Kenya’s conservancies offer a different way to experience a safari. Alongside national parks and reserves, these protected areas provide important habitats for wildlife while creating opportunities for local communities to benefit from conservation.
Gamewatchers Safaris helped pioneer this approach in Kenya in 1997, working with Maasai landowners to establish Selenkay Conservancy in the Amboseli ecosystem. The model has since expanded across the Maasai Mara region with Ol Kinyei Conservancy, Ripoi Conservancy and Olare Motorogi Conservancy, and is now extending into Uganda, with the development of Kidepo Lomej Conservancy alongside Kidepo National Park.
From the elephant landscapes of Amboseli, the big cats of the Maasai Mara, the rhino conservation of Ol Pejeta Conservancy to the wildlife-rich landscapes of northern Uganda, these conservation areas demonstrate how responsible tourism and partnerships with local communities can help protect habitats and support local livelihoods.
Conservancies provide additional habitat beyond national parks and reserves, helping wildlife move through wider landscapes.
Depending on the conservancy, guests may enjoy guided walks, night drives and other experiences not generally permitted in national parks.
With only one tent per 700 acres and one tourist vehicle per 1,400 acres permitted, our safari conservancies help reduce pressure on wildlife and create a quieter safari experience.
Land-lease payments and tourism employment provide income linked to keeping land available for wildlife.
Conservancies provide additional habitat beyond national parks and reserves, helping wildlife move through wider landscapes.
Depending on the conservancy, guests may enjoy guided walks, night drives and other experiences not generally permitted in national parks.
Land-lease payments and tourism employment provide income linked to keeping land available for wildlife.
With only one tent per 700 acres and one tourist vehicle per 1,400 acres permitted, our safari conservancies help reduce pressure on wildlife and create a quieter safari experience.
Choose a local safari expert and start planning.
Our conservation areas span diverse landscapes in Kenya and Uganda, from the Amboseli ecosystem and the Maasai Mara to Laikipia and the Kidepo region of northeastern Uganda. Each area has its own wildlife, habitats and conservation priorities. Explore the table below to learn more about these destinations, the wildlife they support and their role in community-led conservation.
| Conservancy | Location | Size | Best for | Wildlife | Camps |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Amboseli (Kenya) |
13,000 acres |
Exclusive Porini Conservancy. Elephants and community conservation. |
Elephants, giraffes, plains zebras, wildebeest, gazelles, hyenas and diverse birdlife. |
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|
Maasai Mara (Kenya) |
18,700 acres |
Exclusive Porini Conservancy. Big cats, varied landscapes and a more intimate Maasai Mara safari. |
Lions, leopards, cheetahs, elephants, giraffes, buffalo, plains game and abundant birdlife. Wildebeest calving typically takes place around February and March. |
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|
Maasai Mara (Kenya) |
33,000 acres |
Big cats, excellent game viewing and wildebeest migration. |
Lions, leopards, cheetahs, elephants, buffalo and large numbers of plains game. Wildebeest and other migratory animals move through the wider Mara ecosystem seasonally. |
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|
Maasai Mara (Kenya) |
22,000 acres |
Giraffes, varied landscapes and exploring a less familiar part of the greater Maasai Mara ecosystem. |
Maasai giraffes, elephants, lions, cheetahs, plains game and diverse birdlife. |
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|
Laikipia (Kenya) |
90,000 acres |
Rhino conservation, photography hide, the Big Five and distinctive wildlife conservation experiences. |
Black and white rhinos, elephants, lions, leopards, buffalo and other plains game. Ol Pejeta is also home to the Sweetwaters Chimpanzee Sanctuary and the world’s last two northern white rhinos. |
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|
Kidepo (Uganda) |
tbc acres |
An emerging community-conservation initiative alongside Kidepo Valley National Park |
The wider Kidepo landscape supports elephants, buffalo, lions, cheetahs and diverse birdlife. |
| Conservancy | Location | Best for | Wildlife highlights | Camp or initiative |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Selenkay Conservancy | Amboseli ecosystem, Kenya | Community conservation, elephants and a quieter safari experience. | Elephants, giraffes, zebras, wildebeest, gazelles and birdlife. | Porini Amboseli Camp |
| Ol Kinyei Conservancy | Greater Maasai Mara, Kenya | Big cats, varied landscapes and an intimate Mara safari. | Lions, leopards, cheetahs, elephants, giraffes and plains wildlife. |
Porini Mara Camp Porini Cheetah Camp Porini Safari Cottages |
| Olare Motorogi Conservancy | Greater Maasai Mara, Kenya | Big-cat viewing and wildlife-rich Mara grasslands. | Lions, leopards, cheetahs, elephants, buffalo and plains wildlife. | Porini Lion Camp |
| Mara Ripoi Conservancy | Greater Maasai Mara, Kenya | Mara landscapes, resident wildlife and community conservation. | Maasai giraffes, elephants, lions, cheetahs and plains wildlife. | Porini Giraffe Camp |
| Ol Pejeta Conservancy | Laikipia, Kenya | Rhino conservation and a broad range of wildlife experiences. | Black and white rhinos, elephants, lions, leopards, buffalo and plains wildlife. | Porini Rhino Camp Ol Pejeta is independently managed. |
| Kidepo Lomej Conservancy | Northeastern Uganda | Community conservation in the wider Kidepo landscape. | The wider region supports elephants, buffalo, lions, cheetahs and diverse birdlife. | Contact our team for current travel and accommodation details. |
Our commitment to wildlife conservation, community partnerships and responsible tourism has been recognised by international tourism organisations and conservation bodies. These awards and certifications reflect the work of Gamewatchers Safaris, Porini Camps, our conservation partners and the communities helping to protect wildlife habitats in Kenya and beyond.
Winner — Tour Operators & Travel Agencies
Gamewatchers Safaris Ltd was named the 2026 winner in this category at the Skål International Sustainable Tourism Awards. The award recognises the company's approach to sustainable tourism, including conservation partnerships and community benefits linked to responsible safari travel.
View the 2026 Skål International Sustainable Tourism Awards results (PDF)
Two awards recognising conservation and eco-innovation
Winner — Selenkay Conservancy
Awarded at the World Sustainable Travel & Hospitality Awards, this recognition celebrates the long-standing partnership between Gamewatchers Safaris, Porini Camps and the Eselenkei Maasai community. Established in 1997, Selenkay demonstrates how community land leases and low-impact tourism can support wildlife habitat protection and local livelihoods.
Ol Kinyei Conservancy
Ol Kinyei Conservancy is recognised on the IUCN Green List, a global standard for effective and equitable management of protected and conserved areas. This recognition reflects its conservation management, protection of wildlife habitat and the benefits generated for the local Maasai community.
The Green List framework assesses areas against criteria covering good governance, effective management and successful conservation outcomes, helping to promote lasting benefits for both nature and people.
Porini Camps are assessed through Eco-tourism Kenya's certification programme, which recognises environmental and sustainability practices in tourism accommodation.
Conservancies depend on partnerships between landowners, conservation organisations and responsible tourism operators. By making wildlife conservation a viable use of land, this approach can help maintain habitats that might otherwise face increasing pressure from settlement or other land uses.
Gamewatchers Safaris works with local communities to support this model through land-lease payments, employment and tourism-related income. In the Maasai Mara ecosystem, the conservancies also provide additional space for wildlife beyond the national reserve. In Uganda, the Kidepo Lomej Conservancy extends this approach to the Kidepo landscape, with payments beginning to benefit the local Karamojong community.
Our approach places an emphasis on small camps and controlled visitor numbers, with our conservancy model that allows a minimum of 700 acres per guest tent and limits tourist vehicles to one per 1,400 acres. These limits help reduce the pressure of tourism on wildlife and their habitat.
Guests can therefore enjoy a more personal safari experience while contributing to a tourism model that recognises the importance of wildlife, landowners and local livelihoods.
Our experienced Safari Consultants—based in Nairobi and around the world—are here to guide you every step of the way. From expert advice to seamless planning, we’ll take care of every detail to create a safari that’s perfectly tailored to you.
Get in touch today, and a dedicated Safari Specialist in your time zone will start crafting your personalised safari to Africa.
We have an experienced team of Safari Consultants based in Kenya.
You can email our Nairobi team here or call at +254-722-509-200.
Hello, I’m Rick, based in Ontario, Canada, with over 15 years in the travel industry and a passport filled with stamps from over 70 countries. My heart was captured by Africa during my first visit to Kenya, and since then, I’ve journeyed back repeatedly, exploring the diverse landscapes and wildlife of Kenya, Tanzania, Rwanda, Zambia, Zimbabwe, Botswana, Namibia, and South Africa. Whether you’re dreaming of a “once in a lifetime” vacation or you’re a seasoned safari traveler, I’m here to assist in planning your perfect African adventure.
You can contact me at rick@gamewatchers.com or give me a call at +1-877-710-3014, and together, we’ll make your African dreams a reality.
Hi, I’m Rae, based on the West Coast of Canada, on beautiful Vancouver Island. I’m a passionate traveler who has explored nearly 30 countries, but it was a solo journey to Africa that truly transformed my perspective. From the moment I arrived in Botswana, I felt an undeniable connection to the continent and was inspired to spend more time experiencing its extraordinary wildlife, breathtaking landscapes, and rich cultures. My solo travels have since taken me through Zimbabwe, Zambia, Mauritius, South Africa, Uganda, Namibia, and Kenya, where I experienced Gamewatchers Safaris and Porini Camps firsthand. It was during these immersive and unforgettable journeys that my passion for Africa evolved into a clear vision: to join the Gamewatchers team and help others discover the magic of safari. I’d love to connect and plan your wildest dreams!.
You can reach me by email at rae@gamewatchers.com
Greetings, I’m Julie Roggow, and I come to you with over two decades of immersion in the world of travel. My journey into the heart of safari adventures began as I traversed Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, Rwanda, Botswana, Zimbabwe, and South Africa, capturing the essence of these mesmerizing landscapes through my lens. Among these remarkable destinations, Kenya and the Porini safari camps hold a special place in my heart. Their unique blend of wilderness and conservation resonates deeply with me.
My passion for travel is matched only by my dedication to sharing that passion with others. Whether you’re a seasoned traveler or embarking on your very first safari, I’m here to ensure that planning your safari vacation is an enjoyable and seamless experience.
Feel free to reach out to me by email at julie@gamewatchers.com or through our toll-free telephone line at +1-877-710-3014. Let’s embark on an unforgettable safari journey together, where the wild beauty of Africa awaits to enchant and inspire you.
Jambo, I’m Tommy Mees, most people call me Tom.
My connection with Africa began through years of travelling across the continent.
I later spent more than twelve years managing safari camps and lodges while supporting conservation initiatives including beekeeping and tree-planting projects.
Having travelled extensively throughout Eastern and Southern Africa, I developed a deep appreciation for authentic wilderness experiences and the conservation-focused approach of the Porini Camps.
I am originally from Belgium and now based in Spain, though my heart has always remained in Africa.
Alongside my safari background, I am also a professional photographer and enjoy helping travellers experience and capture the extraordinary wildlife, landscapes and cultures that make Africa so special.
If you are considering an African safari, feel free to contact me at tom@gamewatchers.com
Hola, I’m Andrea and my love affair with the captivating world of safaris began during my teenage years when I embarked on my very first safari in Kenya. There, amidst the awe-inspiring wildlife and expansive plains, I found my true passion. Over the years, Kenya has called me back time and time again, leading me to explore its myriad camps, conservancies, and renowned parks. More recently, I’ve had the privilege of staying at all the Porini Camps, where the spotlight shines on wildlife conservation—a cause close to my heart as I traverse the globe. While Kenya holds a special place in my wanderlust-filled heart, Tanzania, Uganda, and Rwanda have also woven their magic into my soul.
If you’re eager to embark on your own safari adventure or share your passion for conservation, please feel free to contact me at andrea@saririterra.com
Hello, I’m Kristy, your Australian-based Safari Advisor with Gamewatchers Safaris and Porini Camps. My background in ecology and conservation management, combined with a deep passion for nature and the great outdoors, led me to Kenya where I instantly fell in love with its spectacular wildlife and warm-hearted people. Having spent significant time at our Porini Camps and explored other camps we offer, I bring intricate knowledge to help craft your ultimate wildlife safari adventure. Whether you’re seeking the thrill of the savannah or the serenity of the wilderness, I’m here to make your safari dreams a reality.
Feel free to reach out to me on the Gold Coast, Australia, at kristy@gamewatchers.com or call on +61 419 175 672.
Hello, I’m Pranay Chandra, a veteran of the Indian Armed Forces whose profound passion for nature and wildlife led me to the world of wildlife photography. My lens has captured the essence of the wild, earning recognition in esteemed competitions like the Sanctuary Asia annual wildlife awards and the Natural History Museum’s Wildlife Photographer of the Year awards. Beyond photography, I’ve dedicated myself to conservation efforts, collaborating with Ecological Task Forces and supporting WWF India’s training initiatives in tiger reserves. In the realm of education, I’ve partnered with CEC, New Delhi, to create informative video programs on Human-Wildlife Conflicts. I’ve ventured to Kenya, embracing the splendours of Africa while staying at Porini camps and other renowned lodges.
You can connect with me via email at pranay@gamewatchers.com or call on +91 801 788 5256.
Make it your own. Customise your safari experience so that it includes our Porini Camps along the way, to ensure the best wildlife viewing experience in exclusive wildlife conservancies away from the crowds.
