Mara Elephant Project focuses on reducing poaching and mitigating human-elephant conflict in the greater Mara ecosystem and an important part in being successful in this mission is raising the level of social awareness amongst visitors to the Mara.
The Mara North Conservancy (MNC) is a private wilderness area of more than 30,000 hectares (74,000 acres) and makes up a vital part of the Maasai Mara ecosystem. MNC is a not for profit company established in January 2009 made up of a partnership between 11 member camps and over 800 Maasai landowners with the aim to create a best practice, world-class conservancy with long-term commitments to the environment, wildlife and the local community.
One of the 11 member camps is Kicheche Mara Camp, a classic tented camp nestled next to the Olare Orok stream just 45 minutes from MEP HQ. The camp prides itself on offering a friendly and intimate stay inside one of the prime wildlife areas in Kenya. It now also offers a one-of-a-kind experience by MEP.
Beginning in 2018, MEP is offering a new tourist experience at MEP HQ for guests at Kicheche and other camps around the Mara. For a minimum donation of $100, you and your family can venture to MEP HQ and learn about the important work we’re doing to protect elephants to conserve the greater Mara ecosystem.
You’ll meet MEP rangers, see an elephant collar, learn about our collar tracking system and unmanned aerial vehicle operation and get a tour of MEP HQ to see the Karen Blixen Camp Trust Ree Park Safari helicopter.
You’ll also visit a MEP collared elephant if they are nearby and learn all about elephant protection and the complicated issues with poaching and human-elephant conflict in the Mara.This experience will be a firsthand glimpse into the day-to-day lives of the people working on the front lines to save these essential mammals from extinction.
This experience is especially important for families who want to create a lasting impact for their children. Nothing demonstrates the vital role each plant and animal of the Mara plays in the health of its ecosystem than seeing firsthand how interconnected we all are. Children under 12 years of age can come to MEP HQ for free and MEP will be sure to create a family-friendly experience children will remember for years to come.
MEP and Kicheche are both committed to the conservation of the Mara and we understand that educating visitors to this precious ecosystem to be conservation advocates after they’ve left is an essential part of their experience while visiting us.
For more information about booking this experience please contact info@maraelephantproject.org. If your camp is interested in featuring this experience on your website please contact Claire@maraelephantproject.org.
