Something New in the Mara – Ripoi Conservancy

Mara Siana is a small upscale camp inside the newly formed Ripoi Conservancy, a stunning undiscovered area outside the Masai Mara National Reserve.

Formerly called Olarro South, the new conservancy was officially formed on the 15^th of February 2023. Totaling 13,500 acres, it was created to expand protection for wildlife in an area near the Masai Mara National Reserve that was only partially protected in the past.

“Our main focus is not on the Masai Mara game reserve, it is on Ripoi Conservancy,” says Jackson Looseyia, a legendary Kenyan safari guide and part owner of Mara Siana.

“We are here to help protect a habitat for wildlife and make sure that people do not destroy the land for lack of investors or lack of knowledge. We want to make sure that poaching in the area is absolutely ended. That is why our presence means a lot within the conservancy.”

To bolster protection and curtail poaching, the conservancy has hired 22 full-time rangers from nearby communities.

One of only three small camps inside the Ripoi Conservancy, Mara Siana is a small upscale camp that opened this past June. With six double ensuite tents and two family tents, the camp is 50% Masai and 50% female owned.

Mara Siana offers “Big Seven” game viewing with three wild dog dens within the conservancy and a healthy cheetah population, as well as year-round, non-migrating wildebeest. Striped hyenas and rare and endangered pangolins are occasionally seen.

“The area is so rich with wildlife,” Jackson continues. “It probably has the highest concentration of giraffe in the Masai Mara if not the whole of Kenya. It is also a vital corridor of elephants, lions and so many species that are unique in the area.”

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