Mara North Conservancy is a private, community-owned wildlife conservancy located in the northern reaches of the Greater Masai Mara ecosystem. Spanning over 74,000 acres of pristine savannah, riverine forest, and gently rolling hills, it offers one of the most exclusive safari experiences in Kenya. Established in 2009, this conservancy is co-managed by local Maasai landowners and a consortium of tourism partners committed to sustainable tourism and conservation.
It is known for its dramatic scenery, low visitor numbers, and extraordinary predator activity. The conservancy shares an unfenced border with the Masai Mara National Reserve, allowing wildlife to move freely. This seamless integration makes it an essential part of Mara’s ecological success.
Mara North Conservancy represents a successful model of wildlife conservation in Kenya. By leasing land from over 800 Maasai landowners, it creates incentives for locals to protect habitats and participate in eco-tourism rather than overgrazing or fencing land for agriculture. The revenue generated from tourism supports education, healthcare, and employment for the surrounding communities.
It functions as a buffer zone for the adjacent Masai Mara National Reserve, absorbing tourism pressure and offering critical space for animal movements. The conservancy protects vital migration routes and provides a safe haven for threatened species. Responsible tourism in Mara North enables high-quality safari experiences while sustaining the biodiversity that Kenya is globally known for. This is conservation in action, built around partnership, preservation, and purpose.
Wildlife at Mara North Conservancy is among the most abundant and diverse in East Africa. The area is famed for large populations of elephants, giraffes, buffalo, zebras, and antelopes. Big cats thrive here, especially lions, leopards, and cheetahs. Predator sightings are frequent thanks to the open terrain and expert tracking by local guides.
Mara North’s big cats are often seen hunting across the plains or resting in the shade during game drives. During the migration season, the conservancy becomes a corridor for thousands of wildebeest and zebras, attracting dramatic hunts and unique photo opportunities.
The region is also a birder’s paradise, making Mara North birdwatching a top activity for nature lovers. Over 300 species have been recorded, including eagles, vultures, kingfishers, and rare migratory species. The varied ecosystems—from riverbanks to grasslands—support a complete and thriving web of life.
Mara North offers an exclusive menu of safari adventures designed for those seeking intimate and uncrowded experiences. The conservancy’s low vehicle density policy ensures each activity feels personal, immersive, and unhurried.
Top activities in Mara North Conservancy include:
Every experience in Mara North is carefully crafted to respect nature, deepen your understanding, and deliver lasting memories.
Getting to Mara North Conservancy from Nairobi is quick and simple. Daily scheduled flights depart from Wilson Airport to Mara North Airstrip, taking around one hour. From the airstrip, it’s a short and scenic game drive to your camp or lodge.
For those preferring to travel by road, the drive from Nairobi takes approximately 6–7 hours. It’s a scenic route through the Great Rift Valley, Narok town, and on into Maasai country. Wild Sights Safaris arranges all travel logistics, including ground transfers and domestic flights, ensuring your journey to Mara North is smooth and stress-free.
The best time to visit Mara North Conservancy is from July to October, during the dry season and peak migration months. This period offers optimal wildlife visibility, fewer mosquitoes, and easier road access. Predator sightings are frequent, and the plains are filled with activity.
January to March is another great window for safaris, with warm temperatures and dramatic skies that favor photography. During the green season from April to June and again in November to December, the landscape turns lush, making it ideal for photographers and those seeking quiet getaways. Birding is especially rewarding during these months, as the Mara North migration safari birds arrive in large numbers.
Here is the current Mara North Conservancy fee structure (subject to change):
| Visitor Type | Conservancy Fee Per Day |
|---|---|
| Kenyan Citizens | KES 2,000 |
| Kenyan Residents | KES 3,000 |
| Non-Residents | USD 120 |
| Children (All) | 50% of the adult rate |
Fees contribute directly to wildlife protection, community development, and land lease payments, helping maintain Mara North Conservancy’s exceptional standards and sustainability.
Accommodation at Mara North Conservancy includes some of Kenya’s finest eco-luxury camps and lodges. Properties here are small and intimate, ensuring personalized service and minimal environmental impact. Most camps have been built with natural materials and run on solar power, offering an off-grid experience without sacrificing comfort.
Top Mara North Conservancy lodges and camps include:
Each property offers Mara North guided safaris, walking excursions, birding, and cultural interactions. Many also cater to Mara North family safari guests with flexible schedules and educational bush activities.
Explore Mara North Conservancy with Wild Sights Safaris and experience one of Kenya’s most spectacular safari destinations. Our tailor-made journeys connect you with expert local guides, luxurious accommodations, and unique encounters in this pristine conservancy. Whether you’re chasing big cat sightings, tracking elephants, or soaking in sunsets from your campfire, we make every moment meaningful. Let us show you the magic of Mara North—where nature, conservation, and culture come together in unforgettable harmony.
