Olare Motorogi Conservancy In Masai Mara
Olare Motorogi Conservancy
Olare Motorogi Conservancy is situated along the northern edge of Masai Mara National Reserve, and part of the Maasai Mara-Serengeti ecosystem. The 142-square kilometre Olare Motorogi Conservancy is yet another inspiring success stories of Masai Mara conservation efforts. With only five safari camps in the area, this conservancy offers an incomparable wildlife viewing experience in an uncrowded wilderness.
Legally declared a conservancy in May of 2006; back then Olare Motorogi Conservancy consisted of two separate conservancies; Motorogi and Olare Orok. To create the conservancy 277 Maasai landowners collectively set aside a total of 35,000 acres of their land, which led to the partnership we see today. The Conservancy later expanded to cover Motorogi lands, thereby becoming OLARE MOTOROGI CONSERVANCY.
The Conservancy is known for offering Kenya’s most spectacular scenery and remarkably high concentrations of wildlife can be spotted. It features endless wavy grasslands and beautiful dome-topped hills that give way to the dramatic sheer rock walls of the distant Oloololo Escarpment.
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Olare Motorogi Landscape & Scenery
Comprised of the former Olare Orok Conservancy and Motorogi Conservancy, Olare Motorogi Conservancy is a picture-perfect combination of endless grasslands, riverine forests and acacia woodlands; game viewing starts at your doorstep. This 35,000 acres of rolling grassland, hills, escarpment delivers an outstanding natural beauty to explore, and has a potential for rich photographic safaris in Kenya.
Explore all of this against the backdrop of emerald-hued riverine forests that run like a ribbon along the lower valleys of the notable Olare Olak and Ntiakitiak Rivers, the impressive Ntiakitiak Gorge and a beautiful 12km escarpment below form part of the picture that the visitors enjoy. The acacia woodlands beneath the escarpment are home to all species of creatures, big and small.
Safari Activities In Olare Motorogi Conservancy
So, what are some of the best things to do at Masai Mara conservancy? Listed below are just a few additional benefits of staying at a Masai Mara conservancy; First and foremost is being able to go on off-road safaris, the ability to go on guided nature walks, the joy of enjoying a bush meal and the ability to go on game drive at night.
Many of the safari activities in Olare Motorogi Conservancy mentioned above aren’t possible within the borders of the main Masai Mara National Reserve. If you value cultural interaction and would like to get to know the Masai people, you’ll have ample opportunity to do so while staying at the conservancy.
1. Safari Game Drives In Olare Motorogi Conservancy
Open 4×4 vehicles or enclosed 4×4 game drive vehicles with a pop-up roof are used to conduct game drives within the Olare Motorogi Conservancy. Early morning and late afternoon drives are popular with the option offered to guests to spend the day with a picnic lunch to be enjoyed in a scenic spot on the conservancy.
2. Bush Meals, Dinners & Sundowners In Olare Motorogi Conservancy
Your list of what to do in Olare Motorogi Conservancy doesn’t stop with scheduled game drives, there are still plenty of unforgettable escapes within this conservancy.
This is a classical moment on how you can finish your game drives; watching the sun set over the African wilderness there’s simply no feeling like this, good times for reconnecting with nature.
As the sun fades from view and the clouds turn dark you will be resting at the perfect spot, complete with cocktail drinks in hand, tasty homemade ‘bitings’ bonfire, and close to your loved ones or friends.
3. Cultural Village Visits In Olare Motorogi Conservancy
Visit the Maasai, a community with a vibrant and proud cultural heritage.
Discover their generally peaceful and mutual relationship with the wildlife and the land, as well as ancient rituals and stories.
The Maasai have been known for centuries as being fearsome hunters and warriors. However, today their livelihood revolves around community, and they welcome travellers to learn about their customs and culture first hand.
4. Guided Walking Safaris In Olare Motorogi Conservancy
Guided bush walks are possible in Olare Motorogi Conservancy, led by our expert guides and Maasai warriors who will share the wonders of the bush and its inhabitants with you.; the focus being the rich bird life, encounter wildlife on foot, and discover how the Masai make use of the indigenous plants for medical and ritual purposes. Spot plains game grazing in front of you and keep a lookout for elusive leopards and wandering elephants in the distance.
These walking tours are only possible inside the conservancies and takes you deep into the African bush. Walking safaris inside Olare Motorogi Conservancy are best done in the early mornings or evenings when it is not too hot.
Ready for this? Make sure to pack comfortable walking shoes, light long-sleeved tops and trousers, a good hat, plenty of water and binoculars.
If you’re in for a longer walking tour, this is also possible in the nearby Mara Naboisho Conservancy.
Olare Motorogi Conservancy is just a fantastic place for walking safaris, family safaris, honeymoon safaris and luxury experiences.
5. Night Safari Drives In Olare Motorogi Conservancy
When the night comes alive.
More quiet and watchful game viewing as we discover the endless Olare Motorogi Conservancy plains on a night game drive, a completely different feeling.
This is done in the comfort of a 4×4 open-sided safari vehicle with our highly qualified guide. A chance to marvel at the wondrous night sky in search of the unique nocturnal wildlife found here… Look for animals not found during daylight hours such as Aardvark, Porcupine, Honeybadger, Pangolin, Bat-Eared Fox and Bushbaby.
The lights of our 4×4 safari vehicle illuminate an unseen world, unknown even to experienced safari adventurers. Spotting the shy nocturnal creatures who walk, feed and fight their way through the Bush at night can be a bit as exotic and exciting as sighting larger mammals during the day. The night game drive is strictly managed and monitored in ensuring minimal negative impact to the ecosystem.
Wildlife & Animals At Olare Motorogi Conservancy
Though most of the first time African safari travelers choose to visit the Masai Mara National Reserve during the high season safari months begining July through October, Olare Motorogi Conservancy also offers its visitor’s brilliant game-viewing all year round.
A number of lion pride territories meet in the Olare Motorogi Conservancy which can make for some interesting encounters as the different groups battle for dominance. The conservancy delivers a true wilderness experience with one of the lowest tourist masses in the Maasai Mara region and a good number of predators and herbivores.
A closer look at the hills while on game drives is home to a remarkably population of giraffes, wildebeests, warthogs and zebras which can easily be spotted. The conservancy is popular among lions, hyenas, jackals, cheetahs, leopards and other meat eaters. The vegetation attracts a variety of leaf-eaters such as elephants, baboons, buffaloes and hippos.
During The Great Migration season safaris (generally June to October) you’ll be able to catch a bit of action in the conservancy caused by the migrating herds passing through the wildlife corridors. The calving season takes place at Ol Kinyei Conservancy during February and March then they move through Olare Motorogi and into the Masai Mara National Reserve. At times, you may have to take a drive to the south towards the Mara River to see the more massive and dramatic river crossings.
Best Time To Visit Olare Motorogi Conservancy
The long cool-dry season from June to October is considered by most to be the best time of year to visit Olare Motorogi Conservancy for game viewing; the absence of rain means that the vegetation is less dense, making animals easier to observe. Additionally the drier months of January and February are also a good times to visit while the best time for birdwatching usually happens from November to April when the migratory birds from Europe arrive.
Temperatures are consistent year-round, and rainfall is all that distinguishes the seasons with the short rains beginning in November and early December followed by the long rains in March and April.
Weather & Climate At Olare Motorogi Conservancy
The weather and climate for Olare Motorogi Conservancy is similar to that of the Masai Mara National Reserve. That said, there’s no real wrong time of year to visit the Olare Motorogi Conservancy.
Olare Motorogi Conservancy has a generally mild climate chillier than you might expect when in an area that’s this close to the equator. The reserve sits at an altitude varying from 1500 to 1900 meters, and you can expect average daytime temperatures which are comfortable, and evening temperatures can become quite chilly. The region’s Dry seasons starts from (June to October) whilst the Wet season (November to May) consist of a shorter and a longer rainy period that are accompanied by a brief dry spell.
Dry Season In Olare Motorogi Conservancy – June Through To October
Consider this the perfect time for going on a Kenya safari; the days are sunny and it’s rarely very hot. Nevertheless pack some warm clothes for the morning game drives which can be very chilly.
June, July & August – During this time, consider Masai Mara generally sunny and dry with afternoon temperatures averaging at around 25°C/ (77 degrees Fahrenheit), and during the night you will experience cold evenings and early mornings when temperatures are at around 12°C/54° Fahrenheit.
September & October – Should you decide to travel during this months, it’s mostly dry although you can expect occasional rain showers. Daytime temperatures in October are slightly at an average of 27 degrees Celsius (81 degrees Fahrenheit). On your early morning game drives expect it to be chilly at around (around 12°C/54°F).
Wet Season In Olare Motorogi Conservancy –November Through To May
It’s that time of the season when we experience rainfall in the Masai Mara. Talking about abrupt short afternoon showers. We recommend that on your list of what to pack for your Kenya safari bring with you warm clothing.
November & December – marks the start of the ‘Short rains’ – expect short rain showers during these two months with afternoon temperatures at an average of around 27°C/81 degrees Fahrenheit).
January & February – Rainfall slows down, although incidental rain shower do still occur.
March, April & May – this is the long rainy season with April being the wettest month. However – you don’t have to worry about it raining all day long but it does rain regularly, typically in the form of afternoon showers. Early morning game drives can be slightly warmer with average temperatures in Masai Mara around 13°C/55°F.
Private Masai Mara Safari Trips
Want To Visit Masai Mara National Reserve? The Mara is a rewarding African safari destination which offers many unique experiences, depending on your travel style from Mid-Range Masai Mara safaris to Luxury Masai Mara safaris.
Additionally, for those who wish to explore Kenya in more intimate ways, our Masai Mara Honeymoon Safaris are your best bet; whilst those who would desire to connect with loved ones, our Masai Mara Family Safaris offer you that opportunity; nonetheless the list doesn’t end there, if spending time alone is your way of travel, explore our Masai Mara Private Safaris.
The Top 6 Masai Mara Conservancies
Masai Mara features a collection of 15 separate conservancies that surround the Main Park. The conservancies in Masai Mara are privately managed and as such, they have very strict control on visitor numbers creating exclusivity, while retaining the freedom to offer a wider range of safari activities that are not available in the main park. Below is a list of the 6 best Masai Mara Conservancies.
1. Mara Triangle Conservancy
Tucked away between the Serengeti National Park in Tanzania, the Mara River and the Olooloo Escarpment lies Masai Mara National Reserve’s wildlife sweet spot: The Mara Triangle. Arguably the location of the reserve’s most dramatic scenery, the volcanic hills and riverine forests of the Mara Triangle are home to the highest concentration of lions, cheetah and a host of other wildlife species. Learn all about the Mara Triangle.
2. Mara North Conservancy
Exclusive and private, the Mara North Conservancy only allows a limited number of visitors into the area at any one time. Its varied landscape, from secret patches of woodlands to vast wide-open plains, is home to the Big Five and many more. From the big cat maternity ward at Leopard Gorge to the lesser-known wildebeest migration at Loita Hills, the Mara North Conservancy has something for everyone. Learn all about Mara North Conservancy.
3. Mara Naboisho Conservancy
Aptly named, the Mara Naboisho (‘come together’ in Maasai or Maa language) Conservancy, is a shining example of what good can come out of teamwork. The conservancy stems from the collaboration of over 500 Maasai families working together to conserve their land and wildlife. The result: the Mara Naboisho Conservancy has only seven camps, but countless big cats, herds of wildebeest, giraffes and elephants. Learn all about Mara Naboisho Conservancy.
4. Olare Motorogi Conservancy
The Olare Motorogi Conservancy boasts the highest concentration of lions per square kilometer, yet the lowest density of tourists. Scan the skies for the over 50 different species of raptors or keep on the lookout in the acacia woodland and Olare Orok and Ntiakitak river valleys for predators and prey. A success story among all conservancies, Olare Motorogi Conservancy is a safari dream come to life. Oh, and did we mention that Sir Richard Branson has a safari lodge here? Learn all about Olare Motorogi Conservancy.
5. Ol Kinyei Conservancy
This conservancy’s grassy plains and rolling hills are home to only two small camps (and two mobile camps). It is the perfect spot for bush walks and a local Maasai culture immersion. With over 300 bird species, the conservancy is every bird-watcher’s dream. Rather spot larger land-living animals? The Mara Ol Kinyei Conservancy has its own lion pride, leopards, elephant, buffalo and giraffe as well. Learn all about Ol Kinyei Conservancy.
6. Lemek Conservancy
One of the smallest and most modest wildlife conservancies lies in the northwest corner of the Mara, the Lemek Conservancy. Although you’re less likely to see migrating herds in this area, it is likely to see plenty of game during off-road driving, walking safaris, bush meals and night safaris.
The Costs Of A Luxury Masai Mara Safari
It’s not easy to give exact costs for a Masai Mara safari. There are many budget-influencing factors like the time of year you travel, how luxurious you’d like your stay to be, whether you fly or drive between camps and lodges, whether or not you go private and exclusive, and which extra activities you want to add to your itinerary, like spa treatments, hot-air ballooning and cultural visits. We can, however, provide estimated costs for a safari in the Masai Mara.
Safari Packages To Olare Motorogi Conservancy
Browse some of our favorite Olare Motorogi safaris & tours which promise a more intimate adventure especially for travelers longing for a more private safari experience far away from the crowds with plenty of flexible safari activities, this is your one chance to do one of Kenya conservancy safaris & tours. Maybe you’re planning your honeymoon safari in Africa or rather you just desire a more private family safari experience just know that you have plenty of options to choose from.
Ready To Plan A Holiday To Masai Mara?
Browse our selection of private Masai Mara tour packages in Kenya above, or get in touch with one of our African safari experts to help tailor-make the best itinerary for you.