Mara Triangle Conservancy in Masai Mara National Reserve - Kenya

The Mara Triangle: A Rich History of Conservation

The Mara Triangle, spanning 510 square kilometers, represents around one-third of the Masai Mara National Reserve. Historically, the region was plagued by rampant poaching, which led to the loss of thousands of animals annually. However, in 2000, a group of dedicated local leaders came together with a shared goal: to protect and conserve the Mara Triangle. 

This united effort resulted in the creation of the Mara Conservancy, a groundbreaking partnership between the public and private sectors, conservation experts, and the local Maasai community. This initiative marked the beginning of a new era of successful conservation in one of the world’s most wildlife-rich areas.

Exploring the Geography and Wildlife of the Mara Triangle

Nestled between the majestic Mara River and the towering Western Oloololo Escarpment in southwestern Kenya, the Mara Triangle offers a unique and less-travelled section of the Masai Mara. Access to the triangle is limited to the Oloololo Gate or the New Mara Bridge, which helps keep the area less crowded and allows it to remain a hidden gem for wildlife enthusiasts. This exclusive location is teeming with diverse wildlife, including giraffes, zebras, wildebeests, impalas, and elands. The presence of predators such as lions, leopards, hyenas, and cheetahs is also constant, as they roam the plains in search of prey.

Along the Mara River, dense riverine forests offer shelter and nourishment to elephants, buffaloes, hippos, and baboons. During the Great Migration, this area becomes a stage for one of nature’s most dramatic events, with crocodiles waiting patiently in the murky waters of the river to ambush animals attempting the dangerous crossing.

Witness the Great Migration from the Mara Triangle

Why is the Mara Triangle so special? It offers one of the best vantage points for observing the Great Migration’s dramatic river crossings. Each year, from July to October, over a million wildebeest, along with hundreds of thousands of zebras and gazelles, make the perilous journey from the Serengeti to the Masai Mara. The Mara Triangle serves as a key entry and exit point for these herds as they trek through the area in search of food and water. Witnessing this massive migration is a once-in-a-lifetime experience you won’t soon forget.

Accommodation in the Mara Triangle

Accommodation options in the Mara Triangle are intentionally limited to preserve the natural beauty and wildlife of the area. There are only two permanent lodges within the conservancy, along with a few camps situated along its perimeter. The accommodations are exclusive, with strict limits on space: each guest has access to approximately 350 acres, or 700 acres per double-occupancy tent. Because of the limited number of available spaces, booking your stay early is highly recommended to secure a spot.

In an effort to support the local Maasai community, many of the staff members are recruited from nearby villages. While some may not speak English, this ensures that your visit directly benefits the local population.

Best Time to Visit the Mara Triangle

The best time to visit the Mara Triangle depends on what you hope to see. The peak season for witnessing the Great Migration is from July to October, when the herds are most likely to cross the Mara River. The dry weather during these months makes it an ideal time for viewing wildlife. Alternatively, the “green season” from November to June also offers excellent wildlife viewing, though it comes with fewer visitors and more unpredictable weather. Either way, the Mara Triangle promises an unforgettable safari experience.