Olderkesi Wildlife Conservancy in the Greater Masai Mara

Olderkesi Conservancy: A Hidden Gem in the Southeastern Masai Mara

Nestled deep in the southeastern corner of the Masai Mara, right on the border with Tanzania and the famous Serengeti, you’ll find the Olderkesi Conservancy. This exclusive sanctuary spans about 80 square kilometers and is home to an array of wildlife, including elephants, big cats, and giraffes. With just one safari camp within its boundaries, Olderkesi stands out as one of the most private and pristine conservancies in the entire Mara region. The conservancy is managed through a partnership between two trusts: Cottar’s Wildlife Conservancy Trust and the Olderkesi Wildlife Community Trust. Together, these organizations work to protect the area’s wildlife from poaching and to ensure the land remains free from agricultural fragmentation.

The Maasai and Olderkesi Conservancy

The Olderkesi Conservancy is rich in diverse landscapes, featuring grasslands, forests, river valleys, and woodlands. These varied environments make it an ideal habitat for many species, including those involved in the world-famous annual wildebeest migration. In addition to the wildlife, the Maasai people—who have historically inhabited the region—still live nearby. The Maasai are semi-nomadic pastoralists who have long grazed their cattle across these lands, living in harmony with nature and wildlife. Over the years, they’ve maintained their culture while adapting to the world around them.

With the establishment of Olderkesi, the Maasai agreed to reduce their herds and protect the land from overgrazing, which has allowed both the environment and local wildlife to thrive. This sustainable approach benefits both the ecosystem and the Maasai community. In return for keeping their herding practices in check, the Maasai receive financial benefits from eco-tourism, primarily generated through the lease of land to Cottar’s Safari operations. The Maasai also enjoy investments in local community services such as education and healthcare.

Conservation Efforts and Sustainable Tourism

The conservancy is serious about conservation, enforcing strict agreements with the Maasai community. If someone is caught poaching or grazing cattle illegally within the conservancy, part of the monthly lease payments to the Maasai are deducted. The Maasai elders then impose a fine five times the amount deducted, which goes into a community account for further development and protection efforts.

The Maasai’s decision to lease their land for conservation purposes plays a crucial role in preserving vital wildlife corridors for the Great Migration between the Mara and Serengeti ecosystems. This migration attracts thousands of visitors every year from July to November, supporting the local eco-tourism economy. Of the 6,500 Maasai landowners involved in the conservancy, many benefit from the tourism industry, which provides a more stable source of income than traditional cattle farming.

Accommodation at Olderkesi Conservancy

In terms of accommodations, Cottar’s Safaris operates the only camp in Olderkesi. Their safari camp, situated among natural springs and wooded areas, offers a luxurious yet immersive experience in the heart of nature. The Cottar family, with over a century of experience in the Mara-Serengeti ecosystem, ensures that your stay directly contributes to the preservation of the environment and the welfare of the Maasai community. Your fees not only support conservation efforts but also provide the Maasai with reliable income and create job opportunities within tourism and conservation. In addition to the camp staff, including wildlife rangers and chefs, the conservancy offers further employment to local Maasai people, strengthening the ties between community and conservation.