lions, leopards, cheetahs, elephants, giraffes, zebras, and more. The conservancy is also home to the largest population of lions in the Greater Mara ecosystem, with over 100 individuals. What makes Mara Naboisho Conservancy a hidden gem is its exclusivity and intimacy. There are only a handful of luxury lodges in the area, which means fewer vehicles and fewer visitors. This allows you to enjoy a more authentic and immersive safari experience, with less impact on the environment and the wildlife. You can also enjoy some special activities and experiences in the conservancy, such as walking safaris, night drives, fly camping, and cultural visits to the local Maasai communities.
Olare Motorogi Conservancy
Olare Motorogi Conservancy is another private wildlife reserve that borders the Masai Mara National Reserve. It covers an area of 140 square kilometers and boasts a high density of wildlife, especially predators. You can expect to see lions, leopards, cheetahs, hyenas, jackals, and more in this conservancy. You can also spot some rare and endangered species, such as black rhinos, wild dogs, and pangolins. What makes Olare Motorogi Conservancy a hidden gem is its cultural significance and historical background. The conservancy is named after two Maasai clans, Olare and Motorogi, who used to live in conflict over land and resources. In 2006, they decided to join forces and create a conservation area that would benefit both the wildlife and the people. The conservancy is now a model of community-based conservation and sustainable tourism. You can learn more about the history and culture of this area by visiting some of the local villages or participating in some of the cultural activities offered by the lodges.
Lemek Conservancy
Lemek Conservancy is a private wildlife reserve that lies on the northern edge of the Masai Mara National Reserve. It covers an area of 70 square kilometers and hosts a diverse range of wildlife, including elephants, buffaloes, giraffes, antelopes, and more. The conservancy is also known for its birdlife, with over 300 species recorded. What makes Lemek Conservancy a hidden gem is its unique flora and fauna that make it stand out from other areas in Masai Mara. The conservancy has a mix of habitats, such as open plains, acacia woodlands, riverine forests, and swamps. This creates a rich biodiversity that attracts different types of animals and plants. You can also find some species that are not commonly seen in other parts of Masai Mara, such as colobus monkeys, serval cats, caracals, and orchids.
Loita Hills
The second hidden gem is Loita Hills, a range of forested hills that lies east of Masai Mara. Loita Hills is a sacred place for the Maasai people, who have lived in harmony with nature for centuries. Here, you can immerse yourself in the rich and vibrant culture of the Maasai, learning about their traditions, beliefs, and way of life. You can also witness some of their ceremonies, such as the Eunoto (the transition from warrior to elder) or the Enkipaata (the initiation of young boys). Loita Hills also offers stunning views of the surrounding landscapes, as well as opportunities for hiking, birdwatching, and horse riding.
Ol Kinyei Conservancy
Ol Kinyei Conservancy is a private wildlife reserve that lies on the eastern edge of the Masai Mara National Reserve. It covers an area of 180 square kilometers and hosts a variety of wildlife,
including lions, leopards, cheetahs, elephants, giraffes, zebras,and more. The conservancy is also home to the first ever free-ranging population of black rhinos in Masai Mara, which were reintroduced in 2019.What makes Ol Kinyei Conservancy
a hidden gem is its conservation projects and initiatives that take place in the area. The conservancy is owned and managedby the local Maasai community, who have set aside the land for wildlife protection and ecotourism. The conservancy is also involved
in various research and monitoring programs, such as lion tracking, elephant collaring, and bird ringing. You can learn more about these projects or contribute to them by visiting some of the research stations or joining some of the conservation activities
offered by the lodges.
Sand River
The fourth hidden gem is Sand River, a seasonal river that flows along the southern boundary of Masai Mara National Reserve. Sand River is a scenic and serene destination that offers a different perspective of Masai Mara. Here, you can enjoy the tranquility and beauty of the riverine ecosystem, which attracts a variety of birds and animals. You can also witness the spectacle of the wildebeest migration crossing the river between July and October, depending on the rainfall patterns. Sand River also offers a glimpse into the history of Masai Mara, as it was once a hunting ground for colonial explorers and adventurers.
Comparison and Differentiation
Now that you have learned about the four hidden gems in Masai Mara, you might be wondering how to choose the ones that align with your interests and preferences. To help you decide, we have compared and contrasted their key features and highlights, and provided some insights to guide you.
- If you are looking for exclusivity and intimacy, Mara Naboisho Conservancy is the best option. It has the lowest number of lodges and visitors, which means more privacy and less disturbance. You can also enjoy some unique and adventurous activities, such as walking safaris and fly camping, that are not allowed in other areas.
- If you are keen on seeing predators such as lions, leopards, and cheetahs, Olare Motorogi Conservancy is your best bet. If you are interested in seeing rare and endangered species such as black rhinos, wild dogs, and serval cats, Mara Naboisho Conservancy is your ideal choice. If you are fascinated by giraffes and elephants, you will love Mara Naboisho Conservancy and Sand River.
- If you are looking for cultural significance and historical background, Olare Motorogi Conservancy and Lota Hills are the best options. It has a rich and fascinating history of conflict and cooperation between two Maasai clans, which you can learn more about by visiting some of the local villages or participating in some of the cultural activities. You can also enjoy some of the best predator sightings in Masai Mara, as the conservancy has a high density of lions, leopards, cheetahs, and more.
- If you are looking for unique flora and fauna, Lemek Conservancy is the best option. It has a diverse range of habitats, such as open plains, acacia woodlands, riverine forests, and swamps, that create a rich biodiversity that attracts different types of animals and plants. You can also find some species that are not commonly seen in other parts of Masai Mara, such as colobus monkeys, serval cats, caracals, and orchids.
- If you are looking for conservation projects and initiatives, Ol Kinyei Conservancy is the best option. It is owned and managed by the local Maasai community, who have set aside the land for wildlife protection and ecotourism. You can also learn more about or contribute to some of the research and monitoring programs that take place in the area, such as lion tracking, elephant collaring, and bird ringing.
Whether you choose one or more of these destinations, you will be sure to have a more off-the-beaten-path experience that will enrich your understanding and appreciation of this amazing place.
To book an all inclusive off-the-beaten-path safari to the Masai Mara and stay at one of the lodges and camps in these hidden gems, contact us today at Masai Mara Holidays, and we will help you plan your dream safari.
