The Conservancy Concept

The Masai Mara has for centuries been the breeding ground for wildebeest and zebras. Every year, between June and October, they move in great numbers north from the Serengeti into Mara for the rich pastures and in order to breed. In late October, they return again, following the eternal circle of life.

Before colonial times, Mara was home to the Masai Tribe. A tribe renown for their independence and strong cultural traditions, which are maintained with pride to this day.  

The human population of Kenya has increased significantly over recent years, which has resulted in detrimental effects on the environment. Damage to the forests in the Mau, the rain catchment area for the Mara water resources, is a major cause for concern. The growing population requires increased food production at the expense of wildlife habitats. The Mara and the Masai are not immune to these changes and consequently are beginning to come under serious threat. There is no other place on earth where such an amazing wildlife spectacle exists alongside a significant human population.

To preserve this wonder of nature for future generations, maintaining a balanced coexistence is the key to our conservancy project at Mara Bushtops. We have together with the Masai community, agreed to lease privately-owned land from them to develop a protected area, where people and wildlife can live side by side. A comprehensive management plan has been devised, coordinated by the villagers themselves and self-financed from visitor entrance fees. This plan allows the Masai to generate income outside of their traditional livestock practices and helps protect both the wildlife and Masai traditions. Wildlife has benefited from more secure grazing and breeding areas. The number of sightings of big cats and other plains game around Bushtops has already increased. The conservancy management hopes in the near future, to host two Black Rhino, to establish a new population and allow close observation of the behaviour of these majestic animals

The proceeds from proper land management allows extra revenue from the conservancy to be passed on to community development projects in healthcare and education. 

To date, the conservancy involves over three hundred Masai land-owners and the objective is to become a member of a group of private conservancies, governed by the same principles, within the greater Mara region. This will assist in the preservation of the Mara reserve by reducing human pressure and dispersing visitors over a larger area. This concept has been successful in Ole Orok conservancy, developed by Mr. Jake Grieves Cook and the Mara Hasla Foundation of Mr. A.J. Patel, who has supported our efforts throughout.

A conservancy code of conduct has been agreed by the management committee in order to improve the game-viewing experience. Only 4x4 vehicles are to be used and no more than two vehicles at one time around a sighting, to ensure privacy and respect for the animals. A combination of game walks, night gamedrives, Masai theme dinners in the bush and sundowners within the conservancy are exclusive to the guests at Mara Bushtops .

Take a moment of your time to view our Game scoutdiaries, taken from around the conservancy, and share in this successful community project.