masai mara conservation centre design competition

The Masai Mara Conservation Centre at Oloololo Gate of the Masai Mara National Reserve is envisioned as an innovative and engaging facility that aims to educate, inspire, and create awareness about conservation and the unique ecosystem of the Masai Mara.

This centre will provide visitors with interactive and exciting experiences while promoting sustainable tourism practices. The facility will include parking, essential amenities, an engaging exhibition space, interactive learning zones, a gift shop, and environmentally conscious design features.

The architectural style should blend contemporary design elements with nods to Maasai cultural traditions. Natural materials like wood, stone, and thatch can be integrated into the building's facade and interior design. Incorporating traditional Maasai patterns, colours, and motifs into the decor can create a sense of place and cultural identity.

Site and Context

The site is next to the Oloololo Gate, Mara Triangle, -1.25820, 34.99767. The road next to the site enters the Mara Triangle Conservancy – part of the Greater Mara Naonal Park. The road traffic consists of 80% Tourism (80 vehicles/day in high season), 5% park business and the remainder transit. The peak mes for traffic are in the morning (06:30 - 08:00) and in the evening from (16:00 - 19:00). Peak tourism months consist of the following - Mid-June to Mid-September is High Season and extremely busy. It tails off in October and November and is then busy over Christmas and New Year. There is a slight peak in February before low season from March through May. In 2022 90,000 people passed through the gate – the peak was in August with 13,000 people in the month, the average across the year was 7-8,000 per month and low season down to 3,000 per a month.