Olare Orok Conservancy, Masai Mara
The real Out of Africa Experience
Porini Lion Camp has recently been set up in the exclusive wildlife conservancy of Olare Orok, an expansive conservancy, which borders the Masai Mara Reserve and is one of the most beautiful wilderness areas in the Serengeti-Mara eco-system. Situated along the banks of the Ntiakatiak River, a seasonal river with some permanent hippo pools near the camp, the camp makes no use of permanent structures and is accommodated entirely under canvas.
Offering only 10 luxury guest tents, Porini Lion Camp offers an exclusive Mara experience, which is not available in the longer-established camps within the main national reserve. A pristine wilderness, the 20,000 acre exclusive Olare Orok Conservancy offers savannah plains, riverine forest, springs, streams and rivers, rolling hills and spectacular views across the Mara. Belonging to the local Maasai community, the land has been set aside as a wildlife sanctuary and boasts a wide variety of the animal species for which the Mara is famous.
Location
The Background
The greatest wildlife show on earth
Word renowned for the breathtaking spectacle of the annual migration of half a million wildebeest, the Mara is Kenya's most visited protected area. Technically an extension of Tanzania's renowned Serengeti National Park, the Mara constitutes only 4% of the entire Serengeti ecosystem but its rolling grasslands, meandering rivers and towering escarpments offer one of the world's most rewarding and evocative wildlife arenas. Offering an abundance of herbivores, the Mara makes the ideal hunting ground for Kenya's famous ‘big cats' and hosts her largest population of lions. Historically teeming with wildlife, the Mara is famous for the large herds of elephant and buffalo that meander its plains; also for the fat pods of hippo that wallow in its mud-brown rivers.
The Miracle of the Migration of the Wildebeest
Between the end of July and November, over one and a half million wildebeest accompanied by half again as many zebras and gazelles, migrate from the short-grass plains of the Serengeti to fresh pasture in the grasslands of the Mara; thus creating one of nature's grandest spectacles. Moving in groups of up to 20,000 at a time they thunder across the plateau hesitating only briefly to cross the Mara River, where many fall prey to the waiting crocodiles. Towards the end of October they begin crossing back into Tanzania. The actual timing of the migration, however, is dictated by the weather and does not always ‘run to schedule'.
Accommodation
The camp offers 10 spacious tents, comfortably furnished with en suite bathrooms to the rear of the tent (shower, wash basin and flush toilet). Sited beneath yellow-barked Acacia trees, along the banks of the river, each tent offers both a double and a single bed, traditonal safari furniture and solar electricity.
Accommodation costs includes
• All meals and picnic lunches, free mineral water, sodas, gin, beer and house wine.
• Morning, evening and night game drives in the conservancy.
• Escorted walk with Maasai guides.
• Sundowner drinks to watch the sunset from scenic viewing points.
• Transfers from airstrip to Porini Lion Camp
Dining and bars
Because the camp is presented in the style of a true safari camp, there are no permanent structures. Consequently, meals are taken under the shade of an Acacia tree, precluded and followed by drinks around the campfire.
Child-friendly
The camp welcomes children.
What to see and do
When it comes to game-viewing, there is nowhere in Africa richer in wildlife or more eventful in encounters than the Mara. A pristine wilderness of haunting beauty, it promises its visitors a profusion of wildlife, prolific bird life and the unprecedented opportunity of catching up with all the members of the ‘Big Five' in one morning.
As to scenery, the 1,800 sq kilometres of this veteran reserve offer the classic mix of African imagery; miles of lion-gold grasslands, shoals of lilac-misted hills, a meandering river, acres of thorn-bush and mile upon mile of undulating wilderness.
Other attractions
• Custom-built open-sided four-wheel-drive safari vehicles for all game drives
• Expert driver-guides
• Morning and evening game drives
• Night game drive
• Escorted walk with Maasai trackers and guide
• Visit to traditional Maasai village
• Sundowner
• Picnic lunch
Ecotourism
The local Maasai community has set aside the conservation area as a reserve for wildlife and in return is receiving an income from tourism activities. This is used to fund community projects such as schools and water supplies. Employment opportunities have also been provided for the local Maasai people as game rangers, trackers, and camp staff. Apart from the management and Head Chef, all other staff in the camp and Conservation Area are members of the local Maasai community.
Porini Lion Camp - Masai Mara | Kenya Safari Tented Camps
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