Olderkesi Wildlife Conservancy in the Greater Masai Mara - Kenya

Olderkesi Conservancy Location

Positioned in the remote southeastern part of the Mara region, adjacent to Tanzania and the famous Serengeti National Park, is the Olderkesi Conservancy. Spanning roughly 80 square kilometers, this conservancy is rich in wildlife including elephants, big cats, and giraffes. With only one safari camp operating within its borders, the Olderkesi conservancy stands out as one of the most exclusive conservancies in the Masai Mara. It is jointly managed by Cottar’s Wildlife Conservancy Trust and the Olderkesi Wildlife Community Trust, whose collaboration has been pivotal in safeguarding the area from poaching and land fragmentation.

The conservancy encompasses diverse and picturesque landscapes such as grasslands, forests, riverine valleys, and woodlands. Conservation efforts have transformed it into a sanctuary for various wildlife species and a pivotal route for the great annual wildebeest migration. The indigenous Maasai, known for their semi-nomadic pastoralist lifestyle, have coexisted with the wildlife here for generations, preserving their rich Maasai culture and traditions.

With the creation of the Olderkesi Conservancy, the Maasai community agreed to maintain smaller herds and protect the land from overgrazing. This initiative not only allows local wildlife to flourish in unfenced lands but also promotes land regeneration and rewilding the entire area. This is particularly significant in the face of global warming and the severe droughts affecting the Masai Mara. In return for reduced land use, the Maasai benefit from eco-tourism revenue generated by leasing the land to Cottar’s safari operations. Additionally, the Maasai community gains from investments in community social amenities focused on economic and educational opportunities.

Sustainable Tourism & Conservation

The conservancy is committed to conservation and strictly enforces agreements. If anyone is found poaching or allowing cattle to graze illegally, deductions are made from the monthly lease payments to the Maasai landowners. The Maasai landowners and community elders then impose a fine five times the deduction on the responsible individual, which is deposited into the community’s collective fund. By self-regulating, the Maasai community maintains control over the conservation agreement with the managing trusts.

By leasing their land, Maasai landowners help preserve vital corridors for the Great Migration across the Mara-Serengeti ecosystem. The Great Migration attracts thousands of wildlife enthusiasts to the Masai Mara from July to November each year. By participating in conservation efforts, 6,500 Maasai landowners contribute to their eco-tourism-based livelihoods. The agreement ensures that specific areas are reserved for farming, settlements, and cattle grazing, while the rest remains free from human activity, providing sanctuary for wildlife seeking water, food, and breeding grounds.

Accommodation in Olderkesi Conservancy

Cottar’s Safaris is the sole operator within the Olderkesi Conservancy. Their properties are surrounded by natural springs and wooded areas. The Cottar family, with over a century of experience, warmly welcomes visitors to the Mara-Serengeti ecosystem. Guests at Cottar’s 1920s Safari Camp contribute to conservation efforts and the local Maasai community through their fees. These fees provide the Maasai with a stable income, more reliable than traditional cattle rearing or farming. Additionally, the Maasai community benefits from job opportunities in tourism and conservation, employing 29 wildlife rangers, six guards, and four chefs at the lodge.