Conservancy
Mara Naboisho Conservancy
Kenya 200 km² (77 mi²) Est. 2010
About Mara Naboisho Conservancy
Mara Naboisho Conservancy is the largest and arguably finest of the private conservancies bordering the Masai Mara National Reserve. Meaning 'coming together' in the Maasai language, Naboisho was formed when over 500 Maasai landowners pooled their land to create a dedicated wildlife conservation area in partnership with tourism operators.
Covering 200 square kilometres of prime Mara grassland, Naboisho limits vehicle numbers and prohibits minibuses, ensuring an exclusive and intimate safari experience. The conservancy is renowned for having the highest density of leopards in the Mara ecosystem and offers activities not permitted in the national reserve — night drives, bush walks, and off-road driving. Migration herds spill into Naboisho from July to October.
0
Safari Tours
4.5
Avg Rating
4/5
Big Five
16
Years Protected
Highlights
- Highest leopard density in the Mara ecosystem
- Exclusive — no minibuses, limited vehicles per sighting
- Night drives, bush walks, and off-road driving allowed
- Community-owned conservancy directly benefits 500+ Maasai families
- Migration herds enter the conservancy Jul-Oct
Considerations
- Premium pricing — conservancy fees on top of lodge costs
- Limited to guests of partner lodges
- Not a separate entity from the Mara — wildlife moves freely
- No self-drive or day visits
Wildlife
Big Five Status
🦁
Lion
common
🐆
Leopard
common
🐘
Elephant
common
🦬
Buffalo
common
🦏
Rhino
Not present
Notable Species
Lion
Common
Leopard
Common
Elephant
Common
Cape Buffalo
Common
Cheetah
Common
Giraffe
Common
Zebra
Common
Wildebeest
Common
Hyena
Common
Topi
Common
Common Occasional Rare
Best Time to Visit
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Peak Season Good Time Less Ideal
Climate Overview
Getting There
Mara Naboisho is accessed via the Masai Mara, approximately 290 km (6 hours) from Nairobi or 45 minutes by scheduled flight to Mara airstrips. Lodges arrange transfers from the airstrip. The conservancy borders the eastern side of the Masai Mara.
Nearest Airport
Ol Kiombo Airstrip
Nearest City
Narok
Drive Time
6 hours