The Centre is in savannah but very close by is Kimana Swamp which is the major source of water for both wildlife and livestock, as well as the limited agriculture in the area.

Kajiado District's sparse natural resources have long supported a mainly Maasai population. Collectively the Maasai comprise a number of sub-groups or sections (Il-oshon) each of which have evolved autonomously with distinct cultural practices. The Kisonko are the most numerous section in Kenya and have long occupied the area today demarcated as Loitokitok Division.

Wildlife tourism is a vital part of both local and national economies. At a national level tourism represents the largest source of foreign exchange and in recent decades has experienced an average growth rate of over 20 percent per annum. Yet the economic value of wildlife tourism to local populations has diminished over the years as central government and commercial operators have retained all but a small proportion of tourism income. This is a particularly important issue in and around Kuku, where control over tourism, and the distribution of tourism income, are two contested issues. The Maasai Centre is dedicated to promoting local educational and developmental opportunities through low impact ecotourism.