Maasai Mara Wild
Bandas Kenya
Wild Bandas is located within the Enonkishu Conservancy, on the northern edge of Kenya’s renowned Maasai Mara ecosystem. Set along the banks of the Mara River, it sits at the intersection of local communities and protected wildlife areas.
Courses held at this site offer valuable insights into the complex dynamics of human-wildlife coexistence, exploring the challenges faced by local herdsmen as they manage livestock and crops alongside native wildlife.
Experience Mara with EcoTraining
Wild Bandas is located within the Enonkishu Conservancy, on the northern edge of Kenya’s renowned Maasai Mara ecosystem. Set along the banks of the Mara River, it sits at the intersection of local communities and protected wildlife areas.
Courses held at this site offer valuable insights into the complex dynamics of human-wildlife coexistence, exploring the challenges faced by local herdsmen as they manage livestock and crops alongside native wildlife.
Enonkishu was founded in 2009 by Tarquin and Philippa Wood, who, together with their neighbours, established a community working together to protect the fragile north-eastern boundary of the Mara Serengeti Ecosystem. Their aim was to improve livelihoods and maintain heritage through wildlife-compatible land uses such as eco-tourism and improved livestock production.
Today, Enonkishu secures 6,000 acres (±2,500 ha) 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, with access to two other conservancies in close proximity: Ol Choro Oiroua Conservancy and Lemek Conservancy.
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Where is the Maasai Mara Wild Bandas Camp located?
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 (±7,000 ha) of a group ranch in the northeast section of Maasai Mara wilderness. The conservancy logistics and land are managed by Seiya Limited under the guardianship of Fairmont Kenya.
Lemek Conservancy is another of Kenya’s wildlife management success stories. Most of Lemek-Koiyaki has now merged with the adjoining Mara North, reducing Lemek’s size to around 19,000 acres. The land was once privately owned by Maasai communities before being transitioned to the Koiyaki Group Ranch and Lemek Group Ranch. The conservancy helps protect valuable habitats for flora and fauna while generating revenue for the conservancy and benefiting local communities.
The climate is pleasantly warm, with cool nights, all year round.
The area is located just south of the Equator, at an altitude between 1,500 and 1,900 metres. Temperatures are slightly higher from October to March and slightly cooler from June to August. At night, temperatures can drop below 10°C, especially from June to August.
Activities at the Maasai Mara Wild Bandas Camp
Learning in nature
The Maasai Mara is home to an exceptional variety of wildlife. Wildebeest, topi, zebra and Thomson’s gazelle migrate into the Mara from the Serengeti plains and Loita Plains from July to October or later. The Big Five — lion, leopard, African elephant, Cape buffalo and black rhinoceros — are also found in the Maasai Mara, along with hippos, crocodiles, hyenas, cheetahs, jackals and bat-eared foxes.
Conservation & Community
Courses at Wild Bandas offer valuable insight into the relationship between local communities, livestock, crops and surrounding wildlife. Enonkishu Conservancy is owned by the resident community and was established to protect the northern boundary of the Mara Serengeti Ecosystem while supporting livelihoods through wildlife-compatible land uses such as eco-tourism and improved livestock production.
Exploring the Mara
Wild Bandas provides access not only to Enonkishu Conservancy, but also to the nearby Ol Choro Oiroua and Lemek conservancies. This extended area offers opportunities to experience diverse habitats, wildlife and scenery across the Greater Mara ecosystem.
Wildlife Viewing
The plains between the Mara River and the Esoit Siria Escarpment are considered one of the best areas for game viewing, particularly for lion and cheetah. The Mara and Talek rivers are also home to large groups of hippopotami and crocodiles.
Staying at the camp
Swimming Pool & Outdoor Spaces
Swimming pool, gazebo, pool house and Mara River views.
Laundry & Housekeeping
Daily laundry and twice-daily room cleaning.
Dining
Indoor and outdoor dining, including riverside bush meals.
En-Suite Bandas
Six en-suite bandas with twin beds and private bathrooms.
Refreshments
Complimentary water, coffee and tea throughout the day.
Start your wildlife career
55-day Kenya Field Guide Course
This course is endorsed by the FGASA (Field Guide Association of South Africa). It covers a broad spectrum of subjects, using a mix of formal lectures and time out in the field.
28-day Kenya Safari Guide Course
EcoTraining’s signature Kenya Safari Guide course is a 28-day adventure-packed experience learning about nature and wildlife at our Masai Mara Wild Bandas Camp in Kenya.
7/14-day Maasai Mara EcoQuest Course
This programme is designed to immerse you in the captivating dynamics of Kenya’s wildlife areas, providing a safari experience in one of the world’s most iconic locations.
Customised Wildlife Programs
Discover tailored wildlife training programmes designed for groups, educational safaris, tour operators, universities and unique learning experiences in the African wilderness.
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