MARA TRAINING CENTER

The Mara Training Centre and Conservancies

 

The Mara Training Centre

Nestled amidst the stunning landscapes of Kenya's Mara region, the Mara Training Centre offers unique insights into the complex relationship between humans and wildlife. Situated between local communities and wildlife conservancies, the center explores the challenges and opportunities of coexistence, focusing on issues such as livestock grazing, crop protection, and wildlife conservation.

 

The center, which evolved from informal community meetings, is dedicated to promoting sustainable livelihoods and preserving the region's natural heritage. Enonkishu Conservancy, a key partner, plays a crucial role in safeguarding wildlife corridors and promoting community-based conservation initiatives.

 

The Mara Conservancies

The Mara region is home to several significant conservancies, each contributing to the conservation of wildlife and the well-being of local communities.

 

Enonkishu Conservancy: This 6,000-acre conservancy, owned and managed by the local community, offers exceptional wildlife viewing opportunities, including encounters with lions, leopards, elephants, and a diverse range of other species.

Ol Choro Oiroua Conservancy: Covering 17,000 acres, this conservancy offers stunning landscapes and diverse wildlife. Managed by Seiya Limited, under the guardianship of Fairmont Kenya, the conservancy provides world-class wildlife viewing experiences.

Lemek Conservancy: This conservancy, once privately owned, is now managed by local communities. It offers a relatively small but pristine area for wildlife viewing, with a focus on sustainable tourism and community development.

 

Wildlife of the Masai Mara

The Masai Mara is renowned for its incredible wildlife diversity. The annual Great Migration, a spectacular natural phenomenon, sees millions of wildebeest, zebras, and gazelles traverse the plains. The reserve is also home to the Big Five: lions, leopards, elephants, rhinoceros, and buffalo. Other notable wildlife includes hippos, crocodiles, hyenas, cheetahs, and a variety of bird species.

Temperatures and Accommodation

 

Climate

The camp enjoys a pleasantly warm climate year-round, with cool nights. Located just south of the equator at an altitude of 1,500 to 1,900 meters, the region experiences slightly higher temperatures from October to March and slightly cooler temperatures from June to August. Nighttime temperatures can drop below 10°C (50°F), particularly during the cooler months.

 

Accommodation

The Mara Training Centre offers various accommodation options to suit different group sizes and preferences.

Eco Camp: Ideal for study abroad and summer school groups, this camp accommodates up to 16 people in shared dormitory-style accommodations with shared ablution facilities.

 

Banda's in the Wild: This option provides more privacy, with six twin bandas accommodating up to 12 people. Additional walk-in Meru tents can be used to increase capacity to 20 people. Shared ablution facilities are available.

 

The center can accommodate groups of up to 18 people.