Olare Motorogi Conservancy – A Pioneering Community Wildlife Sanctuary

Olare Motorogi Conservancy is a private, community-owned wildlife conservancy located on the northwestern edge of the Masai Mara National Reserve. Established in 2006, this 10,000‑acre (40 km²) sanctuary is a pioneering model of community-based conservation, bringing together over 200 Maasai landowners who lease their land to safari operators in exchange for direct income and conservation benefits. The conservancy is contiguous with the Masai Mara National Reserve, allowing wildlife to roam freely between the two areas, but offers a vastly different safari experience – one defined by exclusivity, flexibility, and intimate encounters.

Olare Motorogi is widely regarded as one of the most successful private conservancies in Kenya. Its strict vehicle limits (a maximum of four vehicles per sighting) ensure that wildlife viewing is unhurried and personal. The conservancy permits night game drives, off-road driving, and walking safaris – activities that are not allowed in the national reserve. This combination of exclusivity and freedom makes Olare Motorogi a favourite among photographers, honeymooners, and seasoned safari-goers seeking a truly authentic wilderness experience.

Olare Motorogi is where the magic of the Mara meets the intimacy of a private reserve – a place where you can watch a leopard in the moonlight or track a pride of lions on foot.

Features of Olare Motorogi Conservancy

Olare Motorogi Conservancy offers several distinct features that elevate the safari experience beyond the ordinary. The conservancy is entirely unfenced, allowing wildlife to move freely across the landscape. Vehicle limits are strictly enforced, with a maximum of four vehicles permitted at any wildlife sighting. The conservancy permits off-road driving, enabling guests to follow big cats across open ground. Night game drives allow exploration of the Mara after dark, revealing leopard, hyena, and other nocturnal wildlife. Walking safaris with armed rangers offer a ground-level perspective on the ecosystem. The conservancy is also a dedicated conservation area, with all tourism revenue directly supporting Maasai landowners and community development projects such as schools, healthcare, and water infrastructure.

Location and Geography

Olare Motorogi Conservancy is situated on the northwestern edge of the Masai Mara National Reserve, in southern Kenya. The conservancy shares an unfenced border with the reserve, forming part of the greater Mara ecosystem. The landscape is classic Mara – vast open savannah plains punctuated by acacia and sausage trees, riverine forests along seasonal streams, and rocky kopjes that provide ideal vantage points for predators. The Olare Orok River meanders through the conservancy, providing a vital water source for wildlife. The terrain is gently rolling, with excellent all-round visibility, making it ideal for game viewing and photography.

Wildlife of Olare Motorogi Conservancy

Olare Motorogi is home to an extraordinary concentration of wildlife, including all members of the Big Five – lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo, and rhino. Lion prides are abundant and frequently seen hunting on the open plains. The conservancy is renowned for its exceptional leopard sightings, particularly along the riverine forests and rocky outcrops. Elephant herds move through the area seasonally, and buffalo are commonly encountered in large herds. The conservancy also supports a healthy population of cheetah, spotted hyena, jackal, and the occasional wild dog.

Herbivores are equally abundant, with large herds of wildebeest, zebra, Thomson's and Grant's gazelle, impala, topi, and eland. Giraffes are common, gracefully moving across the savannah. During the Great Migration (July–October), tens of thousands of wildebeest and zebra spill into the conservancy from the Serengeti, creating spectacular wildlife viewing opportunities. The conservancy is also a birdwatcher's paradise, with over 450 bird species recorded, including fish eagles, martial eagles, kingfishers, hornbills, and secretary birds.

Activities and Experiences

Olare Motorogi Conservancy offers a wide range of immersive safari activities, many of which are exclusive to private conservancies.

Game Drives

Morning and afternoon game drives in open 4x4 vehicles with expert guides. With a maximum of four vehicles permitted at any sighting, encounters are intimate and unhurried. Off-road driving is allowed, giving you the freedom to follow lions, cheetahs, and leopards across the savannah.

Night Game Drives

Explore the Mara after dark – a privilege exclusive to private conservancies. Spot leopards hunting, hyenas patrolling, and other nocturnal wildlife. Use spotlights to catch the reflective eyes of bush babies, genets, and African hares.

Walking Safaris

Accompanied by an experienced guide and an armed ranger, venture out on foot to see animals at eye level. Without engine noise, you can hear the sounds of birdsong, calls of plains game, and the rustle of trees. Walking safaris provide an intimate connection with the natural world.

Hot Air Balloon Safaris

Float above the savannah at dawn for a breathtaking aerial view of the Mara's wildlife and landscapes. The experience includes a champagne breakfast in the bush.

Cultural Visits

Visit a local Maasai village to learn about traditional Maasai culture, dances, and the conservancy's community conservation model. Understand how the conservancy directly benefits local communities.

Photography Safaris

With fewer vehicles, off-road access, and the flexibility of night drives, Olare Motorogi is a photographer's dream. Capture stunning images of lions, leopards, elephants, and the dramatic landscapes.

Getting There

By Air: Scheduled and charter flights operate daily from Nairobi's Wilson Airport to the Olare Motorogi airstrip or nearby Mara airstrips. The flight takes approximately 45 minutes. Most lodges and camps arrange airstrip transfers as part of their packages.

By Road: The conservancy is approximately 240 kilometres from Nairobi. The drive takes approximately 5 hours along the B3 and C13 roads. A 4x4 vehicle is recommended.

Best Time to Visit

Olare Motorogi offers exceptional wildlife viewing year-round. The dry season (June–October) is the peak period, coinciding with the Great Migration when wildebeest and zebra herds spill into the conservancy. Wildlife viewing is exceptional, with animals concentrated around water sources. The weather is sunny and dry, with daytime temperatures averaging 75°F (24°C).

The wet season (November–May) offers lush green landscapes, lower rates, and fewer visitors. Birdwatching is particularly rewarding during January and February, with over 450 bird species recorded. The short rains fall in November, while the long rains occur between March and early May. During the wet season, roads can become muddy, but the scenery is spectacular and the wildlife remains abundant.

Great Migration: July–October
Peak wildlife: June–October
Birdwatching: January–February
Low season (best value): April–May & November

Accommodation in Olare Motorogi Conservancy

Olare Motorogi Conservancy is home to a carefully selected collection of luxury and eco-friendly camps and lodges, each offering an intimate and exclusive safari experience.

Karen Blixen Camp

A classic safari camp with 22 luxury tents, offering exceptional views over the Mara River and excellent wildlife sightings.

Request rates

Mara Bush Camp – Olare

An intimate camp with 10 traditional safari tents, nestled in a forested area along the Olare Orok River.

Request rates

Ngerende Island Lodge

An exclusive boutique lodge set on a private island within the conservancy, offering luxury suites and exceptional privacy.

Request rates

Ngerende Flying Stars

A luxury tented camp offering panoramic views over the plains, with 20 tents and a reputation for excellent guiding.

Request rates

Practical Information

What to Take

Visitors are advised to carry neutral-coloured clothing, a warm jacket for early morning game drives, sun hat, sunscreen, insect repellent, binoculars, camera with telephoto lens, power bank, and comfortable walking shoes for walking safaris.

Conservation Fees

Each guest staying in Olare Motorogi Conservancy pays a daily conservation fee (approximately USD 100 per person) that directly supports local Maasai landowners and wildlife protection. These fees fund ranger patrols, habitat restoration, community education, and healthcare initiatives.

Important Contacts

  • Kenya Wildlife Service Toll Free: 0800 597 000
  • WhatsApp: +254 (0) 726 610509
  • Email: customerservice@kws.go.ke

Conservation and Community Impact

Olare Motorogi Conservancy is a landmark of community-based conservation. By leasing their land to safari operators and receiving direct income from tourism, the Maasai landowners have a tangible incentive to protect wildlife. The conservancy employs local Maasai as rangers, guides, and camp staff, creating sustainable livelihoods and reducing dependence on livestock grazing. Conservation fees fund education, healthcare, and infrastructure projects in surrounding communities.

The conservancy also plays a critical role in wildlife protection, with ranger patrols combating poaching and habitat degradation. By choosing to stay in Olare Motorogi, travellers directly contribute to the preservation of one of Africa's most important ecosystems and the wellbeing of the Maasai people.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Olare Motorogi Conservancy worth visiting?

Absolutely. It offers the best of the Masai Mara – abundant wildlife, the Great Migration, and spectacular landscapes – but without the crowds. With strict vehicle limits, off-road driving, and night safaris, it provides a more intimate and immersive safari experience.

Can I see the Big Five in Olare Motorogi?

Yes, the conservancy is home to all members of the Big Five – lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo, and rhino. Leopard sightings are particularly exceptional in the riverine areas.

What is the difference between Olare Motorogi and the Masai Mara National Reserve?

The Masai Mara National Reserve is a public reserve managed by the Kenyan government. Olare Motorogi is a private conservancy owned by Maasai communities. Key differences include: strict vehicle limits (max four per sighting), off-road driving permitted, night game drives allowed, walking safaris available, and higher conservation fees that directly benefit local communities.

Do I need a 4x4 vehicle?

Most lodges and camps provide 4x4 vehicles for game drives and transfers. If you are driving yourself, a 4x4 vehicle is recommended due to the rough roads.

What is the best time to visit for the Great Migration?

The Great Migration typically reaches the Masai Mara between July and October. During this period, wildebeest and zebra herds spill into Olare Motorogi, offering spectacular wildlife encounters.

How do I get to Olare Motorogi Conservancy?

By air: scheduled flights from Nairobi's Wilson Airport to the conservancy's airstrip (approximately 45 minutes). By road: approximately 5 hours from Nairobi.

Plan Your Olare Motorogi Safari Adventure

Olare Motorogi Conservancy offers a safari experience that is exclusive, intimate, and deeply connected to the land and its people. Whether you are a first-time visitor or a seasoned safari-goer, this private wilderness sanctuary promises unforgettable wildlife encounters, breathtaking landscapes, and a genuine sense of purpose, knowing that your visit directly supports conservation and local communities. From the thrill of a night game drive to the serenity of a walking safari, every moment in Olare Motorogi is crafted to leave you with memories that will last a lifetime.

Contact us for custom itineraries, group rates, and expert guidance for your Olare Motorogi Conservancy safari.