Exclusive, Private & Intimate
Ol Kinyei Conservancy
Ol Kinyei Conservancy In Greater Masai Mara
Overview
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.
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.
Reasons To Visit 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:
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).
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.
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.
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.
Discover Masai Mara on thrilling hot air balloon flights – enjoy a birds-eye view of the park, an incredible highlight during a Kenyan safari.
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.
Safari Activities At Ol Kinyei 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.
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.
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.
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 – At this time of year, 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).
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.
How To Get To Ol Kinyei Conservancy
If you’ve decided that Ol Kinyei Conservancy is the perfect place for your next travel adventure. This is how your tour looks like.
Ol Kinyei Conservancy is also reachable by road. If it happens to be the case; travelling by road to Ol Kinyei is approximately 240km from Nairobi. The access roads could take 5 and a half hours to drive from Nairobi’s capital city.
Additionally, Ol Kinyei Conservancy is easy to access by flight, guests can fly into Ol Kinyei from Nairobi to Olare Motorogi airstrip or to the Ol Seki airstrip in the Naboisho Conservancy.
If you have booked your adventure with us, all transfers will be taken care of for you.
We have airlines & flight tickets to Ol Kinyei Conservancy which you can easily book through us. The favored route for a Masai Mara fly-in safari is by flying from Nairobi Wilson Airport; from here it is a short (takes between 45 and 60 minutes) flight to 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.
