Ol Kinyei Conservancy

Covering approximately 65km², Ol Kinyei is a conservancy run by the local Maasai people. 

It was founded in 2005 when members of the Maasai community set aside some farming land to protect the wildlife and natural habitats from being encroached by human activities. 

Ol Kinyei has supported the community with a sustainable income source and helped locals protect their sacred lands.

Alongside Mara North, Naboisho and Olare Motorogi, it is considered one of the Mara's Big Four conservancies.

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 to its green pastures. 

Guided by expert Maasai guides, you'll be able to find lions, elephants, cape buffalo, cheetah and giraffe. 

There are two camps in Ol Kinyei, both of which are modest but offer guests spectacular views and great locations to explore the Mara. 

Head out on an early morning game drive between 6:30am and 7am for best wildlife viewing, or after 7 pm to catch a glimpse of some of the Mara's nocturnal animals. 

Only guests staying at one of the camps in Ol kinyei are allowed to go for game drives in the conservancy. It often feels like you have the park all to yourself.

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). 

The National Reserve is much busier than Ol Kinyei, as it is public access. There are also no night drives as the park closes at 6 pm, and there is strictly no going off the track. 

Ol Kinyei has a wonderfully diverse topography and plenty of wildlife, so don't feel like you're missing out if not staying in the National Reserve. 

At Ol Kinyei, you're not confined to the dining room. Set up breakfast overlooking the plains or take a break from game driving with a picnic under the shade of an acacia. 

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. 

Later, watch the coral sun sink behind the hills from a scenic rocky escarpment, ice-cold drink in hand. In Africa, we call these sundowners.

Stretch your legs 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.

The length of walking safaris can be adjusted to suit all fitness levels and are best done in the early mornings or evenings when it is not too hot.

Make sure to pack good walking shoes, light long-sleeved tops and trousers, a good hat, plenty of water and binoculars.

Longer walking safaris are also possible in the neighbouring Mara Naboisho Conservancy. 

Nestled on the Ol Kinyei's northern edge, Porini Cheetah Camp is a wonderful eco lodge and fully powered by solar. 

Decorated in the traditional safari style, it is reminiscent of a former era of exploration. 

With only 6 tents, the camp has an intimate feel, and guests can choose between single or double beds, all en-suite. The camp is suitable for families with kids over the age of five.  

The menu features local cuisine, with all ingredients sourced locally. 

Ol Kinyei Gamewatchers Adventure Camp is perfect for those who want a genuine safari experience at a fraction of the cost. 

Set under the shady canopy of acacia woodland, staying here takes you back-to-basics. The domed safari tents are simple but pleasant and have fantastic views of the savannah. 

There are 9 tents in total, and each has access to a private bathroom located just behind the tent. 

Pack a sleeping bag, or rent one for a small fee. Whatever you choose, you can't get closer to nature than this. 

The best time to visit Ol Kinyei is between July and October, during the Great Migration. 

Temperatures are consistent year-round, and rainfall is all that differentiates the seasons.

January and February is the driest season. These months offer excellent wildlife sightings and great conditions for safari. 

March to May is the wet/rainy season. June to October follows with a dry season, with intermittent short showers possible. Temperatures are typicallycooler at this time of year. 

The best way to get to Ol Kinyei is by flying from Nairobi to Olare Motorogi airstrip or to the Ol Seki airstrip in the Naboisho Conservancy.

From there, you'll be collected by a driver from the camp you are staying at. 

Nairobi is 240 km away from Ol Kinyei. By road the journey takes 4.5 hours by car on quite bumpy roads.  

If you have booked your adventure with us, all transfers will be taken care of for you.