Ol Kinyei Conservancy In Masai Mara
Ol Kinyei Conservancy
Covering approximately 18,700 acres, Ol Kinyei is a conservancy run by the local Maasai people located in the Maasai Mara ecosystem of Kenya, and forms part of the Greater Mara Ecosystem, this safari wilderness is renowned for its rich & stunning landscapes.
Since its establishment in year 2005 as a community-run wildlife conservancy whereby members of the Maasai community set aside some farming land for the purposes of wildlife conservation & eco-tourism protecting it from being encroached by human activities; Ol Kinyei has improved over the years and is one of the oldest conservancy.
Alongside Mara North, Mara Naboisho Conservancy and Olare Motorogi, it is considered one of the Mara’s Big Four safari conservancies. This conservancy is characterized by grassy plains and rolling hills: playing host to only two safari camps, it is the perfect spot for bush walk safaris and a local Maasai cultural immersion. Guided by expert Maasai guides, you’ll be able to find lions, elephants, Cape buffalo, cheetah and giraffe.
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Ol Kinyei Landscape & Scenery
Characterised by rolling hills, riverine forests, open savannah grasslands, and an abundance of water in the form of rivers, streams and springs, Ol Kinyei draws in plenty of wildlife, including The Great Migration herds to its green pastures thereby attracting animals in all shapes and sizes. Grab your camera, and take to the open savannahs and rolling hills for the ultimate Kenya safari experience.
Located within the Serengeti-Mara eco-system, Ol Kinyei is home to four of the ‘Big Five’ animals (the rhino noticeably missing). It’s unspoilt and breathtaking scenery with diverse landscapes sees plentiful amount of gazelles and antelope as well as other plains game such as giraffe and zebra. Spot hyenas and an abundance of wildebeest during the great wildebeest migration, making it a popular safari destination within the Mara Conservancy.
Safari Activities At Ol Kinyei Conservancy
There’s plenty of things to do in Ol Kinyei Conservancy, and with the insightful knowledge of our local expert safari guides, explore this wilderness with people who enjoy sharing it with safari travelers visiting the conservancy.
Whether you wish for a thrilling game drive by 4×4 safari land cruiser jeep or explore on a guided nature walk within the conservancy, the dedicated Masai guides and trackers will take you to the best hideouts to spot leopards, hippos, buffalos, impalas, topis and other grazers.
While staying at the Ol Kinyei Conservancy, we also have additional variety of other activities at hand to make your safari extra special, for instance:
1. Safari Drives In Ol Kinyei Conservancy
Explore on scheduled game viewing drives accompanied with bush picnic – while you’re out and about on a riveting game drive, your guide will make sure you can sit down to a lovely bush picnic. Only guests staying at one of the camps in Ol kinyei are allowed to go for game drives in the conservancy. To avoid expensive park fees, game drives in the Maasai Mara National Reserve will often only take place on one or two days, so you can view a river crossing (if travelling during The Great Migration).
2. Bush Dinners & Sundowners In Ol Kinyei Conservancy
At Ol Kinyei – start off the day with a set up breakfast overlooking the plains or take a break from game driving with a picnic under the shade of an acacia.
Accompanying, are freshly prepared food and drinks are kept cold in the cool box in the back of the Land Rover, as well as chairs and a table, ready for when you get hungry.
During your game drive your guide will find a scenic place to take a break to watch the sun sink behind the hills from a scenic rocky escarpment, ice-cold drink in hand – sip on your favourite fine wine while enjoying the sights and sounds of the wild.
3. Maasai Village Visit In Ol Kinyei Conservancy
A wonderful way to add incredible memories to your safari experience is to visit a local Masai Manyatta (a Masai village). There’s no better way to get a taste for authentic Masai culture and traditions while learning about their lifestyle and ceremonies that have been practiced by the Masai for generations.
4. Guided Walking Safaris In Ol Kinyei Conservancy
Take it to the fields and discover this wilderness on a guided walk with expert Maasai guides. These guides know this land better than anyone on the planet, and guided walks are a great way to learn more about the wildlife and ecology of the conservancy.
Walking is only possible in the conservancies, and they take you deep into the African wilderness. Make sure to come with good walking shoes, light long-sleeved tops, comfortable trousers, a good hat, plenty of water and binoculars.
Longer walking safaris are also possible in the neighbouring Mara Naboisho Conservancy.
5. Hot Air Balloon Flights In Ol Kinyei Conservancy
Discover Masai Mara on thrilling hot air balloon flights – enjoy a birds-eye view of the park, an incredible highlight during a Kenyan safari.
6. Night Safari Drives In Ol Kinyei Conservancy
What a way to explore Masai Mara. Explore the conservancy on a night safari drive – at night the sights and sounds of the wild are unlike anything you’ve experienced during the daytime. We will be in search of the nocturnal animals that roam this wilderness at nightfall.
Wildlife & Animals At Ol Kinyei Conservancy
When it comes to wildlife sightings in Ol Kinyei Conservancy, this wilderness is home to four of the ‘Big Five’ animals (the rhino noticeably missing). There is a resident lion pride and other separable lions present while several leopards have their territories within the conservancy and can be often sighted during evening or early morning drives. Cheetahs are frequently seen and it is not rare to come across large numbers of giraffe as well as Cape buffalo, hyenas and elephants.
The landscape also sees a number amount of gazelles and antelope as well as other plains game such as topis and zebra.
There is another Wildebeest Migration from Kenya’s Loita Plains to the Mara which moves into Ol Kinyei Conservancy usually by January. The calving season takes place there during February and March then they move to Naboisho Conservancy through Olare Motorogi and into the Mara Reserve (generally in the Mara from June to October).
Best Time To Visit Ol Kinyei Conservancy
The Dry season months from June to October, when animals draw near to water, are ideal for visiting Ol Kinyei Conservancy. The short rains usually fall in November and December, with longer rains likely in March and April (sometimes continuing into May). The dry spell between the rains in January and February offer excellent wildlife sightings and great conditions for safari but it can be busy then. Migratory birds are present from November until April.
Temperatures are consistent year-round, and rainfall is all that differentiates the seasons.
The Weather & Climate At Ol Kinyei Conservancy
The weather and climate of Ol Kinyei Conservancy is identical to that of the Masai Mara National Reserve.
Due to the altitude, the climate in Ol Kinyei Conservancy is slightly colder and wetter than might be expected this close to the equator. Daytime is pleasant with temperatures in the mid to high twenties Celsius (mid-seventies to low eighties Fahrenheit), while it cools off significantly at night.
Dry Season In Ol Kinyei Conservancy – June to October
This is an enjoyable time to be in the park with lovely weather. Typically there are sunny days and it’s rarely very hot. Don’t forget to pack warm clothing for early morning game drives.
June, July & August – It can still rain, but mostly it is sunny and dry. Afternoon temperatures reach an agreeable 25°C/77°F, but the cold can hang around in the evenings and early mornings when temperatures of around 12°C/54°F are common.
September & October – Still a dry time of the year, although rain is possible some days. Temperatures increase slightly in October and hover around 27°C/81°F (and higher). Chilly early mornings persist (around 14°C/57°F).
Wet Season In Ol Kinyei Conservancy – November to May
There are many overcast, cloudy days. Afternoon showers are the norm. Daytime temperatures don’t vary much. Early mornings have temperatures around 14°C/57°F. Bring warm clothing.
November & December – ‘Short rains’ – The rains normally break at some point in November. Average afternoon temperatures are around 27°C/81°F.
January & February – Rainfall eases between the short and long rains, although showers do still occur. The exact timing of this drier period is somewhat challenging to predict.
March, April & May – ‘Long rains’ – April is the wettest month. It doesn’t often shower all day, but rainfall is regular, usually in the form of intense afternoon storms. Tracks might become slippery and difficult to navigate. Early mornings are a bit warmer with average temperatures around 14°C/57°F.
Safari Packages to Maasai Mara, Kenya
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 Masai Mara Safari Tour
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 Tours To Ol Kinyei Conservancy
Browse some of our favorite Ol Kinyei 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 Your Masai Mara Holidays ?
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.
