Conservation Masai Mara - Safeguarding Wildlife and Supporting Communities

The Early History of the Masai Mara

The Masai Mara ecosystem’s journey began in 1961 when a portion of the land was designated as a wildlife sanctuary, covering just 520 square kilometers. Later that same year, the sanctuary expanded significantly to 1,821 square kilometers, reaching further east. This larger area eventually became the Masai Mara National Reserve, which was managed by the Narok County Council (NCC). 

In 2001, the Mara Triangle, the western section of the Reserve, was handed over to the Mara Conservancy, a non-profit organization. Over time, other land areas were returned to the local Maasai people, eventually forming various conservancies. These conservancies, situated just beyond the National Reserve’s boundary, are now governed by the Maasai Community’s Group Ranch Trusts.

Revitalizing the Mara Triangle for Conservation

Once infamous for poaching and illegal activities, the Mara Triangle was in dire need of protection. Before the Mara Conservancy took over in 2001, the area was a haven for poachers. Since the Conservancy’s management began, efforts to protect the wildlife have included increased anti-poaching patrols and snare removal, which have greatly reduced illegal activities. 

Through a cross-border partnership with Serengeti National Park, more than 3,400 poachers have been arrested, over 44,000 snares cleared, and 200 stolen cattle recovered. In 2009, a specialized tracker dog unit was established, featuring six bloodhounds and eight handlers. These dogs have become an invaluable tool in deterring poachers, significantly reducing illegal hunting, particularly for species such as wildebeest, zebra, and Thomson’s gazelle.

The Role of Conservancies in the Masai Mara

At the heart of the conservancies is the Maasai Mara Wildlife Conservancies Association (MMWCA), which champions the protection of the broader ecosystem. Their mission is to conserve the greater Maasai Mara region through a network of protected areas that benefit wildlife and local communities alike. The association envisions a landscape where wildlife conservation and the livelihoods of the Maasai people are interwoven, creating a sustainable future for all.

The MMWCA consists of twelve distinct conservancies across the Greater Masai Mara region, each with its own set of rules and regulations. However, the shared goal is clear: to create a harmonious balance between tourism, conservation, and community well-being. Maasai landowners lease their land to safari operators for extended periods, typically up to 15 years. 

Some conservancies permit grazing by Maasai cattle, while others restrict it. These land leases provide a stable income for the Maasai people, ensuring they benefit financially from the tourism industry. Additionally, safari camps within the conservancies contribute to local development initiatives, further enhancing the well-being of the community.

These conservancies support approximately 3,000 landowners and their families, directly impacting the lives of around 24,000 people. Beyond the financial aspects, the conservancies play a vital role in safeguarding wildlife. An estimated 30% of Kenya’s wildlife resides within these protected areas, thanks to the combined efforts of Maasai landowners and various conservation programs. 

Maasai traditions remain central, with local scouts collaborating with national security teams to prevent illegal activities and maintain the safety of wildlife, visitors, and residents alike.

Additionally, conservation efforts include initiatives like lion monitoring by Maasai warriors known as the Simba Scouts, and the “Wildlife Pays” program, which helps address human-wildlife conflict. To maintain the integrity of the environment, the conservancies also limit the number of visitors, ensuring that tourism is managed responsibly. 

Each conservancy has a maximum number of accommodations per square kilometer, helping preserve the delicate balance of the ecosystem while promoting sustainable tourism practices.