Wildspace Safaris × Mara Elephant Project

In 5 days,
you could help
save a herd.

A rare conservation safari in the heart of the Maasai Mara — where you don't just witness the wild, you protect it. Track elephants with researchers, fly anti-poaching patrols, and stand on the frontline of African conservation.

Reserve My Place Learn the Mission
6 Days in the wild
4 Guests maximum
12+ Years of MEP conservation
The Mission Itinerary Experiences Pricing Reserve Now
Official MEP Partner
Great Migration Season: Jul – Oct
KATO Certified Operator
100% Carbon Offset Safaris
4.9 / 5 — 60+ guest reviews
The Mara Elephant Project team collaring an elephant in the Maasai Mara
Maasai Mara Ecosystem
The Mission

Conservation is not
a spectator sport.

The Maasai Mara's elephants face relentless pressure — shrinking habitat, human-wildlife conflict, and poaching. The Mara Elephant Project has spent over a decade on the frontlines, deploying technology, research, and community engagement to protect one of Africa's greatest herds.

At Wildspace Safaris, we believe the most powerful safaris are those that leave a real mark — not just on you, but on the land itself. Every guest on this journey becomes a direct contributor to MEP's operations: funding patrols, supporting research, and empowering the communities who live alongside these giants.

This is not a zoo with open air. This is the real Mara, with the people working hardest to keep it alive.

Official Partner — Mara Elephant Project A portion of every booking funds active conservation operations
Why it matters

The numbers
behind your journey

2,500+ Elephants monitored by MEP researchers
12 Years of active field conservation
40+ Community rangers supported & employed
98% Reduction in poaching in monitored zones
Day by Day

Your 6-day journey

From Nairobi to the wild heart of the Mara and back — every moment crafted around purpose, wonder, and connection.

Day Location Highlights Accommodation
01
Nairobi → Maasai Mara
Morning bush flight, ~45 min 		Bush flight arrival Afternoon game drive Sunset welcome dinner Luxury tented camp
All meals included
02
Maasai Mara Conservancy
MEP Research Headquarters 		Elephant researcher for a day Track collared elephants Bush picnic lunch Evening sundowner Luxury tented camp
All meals included
03
Greater Mara Ecosystem
Aerial & ground patrol 		MEP Helicopter patrol Aerial elephant monitoring Teatime with senior conservationist Luxury tented camp
All meals included
04
Mara + Local Community
Oloolaimutia area 		Community education visit Drone patrol with rangers Lunch in the field Maasai village cultural evening Luxury tented camp
All meals included
05
Maasai Mara
Full day in the reserve 		Hot air balloon safari Champagne bush breakfast Big Five game drive Guardian Certificate ceremony Luxury tented camp
All meals + premium drinks
06
Mara → Nairobi
Final morning, afternoon departure 		Dawn game drive Farewell brunch at camp Bush flight to Nairobi Wilson Own arrangement in Nairobi
We can recommend partners
Exclusive Access

Five experiences
no other safari offers

01
Field Science · Up to 4 guests

Elephant Researcher for a Day

Step into the boots of a conservation scientist. Join MEP's expert team to track and document individual elephants in the field. Ride alongside a Maasai researcher through terrain most visitors never see.

2–3 hours 4 guests max Min. $500 donation
02
Intimate Conversation · Any group size

Teatime with a Conservationist

A senior MEP conservationist joins you at camp to share stories from the field — real, unfiltered accounts of what it takes to protect elephants in 2025. Conversations that will stay with you long after you've left the Mara.

2 hours Any group size No minimum donation
03
Aerial Patrol · 2 guests only

Conservation Helicopter Flight

The most exclusive experience in East African conservation. Join MEP's helicopter patrol for a bird's-eye view of collared elephants and their terrain — witnessing first-hand how aerial surveillance stops poachers before they strike.

2.5 hours 2 guests max Min. $2,000 donation
04
Community Impact · Any group size

Community Education Initiative

Join MEP's community team in real outreach work — training women in sustainable gardening or engaging children in conservation education. This is where the long-term future of the Mara is truly decided.

3 hours Any group size No minimum donation
05
Ranger Operations · Up to 4 guests

Drone Deployment with MEP Rangers

Accompany MEP rangers on active anti-poaching patrols — see drone surveillance technology in action and experience the real, gritty work of human-wildlife conflict mitigation. Lunch in the bush. No filters.

Half day 4 guests max Min. $1,500 donation
✦
✦
Included for every guest

Your Guardian Certificate

Every guest receives a personalised Mara Guardian Certificate from the Mara Elephant Project — your name, your contribution, your permanent place in the history of Mara conservation.

A lasting mark on the wild
Transparent Pricing

Choose your
level of immersion

All prices per person. No hidden fees. A deposit of 30% confirms your reservation — the balance is due 60 days before departure.

Conservation Explorer
$2,000
– $3,000 per person · shared activities
Enter the wild.
  • Return bush flights from Nairobi
  • 5 nights in a comfortable tented camp
  • All meals & non-alcoholic beverages
  • Daily game drives in 4×4 vehicles
  • Expert Maasai guides & naturalists
  • All park fees & conservation levies
  • Maasai village cultural visit
  • MEP Guardian Certificate
  • Shared game-drive vehicle
Reserve Explorer
Most Popular
Mara Guardian
$3,500
– $5,000+ per person · private & exclusive
Protect the giants.
  • Everything in Conservation Explorer
  • 5 nights in a luxury tented camp
  • All meals, premium wines & spirits
  • Private 4×4 vehicle — yours exclusively
  • Helicopter patrol experience (2 guests)
  • Private sundowners & bush picnics
  • Dedicated private camp ranger
  • Priority booking on all MEP activities
  • Hot air balloon safari (champagne breakfast)
  • MEP donation receipt for conservation records
Reserve Guardian Place
What's not included
• Travel & medical insurance • Items of personal nature • Gratuities for guides & camp staff • Accommodation in Nairobi • International flights to Nairobi
Guest Stories

What our
guardians say

"
★★★★★

Flying with MEP rangers was the single most powerful hour of my life. Seeing the Mara from that helicopter — the vast scale of what they protect — changed how I think about conservation entirely.

SK
Sarah K.
London, UK — October 2025
"
★★★★★

I've been on twelve safaris across Africa. This was the first time I felt like I was actually doing something. The drone patrol, the researchers, the community visit — it was profound, not just pretty.

MV
Marco V.
Milan, Italy — August 2025
"
★★★★★

Dancan was exceptional — his knowledge of the Mara and his connection to the MEP team made every experience feel completely authentic. Our Guardian Certificate hangs in our living room. It earned its place.

AL
Amelia L.
Sydney, Australia — July 2025
Before You Book

Frequently asked
questions

Absolutely. Our expert Maasai guides and MEP team provide full context and support throughout the journey. No prior safari experience is required — just curiosity and an open mind. We brief all guests thoroughly before each activity.

The Great Migration runs July through October — arguably the greatest wildlife spectacle on earth. However, the Mara offers exceptional wildlife year-round. January to February features resident herds and newborn animals. We operate all 12 months and can advise on the best timing for your interests.

We welcome families with children aged 8 and above. Some MEP activities (helicopter flight, drone patrol) have minimum age requirements of 12+. We'll customise the itinerary to suit your family. Please let us know when enquiring and we'll design the perfect experience.

For activities requiring a minimum donation (e.g. the helicopter flight at $2,000), this goes directly to Mara Elephant Project operations — helicopter maintenance, ranger salaries, and community programmes. You receive a personalised donation receipt and Guardian Certificate. The donation is separate from your safari booking cost.

We understand plans change. Cancellations 90+ days before departure receive a full refund of the deposit. 60–89 days: 50% refund. Under 60 days: we can transfer your booking to another date at no charge, subject to availability. We strongly recommend travel insurance covering cancellation.

We strictly cap groups at 4 guests per safari. This is fundamental to the quality of your experience and the integrity of the MEP activities. Private bookings (couples, families) are available and we can customise all elements of the itinerary to your group.

Dancan Leitato, lead safari expert and Maasai guide
Your Safari Expert
Dancan Leitato
Lead Safari Expert & Maasai Guide — Wildspace Safaris

Born and raised in the Mara ecosystem, Dancan has spent his life learning the language of this land. A fluent naturalist, expert tracker, and passionate MEP advocate, he bridges the world between conservation science and the lived experience of guests. His knowledge of the Greater Mara is encyclopaedic — his warmth, unmatched.

Chat with Dancan on WhatsApp
Average reply time: under 2 hours · +254 759 212 992
Reserve Your Place

Begin your
guardian journey

No payment required now — send us your details and Dancan will be in touch within 24 hours to confirm availability and walk you through the next steps.

No payment taken now · No obligation · We reply within 24 hours
Or WhatsApp Dancan directly for an instant response.

✓ Only 4 guests per departure
✓ Free date transfer if plans change
✓ Guardian Certificate included