Nestled on the northwestern edge of the Maasai Mara, the Mara North Conservancy (MNC) is one of Kenya’s premier safari destinations. With its exclusive access, diverse wildlife, and a strong community-led conservation model, it offers a safari experience that’s both luxurious and meaningful.
🗺️ What is Mara North Conservancy?
Mara North Conservancy is a private conservancy covering over 29,170 hectares (72,000+ acres). Formed in 2009, it’s a partnership between 783 Maasai landowners and 12 tourism camps committed to sustainable tourism. It borders the famous Maasai Mara National Reserve, but offers off-road game drives, walking safaris, and night safaris — all in a more intimate and less crowded setting.
✅ Why Choose Mara North?
- Exclusive safari access with no crowds
- High densities of wildlife, including big cats
- Award-winning camps and eco-luxury accommodations
- Direct support to 783 Maasai landowners
- Access to off-road tours, night drives, and walking safaris
- Ethically-run, community-first conservation model
🐘 Wildlife and Safari Experiences
Mara North Wildlife Sightings
You’ll encounter a high density of wildlife including:
- Big Cats: Lions, leopards, cheetahs (often spotted during off-road tours)
- Elephants and buffalo in large herds
- Giraffes, zebras, and antelopes roaming the open plains
- Birdwatching with over 450 species, including raptors and hornbills
Mara North is also part of the route for the Great Migration, giving guests a chance to witness migration viewing in season (July–October).
🚙 Safari Activities
Game Drives in Mara North
Game drives here are exclusive, meaning only guests of partner lodges can access the conservancy. This keeps vehicle numbers low and wildlife encounters high-quality.
- Day Game Drives: Early morning and evening tours with experienced guides
- Off-Road Tours: Allowed for better positioning and photography
- Night Safari: Spot nocturnal creatures like aardvarks, bat-eared foxes, and hyenas
- Walking Safari: Guided bush walks led by Maasai trackers, perfect for nature lovers
📷 Photography Safari in Mara North
This conservancy is a dream for wildlife photographers. The off-road driving rules and low vehicle density mean you can get close to the action and shoot from ideal angles—without disturbing the animals.
✈️ Getting There: Flights and Access
- Mara North Airstrip is the closest point of arrival, with daily flights from Nairobi Wilson Airport.
- You can also drive from Nairobi (approx. 6–7 hours) via access roads through Narok and Aitong.
🏕️ Luxury Camps and Lodges in Mara North
Mara North is home to some of the most luxurious safari camps in Kenya, all involved in conservation and community support. Top-rated partner camps include:
Overview of Camps in Mara North Conservancy
1. Alex Walker’s Serian
A classic and intimate camp ideal for families and photographers, offering personalized guiding and a strong focus on authentic, immersive safari experiences. Known for flexibility, private vehicles, and off-the-beaten-path game drives.
2. Elephant Pepper Camp
Eco-conscious and elegantly simple, this camp blends classic safari charm with sustainability. Located in a prime wildlife area, it’s perfect for those seeking comfort, great guiding, and minimal environmental impact.
3. Karen Blixen Camp
Overlooking the Mara River, this luxury tented camp offers a timeless safari feel with spacious en-suite tents, outdoor showers, and views of hippos from your veranda. Solar-powered and beautifully styled in tribute to the iconic writer.
4. Kicheche Mara Camp
Hidden in a scenic valley, this camp offers superb game viewing right from your tent. With only a handful of canvas tents, it ensures privacy and exclusivity. It’s especially popular among photographers and serious wildlife enthusiasts.
5. Mara Bush Houses (Saruni)
Private, self-contained homes ideal for families or groups looking for exclusivity and comfort. Located in a peaceful part of the conservancy, these houses offer personal guides, private chefs, and flexible safari schedules.
6. Mara Expedition Camp
Tucked into an acacia grove, this stylish yet low-impact camp offers an explorer feel with close proximity to wildlife. It’s designed for those looking to combine comfort with a raw and adventurous spirit.
7. Offbeat Mara Camp
Traditional in style and spirit, Offbeat Mara offers a genuine bush experience. With just seven tents, the camp maintains an intimate atmosphere and provides top-notch game viewing in a remote corner of the conservancy.
8. Offbeat Riding Safaris
One of Kenya’s original horseback safari operators, Offbeat Riding Safaris offers multi-day adventures through the Mara’s wilderness, ideal for experienced riders wanting close-up encounters with wildlife on horseback.
9. Richard’s River Camp
A luxury boutique camp offering privacy, elegant furnishings, and gourmet cuisine. Nestled by the Njageteck River, it provides a serene escape with rich game viewing and impeccable service.
10. Royal Mara Safari Lodge
Set along the Mara River, this lodge features thatched riverfront tents elevated on wooden decks. With hippos and crocodiles nearby, it offers a perfect blend of comfort, scenery, and access to the action.
11. Safaris Unlimited Africa
A personalized safari operator offering mobile tented safaris by 4×4, horseback, or walking. Led by experienced guides, their safaris span diverse terrain and offer a nostalgic, expedition-style feel.
12. Saruni Basecamp
A collaborative property emphasizing conservation and community. This camp combines luxury with strong Maasai cultural integration, ideal for those who want to connect deeply with both wildlife and local traditions.
Each offers all-inclusive safari packages, including:
- Accommodation in luxury tented camps
- All meals and drinks
- Guided safaris
- Cultural experiences with the local Maasai
- Airport transfers from Mara North Airstrip
Check each camp’s guest experience reviews to choose what suits your style—romantic, family, or photographic safari.
💼 Booking and Safari Planning
To book a lodge in Mara North:
- Choose a partner camp.
- Confirm availability during the best season (June–October or December–February).
- Book flight from Nairobi or arrange a 4×4 transfer.
- Purchase your conservancy park fees (usually included in lodge pricing).
- Consider a custom safari package with multiple nights and game drives.
💰 Cost and Value
Trip cost varies depending on season and camp, but expect to pay:
- $300–$900 per person per night (inclusive of meals, drinks, and activities)
- Conservancy fees: ~$116 per adult per day
- Optional add-ons: Balloon safaris, private guides, or honeymoon safari upgrades
🌍 Sustainable Tourism & Conservation
Mara North is a beacon of eco tourism and sustainable tourism in Africa. The conservation model ensures:
- Land lease payments go directly to local landowners
- Wildlife and habitat are protected
- Tourism is kept small-scale and eco-friendly
- Guests support the local community, schools, clinics, and rangers
👥 Community & Culture
The conservancy invests heavily in the local community, hiring local staff, promoting cultural experiences, and supporting ranger programs to protect wildlife. Many camps offer chances to visit nearby villages or attend traditional Maasai ceremonies.
🕒 When to Visit: Best Seasons
- June–October: Peak season with best game viewing and dry weather
- November: Green season with short rains and lush landscapes
- December–February: Great time for birdwatching and predator sightings
- March–May: Rainy season, fewer tourists, lower rates
📌 Navigational Info
Use a Mara North map to plan your routes, especially if self-driving or arranging pickup. Camps offer detailed directions and airstrip transfers.
🧳 Travel Tips
- Pack warm layers for early mornings and evenings
- Bring a pair of binoculars and a quality zoom lens
- Carry a power bank (some camps are solar powered)
- Respect conservancy rules — stick to your guide’s instructions
FAQs
1. Can you visit Mara North Conservancy on a day trip?
No. Mara North Conservancy is not open to day visitors. Access is restricted exclusively to guests staying at one of the approved partner camps within the conservancy. This policy helps maintain low tourism pressure and enhances the wilderness experience.
2. Is Mara North Conservancy suitable for children?
Yes. Many camps are family-friendly and welcome children, often with special bush activities, child-focused guides, and flexible schedules. However, some high-end or small camps may have a minimum age policy, so it’s best to check in advance.
3. Are walking safaris safe in Mara North?
Yes, walking safaris are safe when conducted by qualified and armed guides. Camps offering this activity follow strict safety protocols. Guests must be briefed and accompanied at all times.
4. Can I combine Mara North with other conservancies or parks?
Absolutely. Mara North is part of the Greater Mara Ecosystem, and many safari itineraries combine it with:
- Maasai Mara National Reserve
- Mara Naboisho Conservancy
- Olare Motorogi Conservancy
- Lake Nakuru or Amboseli National Park
Transfers between these areas are possible by road or chartered flights.
5. What types of vehicles are used for game drives in Mara North?
Game drives are conducted in open-sided 4×4 Land Cruisers customized for photography and visibility. Some camps offer private vehicles at an additional cost, especially for families or photographers.
6. What kind of power supply is available at the camps?
Most camps operate on solar power. There’s usually electricity for charging devices during set hours, but high-voltage appliances like hairdryers may not be supported.
7. Is Wi-Fi available in the conservancy?
Yes, but it may be limited. Many camps offer Wi-Fi in common areas, but expect slow or intermittent connections—a perfect excuse to unplug and enjoy nature.
8. Do I need vaccinations to visit Mara North?
The yellow fever vaccine is recommended and sometimes required if coming from another African country. Malaria is present, so malaria prophylaxis and mosquito repellent are highly advised.
9. How are the conservancy fees used?
The conservancy fee (often ~$116 per adult per night) funds:
- Landowner lease payments
- Anti-poaching patrols and ranger salaries
- Community education, health, and development programs
- Habitat and wildlife protection initiatives
10. Are drones allowed in Mara North Conservancy?
No. Drones are strictly prohibited in Mara North (and across most of Kenya’s parks and conservancies) due to the risk of disturbing wildlife and violating airspace regulations.