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Location
Ol Kinyei is located 150 miles from Nairobi, situated in the Narok region, in the Great Maasai Mara National Park.
Size
Ol Kinyei Conservancy is 25 square miles in size.
History
Ol Kinyeni Siana was established as a community-run conservancy in 2005. Ol Kinyei is the first conservancy situated within the Masai Mara ecosystem.
Entrance Fees & Permits
The entrance fee to Ol Kinyei Conservancy is USD 70 per adult, per day and USD 35 per child under 12yrs old, per day.
Hours of Operation
Ol Kinyei Conservancy is open between 6 am and 6 pm daily
By Road
Traveling by road, the journey from Nairobi to Ol Kinyei Conservancy takes approximately four and a half hours covering a distance of 150 miles.
By Air
Visitors will fly from Wilson Airport (45mins) to Ol Seki Airstrip and drive approximately 20 minutes to Ol Kinyeni
Weather & Climate
Temperatures in the Ol Kinyei Conservancy range from 50 degrees Fahrenheit during the day in the winter months between June and August, up to around 80 degrees Fahrenheit in the warmer months of October to December. The dry conditions in winter make it the most ideal time for safaris.
Avoiding Crowds
With the great wildebeest migration taking place in July and again in late September/October, it is best to avoid visiting the Ol Kinyei Conservancy during this time if you wish to avoid crowds. The reserves and lodges will be very busy at this time. The dry, winter months are known for outstanding safaris so the parks will be very busy at this time.
Value for Money
Ol Kinyei Conservancy is located within the greater Masai Mara National Park. However, Ol Kinyei allows guests to enjoy the wonders of the Masai Mara without the busyness and crowds. Fewer accommodation options are available, however being in a conservancy can save on costs overall.
Popular Wildlife Sightings in Ol Kinyei Conservancy
Ol Kinyei is home to four of the ‘Big Five’ animals (the rhino noticeably missing). The landscape sees a bountiful amount of gazelles and antelope as well as other plains game such as giraffe and zebra. Spot hyenas and an abundance of wildebeest during the great wildebeest migration.
The Terrain
Ol Kinyei Conservancy is stunning, with rolling hills and ravines complimented by open grasslands. Its diverse terrain makes it a popular safari destination within the Mara Conservancy.
Game Drives
Game drives can be conducted in enclosed or open 4×4 safari vehicles, usually early in the morning and late afternoon, which incorporates the sunset. Both tours run approximately three hours in length.
Guided Walking Safaris
Local Maasai guides are available to take guests on guided walks through the picturesque and undulating landscape of the Ol Kinyei Conservancy. Guests can see plains game as well as several larger animals such as elephants.
There are only a few camps and lodges located within the Ol Kinyei Conservancy, with several other options located within nearby conservancies and the main Masai Mara reserve. The accommodation options range from moderate camps to luxury lodges.
Ol Kinyei Lodging – Distance from park entrance
Lodge or Hotel | Distance to park entrance (in miles) |
Located in the Ol Kinyei Conservancy, 360 feet from the entrance (on the west) | |
Located outside the Ol Kinyei Conservancy, 17 miles to the entrance (on the west) | |
Porini Mara Camp | Located outside the Ol Kinyei Conservancy, 18 miles to the entrance (on the west |
Masai Mara National Park
Visitors to the Ol Kinyei Conservancy can enjoy game drives in the famous Masai Mara Game Reserve, a chance to explore more of this incredible safari region.
Hot Air Balloon Safaris
Guests staying in the Ol Kinyei Conservancy have the opportunity to enjoy a Hot Air Balloon ride in the neighboring Masai Mara. Soar above the wilderness, keeping an eye out for wildlife roaming the picturesque landscape.
The most ideal time to visit Ol Kinyei Conservancy is between the dry winter months of June and September, and for a chance to witness the Great Migration, in July and again late September/early October.
Accommodation costs for lodges and camps either within or just outside Ol Kinyei Conservancy range between USD 550 and USD 900 per person per sharing per night
The drive from Nairobi will take approximately four and a half hours. Guests who fly in will enjoy a 45-minute flight to the Ol Seki Airstrip followed by a 20-minute drive to the entrance of Ol Kinyei Conservancy
The proximity to the famous Masai Mara National Park, the wonderful views over the Mara and the opportunity for clients to see the great wildebeest migration
There are four of the Big Five (no rhino) and there are lovely sightings of gazelles and other favorites such as giraffes and zebra
The entrance gates to Ol Kinyei Conservancy are open between 6 am and 6 pm daily
It is advisable to pre-book your stay in Ol Kinyei Conservancy, as there are limited
accommodation options. This is especially true during peak seasons as availability could be scarce
It is best to explore the Ol Kinyei Conservancy in an enclosed or open 4×4 safari vehicle or enjoy a guided bush walk with a qualified guide
In Ol Kinyei guests can enjoy stays at Porini Cheetah Camp or just outside, the wonderful Gamewatchers or Porini Mara are great options.
There are no restaurants located near Ol Kinyei Conservancy, guests would be dining at the restaurants at their respective lodges or camps
Guests staying at Ol Kinyei Conservancy have the option to enjoy a Hot Air Balloon ride over the famous Masai Mara or a game drive in the Masai Mara National Park, offering more chances to see animals and enjoy an outstanding safari experience.
The best time to go gorilla trekking in Uganda is during the dry season (December– February and June - August) when conditions are especially good for trekking to view mountain gorillas. Game drives in the national parks are also fruitful during this time.
Wear neutral colored, lightweight clothing on your Uganda safari. Dress in layers and bring a warm sweater for morning and nighttime game drives. For gorilla trekking, bring a waterproof rain jacket, hiking boots, long socks, hiking pants, bug repellant, and a daypack. A sunhat and gardening gloves are also a good idea; the jungle is dense and thick.
Natural World Kenya Safaris offers Gorilla Trekking Safaris in Uganda with basic accommodations starting at $96 per person, per day, plus the Uganda gorilla trekking permit which costs $700 per person per day (the permits are required, and those fees are non-negotiable.) Costs increase from there.
Natural World Safaris can provide basic, mid-range, and luxury trekking safaris and is eager to work with almost any budget.
Suggested tips range from $10 to $20 per person per day for a private guide and the same amount for your driver if that is a different person than your guide.
If you are on a guided safari or gorilla trek in Uganda, your chances of encountering problems are minimal. However, it is always a good idea to take precautions on your safari, particularly when traveling through urban areas or in regions close to the border with the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
The trek to spot gorillas can be strenuous. It could take anywhere from two to eight hours to find and observe the gorillas, depending on the time of year. Be prepared to hike for multiple hours through uneven terrain at high altitude. It is advisable to train before any gorilla trekking trip by walking uphill, or better yet, by taking day hikes.
When it comes to wildlife viewing, there are never any guarantees. There are no fences in the parks in Uganda and the gorillas are free to roam. However, our expert guides and gorilla trackers have years of experience taking guests to see these magnificent creatures. They know their favorite spots to congregate and work closely with park officials each day to provide the best possible chance of seeing gorillas in the wild.
Most mountain gorillas in Uganda live at between 4,900 to 7,500 feet. Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, home to the country’s mountain gorillas, has a high point of 8,550ft.
The best time to go on a gorilla trek in Rwanda is during the dry season (June - September) when conditions are best for trekking to view the country’s highlight: the fascinating mountain gorillas.
Wear neutral colored, lightweight clothing on your Rwanda gorilla trek. Dress in layers and don’t forget a sweater for chilly morning and nighttime game drives. For gorilla trekking, bring a waterproof rain jacket, broken-in hiking boots, long socks, hiking pants, bug repellant, and a daypack. A sun visor and protective gloves – such as gardening gloves - are also useful.
Natural World Kenya Safaris offers Gorilla Trekking Safaris in Rwanda with basic accommodations starting at $720 per person, per day, plus the Rwanda gorilla trekking permit which costs $1,500 per person per day (the permits are required, and those fees are non-negotiable.) Costs increase from there.
Natural World Safaris can provide basic, mid-range, and luxury trekking safaris and is eager to work with almost any budget.
Suggested tips for your guide are $25 per person, per day for a private guide and the same amount for your driver if that is a different person than your guide.
Rwanda is one of the safest countries in Africa, particularly if you are on a guided safari or gorilla trek. Your chances of encountering problems are minimal. However, it is always a good idea to take precautions on your safari, particularly when traveling through urban areas. Cross-border travel into the Democratic Republic of the Congo or Burundi is not safe, however, so steer clear of this.
The trek to spot gorillas can be strenuous. It could take anywhere from two to eight hours to find and observe the gorillas, depending on the time of year. Be prepared to hike for multiple hours through uneven terrain at high altitude. It is advisable to train before any gorilla trekking trip by walking uphill, or better yet, by taking day hikes.
When it comes to wildlife viewing, there are never any guarantees. There are no fences in the parks in Rwanda and the gorillas are free to roam. However, our expert guides and gorilla trackers have years of experience taking guests to see these magnificent creatures. They know their favorite spots to congregate and work closely with park officials each day to provide the best possible chance of seeing gorillas in the wild.
Most mountain gorillas in Rwanda live at between 8,000 to 13,000 feet. Volcanoes National Park has a high point of 15,000ft.
Contact us for more information
For more information about our safari excursions, or to book your dream safari trip with Natural World Kenya Safaris, simply get in touch with our friendly travel advisors. Give us a call on +254 704 001 122 or leave your details on our contact us page, and we'll reply as quickly as possible.
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