Nic Elliot, a researcher from Oxford University, is the Project Director of the Mara Lion Project and with his fellow zoologist, Arjun Gopalswamy, published a scientific paper (2016) on lion densities in the Mara eco-system, an area generally recognised as having the highest concentration of lions in Africa. Their study focused on the Mara National Reserve, the Mara Triangle and the Mara Conservancies comprising Ol Kinyei, Naboisho, Olare Motorogi, Mara North, Lemek and Ol Chorro conservancies. Since lions have high mortality under one year, in their study they included only those individuals older than one year. Their results show that they estimate lion density to be 16.85 lions per 100km2 which translates to 420 lions across the Mara Reserve and the adjoining Conservancies.

Elliot, Nicholas B., and Arjun M. Gopalaswamy. “Towards accurate and precise estimates of lion density.” Conservation Biology (2016).

Map shows the location of Olare Motorogi, Naboisho & Ol Kinyei Conservancies adjoining the Maasai Mara National Reserve

Map portraying the study area

Lion Density – red marks the highest concentration of lions

The research found that there was a higher lion density in the combined conservancies than in the Mara Reserve itself which Nic Elliot considered quite remarkable given that (in ecological terms) the conservancies are relatively new. So the conservancies have proved to be important lion areas, critical for their survival. And of all the areas in the Mara eco-system, the two places with the highest lion density were Olare Motorogi Conservancy and Ol Kinyei Conservancy, where our Porini Camps are located. This means that these two conservancies probably have the highest concentration of free-roaming wild lions in the whole of Africa! Nic Elliot told us that his research findings should help in opening the eyes of potential visitors to the spectacular wildlife of the conservancies and that lions certainly flourish within them.

Accommodation in Olare Motorogi & Ol Kinyei Conservancy

Porini Lion Camp is located in unique and stunning setting on the banks of the seasonal Ntiakatiak River within the Olare Motorogi Conservancy. This large area borders the Masai Mara National Reserve and is home to an abundance of animals including the Mara’s renowned Big Cats. There is unsurpassed game-viewing within the conservancy due to its unspoiled natural state and the Porini Lion Camp – with just ten tents – ensures guests have a genuine “away from it all” experience deep in the African bush.

Porini Mara Camp has just 6 guest tents and is located within the award-winning Ol Kinyei Conservancy (Maasai Mara), offering an authentic, high quality, low tourism-density safari experience. Ol Kinyei Conservancy is an exclusive 18700 acre wilderness set aside as a wildlife sanctuary with a wide variety of species including big cats: lions, leopards and cheetahs. The area has open plains, forests, rivers and stunning views.

Porini Cheetah Camp is unfenced and located inside a private conservancy far from the usual safari crowds. It has just six spacious guest tents. The camp offers Wifi Internet in the public areas . The camp is entirely solar-powered and the comfortable tents have fans and charging points for use in the day. Also ensuite bathrooms with hot shower, flush toilet and water on tap. The chef uses fresh ingredients to prepare high quality meals and even home-baked bread. Indian cuisine is available on request.

Ol Kinyei Adventure Camp offers the same high quality wildlife safari experience provided by the top-end safari camps, with game viewing in 4×4 safari vehicles escorted by top class Maasai guides and spotters in an exclusive wildlife conservancy in the Mara far away from the tourist minibuses. This is at a hugely reduced price, achieved by staying in a more basic adventure camp, which is more like “real camping” instead of the luxury accommodation of the expensive up-market tented lodges.

Lions in Ol Kinyei Conservancy by Jake Grieves-Cook

Lions in front of Porini Lion Camp in Olare Motorogi Conservancy by regular guest Philip Edwards

Pride male “Olparpit” in Olare Motorogi Conservancy by Jake Grieves-Cook

Discounted rates for your next safari

If you would like to come and view these majestic Big Cats in their natural surroundings then take advantage of our latest special offer prices now on offer for safaris to Porini Camps.

We are offering very special discounted rates for safaris which include 6 nights or more at selected Porini Safari Camps, bringing you the best possible value for money on an African safari adventure.

If you are not quite ready to book then sign up to our free 6-part “How to Book A Safari” email series to discover how to make the most of your time and budget in Kenya, including where to get the best wildlife-viewing, your accommodation / transport options and where to get night drives and safari walks.