Mara Training Centre

Learn about the fascinating life of the Mara people and the amazing ecosystem of the National Park!

The Training Centre:

The Mara Training centre evolved from informal community meetings under an acacia tree within the Enonkishu Conservancy to what it has become today.
Enonkishu was founded in 2009 by Tarquin and Philippa Wood, whom together with their neighbours established a community working together to protect the fragile North Eastern boundary of the Mara Serengeti Ecosystem, aiming to improve livelihoods and maintain heritage, through wildlife compatible landuses such as eco toursim and improved livestock production in the region.

Enonkishu today secures 6000 acres of wildlife grazing rangelands, owned by the resident community on the edge of the Greater Mara Ecosystem. It has become a world class wildlife viewing conservancy. Traversing is not limited to Enonkishu alone, we also have access to two other conservancies in close proximity. Ol Choro Oiroua Conservancy covers 17,000 acres of a group ranch in the northest section of Masai Mara wilderness. The conservancy logistics and land are managed by Seiya Limited under the guardianship of Fairmont Kenya, and the
Fairmont airstrip is also the closest airlink to our camp.

Lemek Conservancy is another of Kenya’s wildlife management success stories though with a twist. Most part of Lemek- Koiyaki has now merged with the adjoining Mara North thus reducing Lemek’s size to around 19000 acres. The land was once privately owned by the Maasai communities before being transitioned to the Koyaiki Group Ranch and Lemek
Group Ranch. The group ranches became key partners in the introduction of the conservancy. Measures are taken to set aside areas of the conservancy that served as valuable habitats for flora and fauna. Guest accommodations and activity services are provided to generate revenue to operate the conservancy, as well as benefit local communities. The result is
a relatively small conservancy with few visitors, good wildlife viewing and pleasant scenery.

Animals found in the Masai Mara:

Wildebeest, topi, zebra, and Thomson’s gazelle migrate into and occupy the Mara reserve, from the Serengeti plains to the south and Loita Plains in the pastoral ranches to the north-east, from July to October or later. Herds of all three species are also resident in the reserve.
All members of the “Big Five” (lion, leopard, African elephant, cape buffalo, and black rhinoceros) are found in the Masai Mara. Hippopotami and crocodiles are found in large groups in the Mara and Talek rivers. Leopards, hyenas, cheetahs, jackals, and bat-eared foxes can also be found in the reserve.The plains between the Mara River and the Esoit Siria Escarpment are probably the best area for game viewing, in particular regarding lion and cheetah.

Accommodation:

The Mara Training Centre has the following very comfortable accommodation overlooking the Mara River

• 3 twin bandas (sleep 6 pax)
• 3 bunk bed bandas (sleep 12 pax)

Groups of up to 18 can stay at the centre

Temperatures at the camp:

The climate is pleasantly warm, with cool nights, all year round. The area is located just south of the Equator, but at an altitude between 1,500 and 1,900 metres. The temperatures are slightly higher from October to March, while they are slightly cooler from June to August. At night it can be a little cold, and the temperature can drop below 10 °C, especially from June to August.

Please note:

Cash – There is no ATM or credit card facilities close by.
Travellers cheques can only be cashed in Nairobi. Visa entry fees are best paid in US$. Local purchases must be made in Kenyan Shilling easily obtainable at currency exchange bureaus at the airport or on the way through town but not near camp. The camp can accept either US$ or Kenyan Shilling for purchase of drinks and laundry fees OR ANY OTHER
PERSONAL SHOPPING.

• Pocket money – sufficient cash for 4 weeks at $25 to 40$ per week. It is advisable to keep your valuables with you on person at all times.
• Battery operated alarm clock (cellphone/mobile batteries run out and students need alarm clocks to wake up at the allocated times)
• If you have a musical instrument that you would like to bring along, you’re most welcome
• Personal MP3’s and IPods with earphones can be used, although they must be used with sensitivity to fellow course participants and the environment.