Mara Naboisho Conservancy

Mara Naboisho Conservancy is a privately-owned conservation area managed by over 500 Maasai landowners in partnership with conservation organizations and tourism operators. It covers 50,000 acres (2,070 km²) and is located north of the Masai Mara National Reserve. Unlike the national reserve, Naboisho has limited grazing, only nine safari camps, and offers a more exclusive safari experience. The conservancy model prioritizes wildlife protection while generating income for local Maasai communities through sustainable tourism.

There is no entrance fee to enter the conservancy itself. Costs depend on accommodation choice, ranging from approximately $250-500+ per person per day for mid-range camps to luxury options exceeding $1,000 per day. These rates typically include accommodation, meals, game drives, and guide services. Tourism revenue directly supports Maasai landowners through annual lease fees (approximately $900,000 collectively), local development projects, education programs, clean water access, renewable energy initiatives, and women's economic activities.

Mara Naboisho has one of the highest wildlife concentrations in the Masai Mara region. Visitors commonly encounter lions, leopards, cheetahs, elephants, giraffes (often in groups of 20-25), wildebeest, zebras, and various antelope species. The conservancy is particularly known as 'big cat country' with excellent lion viewing opportunities. During the Great Migration (June-October), massive herds of wildebeest and zebras move through the ecosystem. The diverse habitat of acacia woodlands, grasslands, and riverine vegetation supports rich biodiversity including numerous bird species.

The best time is June to October during the dry season, which coincides with the Great Migration and offers exceptional wildlife viewing. January to February is also excellent with good animal concentrations and pleasant weather. During these periods, wildlife is more concentrated around water sources, making sightings more reliable. The rainy seasons (November-December and March-May) see fewer visitors and offer lush landscapes ideal for bird-watching, but wildlife disperses more widely. The conservancy's high elevation keeps temperatures moderate throughout the year.

The conservancy is approximately 6 hours' drive from Nairobi via the B12 highway, or 1-2 hours by chartered flight to private airstrips operated by safari camps. Most visitors fly from Nairobi's Wilson Airport or Jomo Kenyatta International Airport. The conservancy is easily accessible from the Masai Mara National Reserve (borders to the southwest) and neighboring conservancies (Olare Motorogi to the west, Ol Kinyei to the east). All nine camps can arrange transportation and typically include transfers in their packages.