Maasai Mara off the beaten path safari

Maasai Mara off the beaten path safari : Maasai Mara is a globally recognized Kenya safari destination that is well-known for its yearly wildebeest migration, breathtaking scenery, and plethora of species. However, did you know that Maasai Mara also has a few undiscovered jewels that provide a less travelled route? Travellers who wish to see Maasai Mara’s untamed side away from the throng and tourist traps will love these lesser-known locations. Allow us to present you to a few of Maasai Mara’s hidden treasures that are sure to make your safari one to remember. Additionally, we will contrast and analyze their highlights and characteristics to assist you in selecting the ones that best fit your tastes and areas of interest.

Mara Naboisho Conservancy.

Adjacent to the Maasai Mara National Reserve lies the private wildlife reserve known as Mara Naboisho Conservancy. 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. The seclusion and closeness of Mara Naboisho Conservancy are what make it a hidden treasure. There aren’t many luxury lodges in the region, therefore there are less cars and tourists.

With less of an influence on the ecosystem and the wildlife, this enables you to take part in a more genuine and immersive safari experience. In addition, the reserve offers unique experiences and activities including fly camping, walking safaris, night drives, and cultural visits to nearby Maasai towns.

Olare Motorogi Conservancy.

The Maasai Mara National Reserve is bordered by the Olare Motorogi Conservancy, another private wildlife reserve. It is 140 square kilometres in size and is home to a large concentration of animals, particularly 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. Olare Motorogi Conservancy’s cultural relevance and historical context are what make it a hidden gem. Olare and Motorogi, two Maasai clans that formerly fought over territory and resources, are honored in the name of the conservancy. They made the decision to work together in 2006 to establish a conservation area that would benefit humans and wildlife alike. Today, the reserve serves as an example of sustainable tourism and community-based conservation.

Lemek Conservancy.

Located on the northern boundary of the Maasai Mara National Reserve is the private game reserve known as Lemek Conservancy. Elephants, buffaloes, giraffes, antelopes, and other diverse animals can be found within its 70 square kilometer expanse. With more than 300 species of birds identified, the conservancy is renowned for its wildlife. Lemek Conservancy’s distinct vegetation and wildlife set it apart from other Maasai Mara locations, making it a hidden treasure. A variety of habitats, including open grasslands, acacia forests, riverine forests, and swamps, may be found within the conservancy. Rich biodiversity is produced as a result, drawing in a variety of animals and plants. A few species that are uncommon in other areas of Maasai Mara are also present, including caracals, serval cats, colobus monkeys, and orchids.

Loita Hills.

East of Maasai Mara is a range of forested hills known as Loita Hills, which is the second hidden gem. The Maasai people, who have coexisted peacefully with the environment for centuries, consider Loita Hills to be a sacred site. Here, you may become fully immersed in the colourful and diverse culture of the Maasai people and discover more about their customs, beliefs, and way of life. Some of their ceremonies, including the Enkipaata (the initiation of young boys) and the Eunoto (the transfer from warrior to elder), are also available for you to observe. In addition to providing breathtaking views of the surrounding countryside, Loita Hills also provides chances for horseback riding, hiking, and bird viewing.

 Kinyei Conservancy.

Located on the eastern boundary of the Maasai Mara National Reserve is the privately owned wildlife reserve known as Kinyei Conservancy. It covers an area of 180 square kilometers and provides a variety of wildlife, including lions, leopards, cheetahs, elephants, giraffes, zebras, and more. After being reintroduced in 2019, the conservancy is also home to Masai Mara’s first-ever free-ranging population of black rhinos. The conservation efforts and programs that Kinyei Conservancy does in the region are what distinguish it as a hidden treasure. The Maasai people in the area own and operate the conservancy, designating the property for the preservation of wildlife and ecotourism. Along with these research and monitoring initiatives, the conservancy also conducts bird ringing, elephant collaring, and lion tracking. By visiting some of the research stations or taking part in some of the conservation activities that the lodges provide, you may find out more about these initiatives and learn how you can help.

Sand River.

The fourth undiscovered treasure is the seasonal Sand River, which meanders along the southern edge of the Maasai Mara National Reserve. A tranquil and picturesque location, Sand River provides an alternative viewpoint of Maasai Mara. Enjoy the peace and splendour of the riverine ecology here, which draws a wide range of avian and terrestrial species. Depending on the patterns of rainfall, you can also see the spectacular spectacle of the wildebeest migration crossing the river between July and October. Since Sand River was previously a hunting area for colonial explorers and adventurers, it provides additional insight into the history of Maasai Mara.

Comparison and Differentiation.

You may be wondering how to select the hidden jewels in Maasai Mara that suit your tastes and interests now that you know about the four. We have contrasted and compared their salient characteristics and highlights, along with offering some guidance to aid in your decision-making.

The greatest choice if you’re searching for closeness and exclusivity is Mara Naboisho Conservancy. Because there are fewer hotels and tourists there, there is greater seclusion and less noise. Additionally, you can partake in some uncommon and thrilling activities that are prohibited in other places, such fly camping and walking safaris.

The finest place to watch predators including lions, leopards, and cheetahs is Olare Motorogi Conservancy. Ma Naboisho Conservancy is the best option if you want to observe uncommon and threatened species including serval cats, black rhinos, and wild canines. You will adore Sand River and Mara Naboisho Conservancy if you have an obsession with giraffes and elephants.

 The ideal places to go for historical context and cultural significance are Lota Hills and Olare Motorogi Conservancy. You can discover more about its rich and intriguing history of fighting and cooperation between two Maasai clans by touring some of the nearby communities or taking part in some of the cultural events.