Conservation

Mara Siana sits at the heart of the Mara Ripoi Conservancy, a powerful example of community-led conservation on the outer edge of the greater Maasai Mara ecosystem.

Community-Owned, Community-Led
The conservancy was created when local Maasai landowners voluntarily set aside their ancestral land for wildlife, choosing conservation over subdivision and intensive agriculture. Tourism revenue provides a sustainable alternative livelihood, ensuring landowners receive direct, long-term benefits from protecting their land.

Protecting Wildlife Corridors
By safeguarding more than 24,000 acres of unfenced wilderness, Mara Ripoi plays a vital role in maintaining natural wildlife movement between conservancies and the Maasai Mara National Reserve. This low-density model supports healthy populations of big cats, elephants, plains game and migratory species throughout the year.

Low-Impact, High-Value Tourism
With only a handful of small camps operating within the conservancy, vehicle numbers are strictly limited. This reduces pressure on wildlife, preserves the sense of wilderness, and allows for exceptional game viewing without crowds.

People at the Centre of Conservation
Mara Siana actively employs and trains members of the surrounding Maasai community - from guiding and camp operations to conservation support roles. Cultural knowledge, traditional tracking skills and local stewardship are integral to the guest experience and the success of the conservancy.

A Direct Contribution with Every Stay
Every night spent at Mara Siana contributes to land lease payments, community projects and ongoing conservation management within Mara Ripoi — ensuring that tourism remains a positive force for both people and wildlife.

 

 
 
 

 
 
Go to the people. Live with them. Learn from them. Love them. Start with what they know. Build with what they have. When the work is done, the task accomplished, the people will say ‘We have done this ourselves.
— Ancient Chinese philosopher and writer, Lao Tzu