Discover Olare Motorogi Conservancy in the Heart of the Greater Masai Mara

Discovering Olare Motorogi Conservancy

Tucked away in the heart of the Masai Mara ecosystem, the 142-square-kilometre Olare Motorogi Conservancy stands out as a shining example of successful conservation. It’s a place where wildlife thrives, and the local Maasai community benefits directly from sustainable tourism. With only five safari camps and a maximum capacity of just 94 guests at any one time, you’ll enjoy an incredibly exclusive experience. In fact, each safari vehicle has over 8 square kilometres to explore—meaning you won’t be sharing your wildlife moments with a crowd.

Before 2006, this area was split into two separate conservancies: Olare Orok and Motorogi. Though scenic, the land was under pressure from overgrazing by large herds of livestock belonging to local Maasai families. This unsustainable practice threatened both the environment and the livelihoods of those who lived there.

To turn things around, the two conservancies united under the name Olare Motorogi Conservancy. This merger not only improved conservation but also allowed safari operators to access the entire region seamlessly. That’s great news for you as a visitor—more open land means better wildlife encounters. And because the conservancy is a joint effort between 288 Maasai landowners and the safari camps, the local community now benefits through employment, education programs, and various community development initiatives.

Wildlife Encounters All Year Long

Although the Masai Mara’s peak season runs from July to October, Olare Motorogi offers fantastic wildlife viewing no matter when you visit. You’ll likely come across giraffes, zebras, wildebeests, and warthogs all year round. And where there are herbivores, predators aren’t far behind. This area is a hotspot for lions, leopards, cheetahs, jackals, and hyenas.

The conservancy’s ‘luggas’—those small seasonal streams—are bordered by lush green forests that draw elephants, buffaloes, baboons, and hippos. During the Great Migration, the conservancy becomes even more dynamic as migrating herds pass through. If you’re chasing those iconic river crossings, a short drive south toward the Mara Confluence will bring you the drama you’re looking for.

What You Can Do at Olare Motorogi

Choosing to stay in a conservancy like Olare Motorogi adds a whole new dimension to your safari. You get front-row seats to incredible wildlife, of course—but there’s more. Here, you’re allowed to go off-road for closer wildlife encounters, join guided nature walks, enjoy meals in the bush, and even head out on night game drives—experiences that aren’t available in the official Masai Mara National Reserve.

You’ll be exploring a stunning landscape dotted with riverine forests, the dramatic Ntiakitiak Gorge, and a majestic twelve-kilometre escarpment. The Acacia woodlands beneath it are home to an array of creatures, from the tiny to the towering.

If cultural connection matters to you, you’ll love the opportunity to engage with the Maasai community. As co-owners of the conservancy, they welcome guests with open arms and genuine hospitality, giving you a deeper understanding of their traditions and way of life.

Where You’ll Stay: Luxury in the Wild

While Olare Motorogi feels remote and untouched, you don’t have to sacrifice comfort to enjoy its beauty. The conservancy features a small number of luxury camps, each offering a blend of elegance and wilderness immersion. Whether you prefer spotting the Big Five from a rugged 4×4 or walking the savannah with a Maasai guide, there’s an activity to match your safari style.

Each camp is small-scale, with fewer than 24 beds, which ensures a private and peaceful experience. And don’t worry about the basics—these camps deliver hot showers, cozy beds, and top-notch service. Plus, they’re designed with sustainability in mind, using eco-friendly practices to protect the land they’re built on.

You’ll also be guided by local Maasai experts who know the land like the back of their hand. Their ancestral knowledge, storytelling, and deep connection to the area will add a rich, authentic layer to your safari adventure.