About the Mara Ripoi Conservancy
Nestled on the outer edge of the legendary Maasai Mara National Reserve, the 24,000-acre Mara Ripoi Conservancy represents a remarkable conservation success story born from the vision and generosity of the local Maasai community.
Three decades ago, when the area transitioned from a private group ranch to individual ownership, forward-thinking landowners made an extraordinary commitment to wildlife preservation. Each landowner voluntarily donated 6.5 acres of their most precious resource — their ancestral land — toward conservation efforts. This land in the heart of the area was set aside, creating the foundation for what would eventually become Mara Ripoi Conservancy.
This collaborative approach makes Ripoi unique among Mara conservancies. Rather than being imposed from outside, conservation here grew organically from the community’s own dedication to protecting their natural heritage for future generations.
The conservancy encompasses three distinct ecosystems that create an incredibly diverse wildlife habitat. Rolling hills provide elevated vantage points and varied terrain, while expansive savannahs offer the classic African plains experience where large herds roam freely. The riverine areas along seasonal waterways and natural springs create lush corridors that attract an abundance of wildlife, especially during drier months.
Today, Mara Ripoi hosts just four accommodation options: three small permanent camps that maintain an intimate, low-impact presence with roughly 700 acres per tent, and one seasonal mobile camp. This deliberately limited development ensures that the conservancy’s 24,000 acres remain largely untouched, preserving the authentic wilderness experience that both wildlife and visitors cherish.
The result is a conservation model that proves local communities can be the most effective guardians of Africa’s natural treasures — protecting vast landscapes while creating sustainable livelihoods that honor both tradition and the future.
“All I wanted to do was get back to Africa. We had not left it, yet, but when I would wake in the night I would lie, listening, homesick for it already. ”
– Ernest Hemingway
Mara Siana Camp Highlights
Legendary African Wildlife Guides
Immerse yourself in the bush on exciting game drives that are never the same, and consistently surprise, amaze and astonish. Offering unique ecological biodiversity, you will come across a plethora of iconic wildlife.
Masai Mara Without The Crowds
Your game drive will be spiced up with a Sundowner (happy-hour) to round off your afternoon game-drive experience. Sunset is a great time to unwind while watching the wildlife in the distance
Luxury Camp Life
Our Luxury wildlife tents offer you modern comforts while bringing you closer to nature. Our camp offers seven tents total. Two family tents composed of two bedrooms and two ensuite bathrooms and five standard tents composed of one king or two single beds and ensuite bathrooms.
Meet Our Directors
Mara Siana is guided by an exceptional team of directors, each with a deep-rooted passion for wildlife, conservation, and the Maasai Mara. Jackson Looseyia, ranked among Africa’s top legendary guides by Condé Nast Traveler, grew up in the heart of the Mara, inheriting a mastery of tracking from his ancestors. He became one of the first Maasai guides and is widely known for presenting BBC’s Big Cat Live and Big Cat Tales. Salaash Morompi started as a waiter and worked his way up to become one of the region’s most sought-after guides. A natural storyteller and multilingual host, he blends humor, knowledge, and cultural insights to create unforgettable safari experiences. Fred Ronko, with over 20 years of guiding experience, is a true Safari Fundi. He knows the Mara’s landscapes intimately and has worked with photographers and filmmakers to capture the region’s wildlife at its best. Passionate about conservation, Fred engages guests of all ages, ensuring safaris are both educational and inspiring. Together, our directors bring unmatched expertise, authenticity, and a commitment to sustainable tourism, making every Mara Siana experience extraordinary.