What’s the difference between the Masai Mara National Reserve and the Mara Conservancies in Kenya?

Masai Mara National Reserve

Arguably one of the best-known safari spots in the world, the Masai Mara National Reserve sits neatly on the northern border with Tanzania and is an extension of the Serengeti National Park’s ecosystem. There are no fences between the two and therefore the millions of wildebeest and zebra which are part of the Great Migration can travel freely between the two on their yearly clockwise march to find water and lush pastures. Affectionately nicknamed ‘the Mara’, the National Reserve was established in 1961 and with the protection that this afforded has grown to be one of the most sensational wildlife areas on the continent. When the Great Migration animals aren’t around (Nov - June yearly) the resident game is fantastic and boasts the big 5.

Mara Conservancies

Established by the Maasai Mara Wildlife Conservancies Association (MMWCA), the Mara Conservancies are “a Kenyan commitment to conserve the greater Maasai Mara ecosystem through a network of protected areas (conservancies and conservation areas)”. The first conservancy was established in 2005 and there are a total of 15 separate conservancies now bordering the Mara. The land is owned by the local Maasai tribes who lease the land to tourism partners. This results in a regular income for the local communities and allows tourism partners to assist with land conservation and the protection of wildlife that moves freely into the conservancies from the Masai Mara National Reserve.

Want to know the real deal? Chat with us

It can be quite a lot to take in so we’d love to chat you through the benefits of being in both areas on a call. Here at Tailormade Africa, we have years of experience staying both inside the National Reserve and in the various Mara Conservancies so are best placed to work with you on your next Kenyan adventure.

In the meantime, we wanted to share a handy comparison guide below, but we look forward to speaking soon!

For more detailed information or to start the planning of your next luxury Kenya safari, feel free to call our office on +44 1932 361807 (UK & Rest of the world) / 1 844 390 1798 (USA toll free) or pop us an email at info@tailormadeafrica.com, and we can help you to plan your bespoke safari holiday.