Enonkishu Conservancy

Location: Maasai Mara National Reserve, Narok County, Kenya

Area: approx. 6,000 acre

Overview

Enonkishu conservancy is located on the northern boundary of the Mara-Serengeti Ecosystem, secured yearly by renting land from Maasai Title-Deed owners, who are conservancy members. Tarquin and Lippa Wood started the Enonkishu Conservancy in 2009 and began ecotourism enterprises in the region in 2013.

This Conservancy developed a strategy for a culturally relevant context to apply to conservation, right on the edge of human settlement and arable farmland. The Conservancy is committed to sustainable rangeland management that allows space and resources for all people, cattle, and over 50 species of wildlife.

A locally led initiative employing a triple bottom line approach; People (Social-Community), Profit (Economics-Business), Planet (Land, Water, Wildlife) with Holistic Management (HM) as the basis of the initiative, and a unique approach to conserving land by creating a viable livestock enterprise.

Over the last five years, cattle have been utilized as a tool to rehabilitate degraded grassland and progress has been monitored. The resilient ecosystem of Enonkishu has responded well to the implementation of Mobile Bomas, additional artificial water points, efforts to control erosion and a stringent grazing plan designed to maximize available forage for wildlife and livestock.

The livestock has been upgraded by introducing Boran bulls into the herd with a vision of diversifying the conservancy’s revenue ensuring a sustainable model in which Maasai members realize the benefits of conservation in a tangible way.

The Uniqueness of this Park

• Enonkishu is adopting a unique approach to conserving land by creating a viable livestock enterprise through a Holistic Management (HM) Approach.
• Often referred to as the “Last Line of Defense” between human encroachment and wildlife conservation.

Accommodation Options

House in the Wild – a boutique Lodge on the Mara River – 8-room lodge in (six cottages).

The Original Cottage (2 DBLs), The River Cottage (2 SGL beds), The Warburgia Cottage (1DBL, 2 Day beds).

The Marula Cottage (2 DBLs), The Hippo Cottage (1 DBL), and The Olerai Cottage (1 TWN/DBL) 2021 addition.

Private home within the Naretoi Estate.  

• Tier 1 ‘Enkaji’ – Up to 5,000 sq. ft; 465 sq. mt; up to 7 bedrooms
• Tier 2 ‘Boma’ – Up to 7,500 sq. ft; 697 sq. mt; up to 7 bedrooms
• Tier 3 ‘Manyatta’ – Up to 10,000 sq. ft; 930 sq. mt; up to 7 bedrooms

Activities at the Destination

House in the Wild: Sundowners, Bush Breakfast after morning game drive, Guided Walks with Naretoi, Tennis, Visit local schools, Farm activities, Visit the Mara Training Center, Visit the Wild Shamba,

Activities with extra charges include Scenic Helicopter trips, Visiting the Rhino Sanctuary, Massage, Visiting the Elephant Project, Visiting the local Maasai Village, and Hot-Air Balloon Safari.

Naretoi Design: Hikes, Visit National Forest reserve, and Trout fishing on Chania River directly at the farm.