Mara Training Centre
Kenya
From humble beginnings as a gathering under an acacia tree within the Enonkishu Conservancy, the Mara Training Centre has blossomed into a luxury destination at the heart of Kenya.
Our eco-camp is nestled in a forest fringe, perched on a peninsula overlooking the Mara River.
Experience Mara with EcoTraining
The Mara Training Centre offers a higher level of comfort and service compared to our other camps. Its prime location, luxurious amenities, and comprehensive wildlife and conservation experiences make it a unique and worthwhile destination.
Located on the banks of the Mara River, the camp is nestled between communities and wildlife conservancies. The courses offer valuable insights into the dynamics of cohabitation between community herdsmen, their livestock, crops, and the surrounding wildlife.
Enonkishu Conservancy is a world-class wildlife-viewing conservancy located on the banks of the Mara River and secured by the resident community. It covers 2428 hectares of wildlife grazing rangelands and has access to two other conservancies, Ol Choro Oiroua and Lemek.
Send me more information
Fill out the following form to get more information from our friendly team.
Where is the Mara training centre located?
Traversing is not limited to Enonkishu alone. We also have access to two other conservancies in close proximity. Ol Choro Oiroua Conservancy covers 6879 hectares (17,000 acres) of a group ranch in the most northern 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 air link 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 7689 hectares (19,000 acres).
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.
Activities at the Mara Training Centre
Learning in nature
Our EcoTraining camp in Kenya offers an exclusive and intimate wildlife viewing experience, emphasising both comfort and close encounters with nature. The camp is home to a diverse array of wildlife, including Thomson’s gazelle, wildebeest, Cape buffalo, black rhinoceros, elephants, lions, jackals, hyenas, crocodiles, bat-eared foxes, and hippopotami. From July to October, Thomson’s gazelle migrate into the Masai Mara National Reserve from the Serengeti Plains to the south and the Loita Plains to the northeast, providing a spectacular sight.
Participants can also explore the local area with bike rides along the safe Mara River frontage.
Conservation projects
Our programme immerses participants in hands-on conservation while fostering cultural exchange. Based at the EcoTraining Mara Training Centre, guests engage with the Maasai community, learning their traditions and contributing to local conservation projects. From participating in women’s empowerment initiatives to restoring the ecosystem through tree planting and garden work, our students become active stewards of the Mara.
Daily walks & drives
A highlight of your stay will be the daily game walks and drives, led by experienced guides. These excursions offer you the chance to witness the awe-inspiring beauty of the African bush up close. You’ll be amazed by the incredible diversity of wildlife that surrounds you with each step.
Daily activities also include interactive lectures, providing close encounters with Africa’s iconic wildlife and enriching your understanding of this magnificent ecosystem.
Additional activities
The camp is a paradise for bird-watching enthusiasts, offering stunning green areas and lawns perfect for reading and relaxing. Guests can also take refreshing dips in the crystal-clear swimming pool, providing an ideal spot to unwind and disconnect from the hustle and bustle of everyday life.
Retreat to the shade for a game of table tennis, try your hand at darts or simply enjoy the peaceful surroundings—perfect for relaxation and rejuvenation.
Staying at the camp
Tents
Our six bungalow-style tents, accommodating up to 16 people, offer a uniquely comfortable and refined stay. Each room features daily laundry service, fresh drinking water, evening turndown service, and clean linen. The attentive staff ensures that every detail is taken care of, creating a welcoming and relaxing atmosphere. Rooms are thoughtfully decorated with fresh flowers and art. Additionally, WiFi is available in the rooms for your convenience.
Comfortable framed beds with sheets, duvets, and pillows ensure a restful night's sleep, making your stay both luxurious and relaxing.
Dining
The dining area is an open space overlooking the garden, with a fireplace and comfortable couches. A bar is available, stocked with soft drinks, beer, wine, and ingredients for mixing gin and tonics or whiskey cocktails. Dining tables can be rearranged into a coffee house setup for individual study with garden views.
Breakfast includes options like eggs, baked beans, homemade bread, mandazi (Kenyan doughnuts), fried vegetables, granola, honey, fresh yoghurt, bacon or sausages, pancakes, crepes, muffins, fruit salad, and fresh smoothies or juice.
Lunch and dinner feature a mix of traditional Kenyan dishes and international cuisines, all made with fresh, locally sourced ingredients. The kitchen staff are attentive to dietary needs, ensuring every guest has a delightful dining experience.
Ablutions
Shared ablutions and communal areas foster a sense of community while maintaining high standards of cleanliness and comfort. The shower block is stocked with locally produced essential oil shower gel, shampoo, and body lotion.
Mosquitoes
Tucked in mosquito nets in each room.
What to bring
An extra blanket and pillow for added comfort, though our existing amenities ensure a comfortable stay.
Start your wildlife career
Accredited by leading associations such as FGASA and official training entities such as CATHSSETA, our career courses and programmes offer individuals an opportunity to turn a passion for wildlife and nature into a career.
Higher Certificate: Ecotourism Field Guide
This NQF5 course is designed to equip you with the skills to pursue a successful career as a wildlife guide.
1-year Professional Field Guide Course
The all-inclusive course for adventurers who want to turn their love of wildlife and animals into a career educating others.
55-day Field Guide Course
The course covers a wide variety of topics and combines formal lectures with time spent out in the field for a fully immersive learning experience.
Our Wildlife programmes and courses are designed for everyone who is interested in nature, whether they intend to pursue a career in conservation or simply love being in the bush.
7/14-day Masai Mara EcoQuest
This EcoQuest program is Kenya, it includes unique elements which reflect the fascinating dynamics occurring in the wildlife areas of the Mara.
7-day Birding in the Bush Course
Learn to identify a great variety of species of birds by sight and sound while also learning about their fascinating biology and ecology.
6-day Wilderness Trails Skills Course
Experience meaningful wilderness encounters with this inspiring cornerstone course that develops a lifetime conservation culture in those who love nature.
Connect with like-minded people from all over the world with our live and interactive online sessions. Study conservation online in this adventure-packed learning experience.
On-demand Field Guide Course
This on-demand Field Guide course is a tailor-made solution for individuals with busy schedules who yearn to pursue their passion for field guiding at their preferred pace.
Online Trails Guide Course
A chance to learn how to interact safely with wild animals from the comfort of your home.
Online Field Guide Course
This online FGASA course offers a comprehensive introduction to field guiding from the comfort of your own home.
Take a gap year and experience an immersive wildlife experience or customise a course for small groups, university study programmes or private travel with EcoTraining.
Gap Year
Embark on the adventure of a lifetime with our unique wildlife gap year programs, immersing yourself in breathtaking habitats, learning, discovering, and making a meaningful impact. Whether you’re a school leaver unsure of your future path or a nature enthusiast, step into an exciting world of adventure with our wildlife gap year programme.
Customised Wildlife Programmes
Customised courses for agents and tour operators to assist with the planning of educational safari itineraries catered for small group departures, alumni travel, private celebrity travel, summer schools, and university study abroad programmes.