Olderkesi Mara conservancy
Olderkesi Wildlife Conservancy Video Overview
The Olderkesi Conservancy is a unique place with only one amazing safari camp called Cottar’s 1920s Safari Camp. This camp is run by the Cottars Wildlife Conservation Trust. Because of the great care taken to protect the animals, elephants, big cats, and giraffes roam freely and happily here. The local Maasai people have agreed not to let their cattle graze in the conservancy, and in return, they receive monthly community benefits.
Where is Olderkesi Conservancy?
Tucked away in the far southeast corner of the Mara, near the border with Tanzania and the famous Masai Mara National Reserve, you’ll find the Olderkesi Conservancy. It’s a big area, about 80 square kilometers, filled with elephants, big cats, and giraffes. With just one safari camp, it’s one of the most special places in the Masai Mara.
Originally part of the Olderkesi Group Ranch, this conservancy has played a big role in protecting wildlife and looking after nature in the Masai Mara ecosystem. It’s managed by two groups, Cottar’s Wildlife Conservancy Trust and the Olderkesi Wildlife Community Trust, who work together to keep the animals safe and the land free from farming.
The conservancy is a mix of different beautiful landscapes like grasslands, forests, river valleys, and woodlands. Thanks to conservation efforts, the area has become a safe home for many animals and a main path for the great wildebeest migration. The Maasai people, who originally lived here, still live nearby. They are known for their strong culture and traditions, living in harmony with nature. They are semi-nomadic, meaning they move around with their cattle, which they allow to graze on the lands. They have lived alongside lions and wildebeest for many generations.
With the creation of the Olderkesi Conservancy, the local Maasai agreed to have smaller herds of cattle and to protect the land from overgrazing. This helps the wildlife thrive and allows the land to recover and grow back naturally. This is very important because of global warming and the severe droughts it causes in the Masai Mara. In exchange, the Maasai receive benefits from eco-tourism, thanks to the land being leased to Cottar’s safari operator. They also benefit from community projects that focus on education and economic opportunities.
Conservation and Sustainable Tourism
The conservancy is very serious about protecting nature and takes action if anyone breaks the rules. If someone is caught poaching or letting cattle graze illegally, the Maasai landowners receive a smaller lease payment. The Maasai community elders then fine the person responsible, and this money goes into the community’s account. By managing their own agreement, the Maasai keep control of the conservation deal made with the trusts.
By leasing their land, Maasai landowners keep important paths open for the Great Migration across the Mara-Serengeti ecosystem. This migration brings thousands of visitors to the Masai Mara from July to November each year. By being part of conservation efforts, 6,500 Maasai landowners also support their eco-tourism-based income. Part of the agreement is that some land is used for farming, settlements, and cattle grazing, while the rest is left for the wildlife.
Wildlife and Biodiversity
The Olderkesi Wildlife Conservancy is a paradise for animal lovers, with many different species living there. The Maasai Mara ecosystem is famous for its rich wildlife, and Olderkesi is no different. Visitors can see the Big Five (lion, leopard, rhinoceros, elephant, and Cape buffalo), as well as cheetahs, hyenas, giraffes, and many antelope species.
The conservancy’s special landscape, including grasslands, forests, river valleys, and woodlands, supports a wide variety of life. It’s also an important home for endangered species like the Hirola antelope, which has increased in number thanks to conservation work. These efforts have turned the area into a lively sanctuary where animals can thrive, making it a must-visit for anyone who loves wildlife conservation and the natural beauty of the Maasai Mara ecosystem.
Visiting Olderkesi
Fun Activities and Experiences
Visitors to the Olderkesi Wildlife Conservancy can enjoy many activities that show off the area’s beauty and rich culture. Some fun things to do include:
Guided game drives: Explore the conservancy’s landscapes and see lots of wildlife with the help of experienced guides. These drives give you a chance to see the Big Five and other famous animals in their natural home.
Walking safaris: Take a guided walk through the scenic trails and get close to the wildlife. Walking safaris offer a more personal experience, letting visitors appreciate the smaller details of the ecosystem.
Cultural visits: Meet local Maasai communities and learn about their traditional way of life. These visits offer a unique chance to understand the Maasai culture and their peaceful relationship with nature.
Birdwatching: The Olderkesi Conservancy is a birdwatcher’s dream, with over 400 bird species recorded. From colorful kingfishers to majestic eagles, bird lovers will find plenty to enjoy.
How to Get There and Around
The Olderkesi Wildlife Conservancy is in the far southeast Mara region, near Tanzania. You can get there by air or road.
By air: The closest airstrip is the Keekorok Airstrip, about 30 kilometers from the conservancy. Visitors can also fly into the Maasai Mara National Reserve’s airstrip and then take a road trip to the conservancy.
By road: It’s about a 5-hour drive from Nairobi, depending on the roads. The drive offers beautiful views of Kenya’s landscape and a glimpse of rural life.
Once at the conservancy, visitors can use the lodge’s vehicles or walk with guides to get around. Guided tours ensure that visitors can safely explore the conservancy’s vast and varied terrain.
Planning Your Visit
Visitors to the Olderkesi Wildlife Conservancy can plan their visit based on their interests. Here are some tips:
Best time to visit: The best time is during the dry season, from June to October, when wildlife gathers around water sources. This is also when the Great Migration occurs, offering amazing wildlife viewing.
Accommodation: Cottar’s 1920s Safari Camp is the only lodge in the conservancy, providing luxury and great service. Staying there gives an exclusive safari experience and supports conservation efforts.
Conservation fees: Visitors must pay conservation fees, which support conservation efforts and community projects. These fees are essential for keeping the conservancy running and helping the local Maasai community.
Community projects: Visitors can support local projects by buying handicrafts or donating to community initiatives. Engaging with these projects helps the community and enriches the visitor’s experience by providing a deeper understanding of the local culture.
By visiting the Olderkesi Wildlife Conservancy, you are supporting conservation efforts and helping local communities. Your visit helps protect this unique ecosystem so future generations can enjoy its beauty and wildlife.
Staying in Olderkesi Conservancy
Cottar’s Safaris is the only safari operator in the Olderkesi Conservancy. Their properties are surrounded by natural springs and wooded areas. The Cottar family has over 100 years of experience welcoming visitors to the Mara-Serengeti ecosystem.
Guests at Cottar’s 1920s Safari Camp pay fees that go towards conservation efforts and the Maasai community. These fees provide the Maasai community with a steady income, which is more reliable than cattle rearing or farming. Besides the fees, the Maasai community also benefits from job opportunities in tourism and conservation. The conservancy employs 29 wildlife rangers, six guards, and four chefs at the lodge.
