Discover Mara Naboisho Conservancy in the Greater Masai Mara - Kenya

Discover Mara Naboisho Conservancy: A Hidden Gem in the Wild

Mara Naboisho Conservancy, established in 2010, is one of the newest wildlife conservancies in Kenya. This remarkable area results from a collaborative effort by over 500 Maasai landowners who joined forces to protect their land and wildlife. Spanning 145 square kilometers, Mara Naboisho is a sanctuary of tranquility, with just nine exclusive safari camps and lodges. 

The conservancy is bordered by the Masai Mara National Reserve to the southwest, Olare Motorogi Conservancy to the west, and Ol Kinyei Conservancy to the east. One of the standout features of Mara Naboisho is its commitment to sustainable tourism, with a controlled number of daily visitors and safari vehicles, ensuring a peaceful and intimate safari experience.

A Lion’s Paradise

Mara Naboisho is renowned for being one of Africa’s prime locations for lion sightings. With a population of 70 to 100 lions living in or around the conservancy, this area boasts some of the highest lion densities on the continent. The vast, open savannahs of the conservancy make it an ideal setting for observing these magnificent big cats. 

Among the lions, you’ll find one of the largest prides, comprising 22 lions. Leopards also call this place home, and you can spot more than a dozen of these elusive cats. The healthy ecosystem here, nurtured by the conservancy’s conservation efforts, also supports a range of other wildlife, including elephants, giraffes, wildebeests, and zebras. Mara Naboisho is also home to the rare African wild dog. 

While it’s not on the direct migration route, the conservancy’s corridor sees huge numbers of animals on their seasonal trek between the Masai Mara National Reserve and the Loita Plains, particularly during May-June and November-December.

Birdwatcher’s Haven

If you’re an avid birdwatcher, Mara Naboisho won’t disappoint. The skies here are full of fascinating avian species that are often hard to spot elsewhere. Among the many bird species in the conservancy, you can expect to see the white-headed buffalo-weaver, northern white-crowned shrike, pygmy falcon, Von der Decken’s hornbill, and bush pipits, to name a few. While the wildlife on the ground is awe-inspiring, bird lovers will find themselves equally mesmerized by the variety of birdlife that thrives in the region.

Exclusive Stays in the Heart of Nature

Mara Naboisho is designed for those seeking a private and exclusive safari experience. With only nine safari camps and lodges within the conservancy, you’re assured of minimal crowds and a more intimate encounter with nature. While this exclusivity is a huge draw, it does mean that the accommodations fill up quickly, especially during peak seasons (July-October). 

If you’ve set your sights on a stay here, it’s wise to secure your reservation well in advance. Each lodge or camp offers its own distinct atmosphere, but all of them are focused on delivering an unforgettable, comfortable safari experience.

Engaging with the Maasai Community

Your safari adventure in Mara Naboisho isn’t just about the wildlife—it’s also about connecting with the local Maasai people. As part-owners of the conservancy, the Maasai community plays a vital role in its success, and you’ll have the opportunity to learn about their traditions and lifestyle. 

Many camps offer visits to local Maasai villages, where you can experience their way of life firsthand. It’s also worth noting that your visit directly benefits the Maasai, with proceeds from tourism helping fund important community initiatives such as access to clean water, renewable energy, education, and support for women’s economic empowerment.

Activities to Suit Every Adventurer

Each lodge in Mara Naboisho offers a variety of activities that allow you to explore the landscape in different ways. These include off-road game drives, guided nature walks, bush meals, and occasional night safari drives. You can also immerse yourself in Maasai culture by visiting a local village, making your stay here not just a safari, but an enriching cultural experience.

Mara Naboisho Conservancy offers an exceptional blend of adventure, wildlife, and community engagement, all within the stunning beauty of the African savannah. Whether you’re seeking solitude, wildlife sightings, or a deeper connection with the Maasai people, this conservancy provides a unique and unforgettable escape into the wild.