The Mara without the crowds is the hallmark of a Kenyan wildlife refuge that features 24,500 pristine acres of African bush and is a partnership between 2,200 landowners and two tourism camps.
Nestled on the outer edge of the legendary Masai Mara National Reserve, the 24,000-acre Mara Ripoi Conservancy represents a remarkable conservation success story born from the vision and generosity of the local Masai community.
Three decades ago, when the area transitioned from a private group ranch to individual ownership, forward-thinking landowners made an extraordinary commitment to wildlife preservation.
Each landowner voluntarily donated 6.5 acres of their most precious resource — their ancestral land — toward conservation efforts. This land in the heart of the area was set aside, creating the foundation for what would eventually become Mara Ripoi Conservancy.
The conservancy boasts three distinct ecosystems that create an incredibly diverse wildlife habitat. Rolling hills provide elevated vantage points and varied terrain, while expansive savannahs offer the classic African plains experience where large herds roam freely. The riverine areas along seasonal waterways and natural springs create lush corridors that attract an abundance of wildlife, especially during drier months.
Today, Mara Ripoi hosts just three small permanent camps that maintain an intimate, low-impact presence and one seasonal mobile camp. This deliberately limited development ensures that the conservancy remains largely untouched, preserving the authentic wilderness experience that both wildlife and visitors cherish.
