_edited.png)
Naboisho Conservancy: The Masai Mara’s Best-Kept Secret
- claire0052
- Aug 29
- 2 min read
When travellers think of a safari in Kenya, the iconic Maasai Mara instantly comes to mind. Its endless savannahs and dramatic wildebeest migrations have earned it global fame. But just next door lies a more intimate, exclusive, and equally wild destination: Naboisho Conservancy.
This 50,000-acre private conservancy, bordering the Maasai Mara National Reserve, offers the best of both worlds—spectacular wildlife without the crowds, and community-driven conservation at its core.
What Is Naboisho Conservancy?
Naboisho (meaning “coming together” in the Maa language) is the result of a bold and beautiful partnership between over 500 Maasai landowners, conservationists, and tourism operators. The idea? Protect wildlife, preserve culture, and bring sustainable income to local communities.
Instead of being absorbed into the national reserve, this land remains under Maasai ownership and is managed collaboratively, ensuring that both nature and people thrive.
Why Visit Naboisho Conservancy?
1. Exceptional Wildlife Viewing
Naboisho is home to:
High densities of lions (among the highest in Africa)
Large herds of elephants, zebra, giraffe, and wildebeest
Frequent sightings of leopards, cheetahs, and hyenas
Over 300 bird species
It also shares an open ecosystem with the greater Mara, meaning animals move freely between the reserve and conservancies—but in Naboisho, you get to watch them without dozens of other vehicles around.
2. Exclusive Safari Experience
Because Naboisho is private, visitor numbers are strictly limited. That means:
Off-road driving for better game sightings
Night drives (not allowed in the national reserve)
Walking safaris led by expert guides
More time with the animals, less jockeying for a view
You’re not just another tourist—you’re part of a thoughtful, immersive safari that respects the land and the wildlife.
3. Community-Focused Conservation
Your visit helps fund:
Education and healthcare in local Maasai communities
Employment for rangers, guides, and camp staff
Anti-poaching efforts and land protection
Staying in Naboisho isn’t just about seeing Africa—it’s about supporting Africa.
Best Time to Visit
June to October: Dry season, great for big cats and concentrated wildlife
July to September: Wildebeest Migration may spill into the conservancy
November to March: Green season—lush, fewer crowds, excellent for photography and birds
Wildlife is abundant year-round, so there’s truly no bad time to visiit.
How to Get There
Fly-in safaris are the easiest option—daily flights from Nairobi’s Wilson Airport to Mara Ol Seki airstrip, located within the conservancy.
Road transfers from the main Maasai Mara gates are also possible but less recommended due to time and road conditions.
Naboisho is ideal for travellers looking for a quieter, more immersive, and responsible safari.
Final Thoughts: Safari with Purpose
Naboisho Conservancy is a shining example of how tourism can be a force for good—protecting endangered species, empowering indigenous communities, and offering unforgettable experiences to travelers.
Here, your safari is more than a vacation. It’s a contribution to a future where people and wildlife coexist in harmony.
If you’re looking for authentic Africa—raw, real, and deeply moving—Naboisho is calling.
