Mara North COnservnacy

Tucked in the northern reaches of the Masai Mara ecosystem lies the Mara North Conservancy (MNC), a private wildlife sanctuary that promises an exceptional safari experience. Unlike the more tourist-heavy regions of the Mara, Mara North offers a more exclusive and intimate encounter with nature, making it a dream destination for those who prefer their safaris on the quieter side.

Location and Overview

Mara North Conservancy spans over 74,000 acres of pristine savannah, bordering the Masai Mara National Reserve. Established in 2009, it forms part of a collective effort by 24 Maasai-owned conservancies that aim to protect the wildlife, the Maasai people’s heritage, and the environment. The conservancy is owned and managed by over 800 Maasai landowners who lease their land to ensure sustainable land use and conservation.

A Quick Note on Land Leases: This is not just any lease agreement. The Mara North model is groundbreaking in conservation. Instead of fencing off private land or converting it for agriculture, Maasai landowners lease their land to be part of the conservancy. This ensures the landscape remains open and unspoiled, allowing the wildlife to roam freely. In return, the Maasai receive a stable income, and their traditional way of life remains intact.

Wildlife in Mara North

The Mara North Conservancy is a wildlife haven. All the iconic species that define the Mara ecosystem can be found here, from lions and leopards to elephants and giraffes. The conservancy also plays a crucial role in the annual Great Migration, with vast herds of wildebeest and zebra passing through between July and October.

But what truly sets Mara North apart is the quality of the wildlife experience. The conservancy adheres to strict visitor density rules, which means there are fewer vehicles and fewer crowds. Imagine watching a pride of lions or witnessing a cheetah on the hunt with just a few fellow travelers around – that’s the magic of Mara North.

Where to go game drive

Here is a list of key places to visit in Mara North Conservancy (MNC) for memorable wildlife encounters and stunning landscapes:

  1. Musiara Marshes – A rich wetland area known for its birdlife and concentration of big cats, particularly lions. It’s also home to elephants and buffaloes, making it a prime wildlife viewing area.
  2. Rhino Crest – Famous for sightings of endangered rhinos and other large herbivores, this area offers great views over the Mara plains. It’s a must-visit spot for those hoping to see these magnificent creatures up close.
  3. Heaven Plain – This expansive grassland is home to grazing herbivores like zebras, wildebeest, and antelopes. During the migration season, it becomes a prime location for dramatic predator-prey encounters.
  4. Leopard Gorge – As the name suggests, this rocky gorge is a known hotspot for leopard sightings. The secluded, shaded cliffs provide the perfect habitat for these elusive big cats, making it a prime stop for wildlife enthusiasts.
  5. Olare Orok River – A major water source that attracts a wide variety of wildlife, from hippos and crocodiles to elephants and giraffes. The riverbanks are also a good place to spot predators waiting for their prey.
  6. Kopjes (Rocky Outcrops) – These large rock formations dot the landscape and are often frequented by lions, cheetahs, and leopards as lookout points. They also offer stunning views of the surrounding plains.
  7. Double Crossing – A key spot for wildlife movement, this area is named for the two crossing points where animals, especially during the migration, traverse the Mara River. It’s a thrilling place to witness herds braving crocodile-infested waters.
  8. Ngerende Airstrip – While primarily a transportation hub, it’s located in a scenic part of the conservancy. It’s worth visiting for aerial views of the Mara and to spot wildlife even before you land.
  9. Mara River Hippo Pools – A popular place to see hippos wallowing and crocodiles basking on the riverbanks. It’s an iconic spot for dramatic river crossings during the Great Migration.

Each of these locations in Mara North Conservancy provides a unique opportunity to engage with the landscape and wildlife, offering an unforgettable safari experience. Whether you’re interested in big cats, birdwatching, or the majestic Great Migration, these places will leave you with lasting memories.

Accommodation: Exclusivity at Its Best

Accommodation in Mara North is world-class, yet it manages to feel intimate and authentic. The conservancy is home to 12 high-end, eco-friendly lodges and tented camps that are committed to responsible tourism. Since each camp has a limited number of beds, the atmosphere remains calm and unhurried, even during peak migration season.

Below is a table listing 12 lodges in the Mara North Conservancy (MNC):

Lodge NameDescription
Alex Walker’s Serian CampPerfect for families, Serian “The Original” showcases the magic of the Mara all year round, offering a close connection with nature and a personalized safari experience.
Elephant Pepper CampThis camp serves as an ideal base to explore the Mara’s wonders, offering an authentic safari experience with luxurious comfort in a prime wildlife viewing area.
Karen Blixen CampLuxury canvas tents set along the Mara River, offering privacy and stunning, undisturbed views. A perfect place to live, dream, and love Africa.
Kicheche Mara CampA classic tented camp hidden in a scenic valley within a prime wildlife area of MNC, offering intimate and eco-friendly safari experiences.
Mara Bush Houses/SaruniA peaceful camp located away from the busy areas of the Mara, offering privacy and wildlife encounters with zebra, waterbuck, and big cats frequently visiting the grounds.
Mara PlainsOne of the most iconic safari camps in the world, offering guests an immersive experience into the wild where survival stories play out in front of them every day.
Mara Expedition CampA Great Plains Conservation safari camp positioned amidst acacia trees, offering a classic East African safari experience overlooking a valley in the Mara.
Offbeat Mara CampA small, traditional safari camp offering an exclusive under-the-canvas experience, perfect for guests seeking an authentic safari in one of the last untouched areas of the Mara.
Offbeat Riding SafarisOffering unrivaled horseback safaris among big game, Offbeat Riding Safaris delivers a unique experience of galloping alongside the wildlife of the Mara.
Richard’s CampA luxury tented camp designed for privacy, exclusivity, and adventure, offering travelers a unique blend of safari comfort and the thrill of the African wilderness.
Royal Mara CampSituated along the wildebeest migration route, Royal Mara offers proximity to the famous river crossings and the spectacular Leopard Gorge.
Saruni Mara CampThe only small, luxury lodge in the Masai Mara, featuring five elegant cottages, a family villa, and a private villa, providing an intimate and luxurious safari experience.
These lodges offer a range of exclusive, luxurious, and traditional safari experiences, each positioned in some of the most stunning and wildlife-rich areas within the Mara North Conservancy.

Notable lodges include Saruni Mara, known for its luxurious setting and unique Maasai warrior training experience, and Offbeat Mara Camp, which offers a traditional bush camp feel with top-notch hospitality.

Here are some insider tips;

Karen Blixen Camp;Opt for a riverfront tent for the best wildlife viewing right from your veranda.

Kicheche Mara Camp; Join a walking safari to experience the unique flora and fauna of the area up close – it’s a highlight here.

Mara Bush Houses/Saruni; Book early for the school holiday period as this lodge tends to be popular with families during vacation time.

Offbeat Mara Camp; Bring binoculars for birdwatching – the area around the camp is rich in birdlife, especially during migratory seasons.

Offbeat Riding Safaris; Riders should have some experience handling horses in the wild, as the terrain can be challenging, especially near wildlife.

Mahali Mzuri; The camp’s bush dining experiences are a guest favorite, so ensure you request a bush dinner for a magical evening under the stars.

Saruni Mara Camp;Indulge in the camp’s wellness offerings – the massages and spa treatments receive rave reviews from guests.

Wondering how MNC compares to Mara Triangle?

Mara North Conservancy offers exclusivity, privacy, and a deep connection to Maasai culture and conservation efforts. Meanwhile, the Mara Triangle provides a quieter section of the Maasai Mara National Reserve with remarkable wildlife sightings and migration crossings. Both regions promise top-tier wildlife experiences, with a strong emphasis on sustainable and responsible tourism.

Conservation Efforts: A Joint Venture for the Future

The partnership between the Maasai landowners, tourism operators, and conservationists makes Mara North a model for sustainable tourism. Every guest who stays in the conservancy contributes directly to the local Maasai community and conservation initiatives. For instance, part of your conservation fee goes towards employing Maasai rangers, running anti-poaching patrols, and supporting community projects like schools and clinics.

Mara North is also committed to protecting its wildlife from the pressures of poaching and habitat loss. By preserving these wide-open spaces and managing tourism numbers, the conservancy ensures that the delicate balance between humans, livestock, and wildlife is maintained.

The Safari Experience in Mara North

The safari experience in Mara North is deliberately kept low-impact. Game drives are the main activity, with experienced Maasai guides leading guests through the plains to find wildlife. Off-road driving is allowed in certain areas, which makes for more immersive wildlife viewing.

For a different perspective, walking safaris are a highlight in the conservancy. Led by expert guides, these walks allow guests to track animals, learn about the smaller aspects of the ecosystem, and experience the African bush up close. There’s something uniquely thrilling about spotting an elephant or a giraffe on foot!

Insider Tip: Don’t miss the night drives! While not allowed in the national reserve, Mara North offers nighttime game drives, where you might spot nocturnal species like aardvarks, genets, and even lions on the hunt.

Maasai Culture: More Than Just Spectators

The Maasai people are an integral part of Mara North Conservancy, not just as landowners but as partners in its success. Many of the guides, staff, and rangers are from the local Maasai community, and guests often have the opportunity to visit nearby villages. Here, you can learn about traditional Maasai customs, dress, and dance, offering a deeper understanding of this proud culture.

Getting There

Mara North Conservancy is accessible by road or air. If you choose to drive, it’s about a 5-6 hour journey from Nairobi. Alternatively, you can fly into one of the nearby airstrips, including Mara North or Ngerende Airstrip, with flights taking about 45 minutes from Nairobi’s Wilson Airport.

Why Choose Mara North Conservancy?

If you’re looking for an authentic, low-density, and conservation-focused safari experience, Mara North Conservancy is hard to beat. It offers all the wildlife wonders of the greater Mara ecosystem but with a more exclusive and serene atmosphere. The close partnership with the Maasai community ensures that your stay directly contributes to the preservation of their culture and land. And with its top-tier lodges and rich wildlife, Mara North offers an unforgettable safari adventure.

Final Thought: If you seek a safari where the animals, landscapes, and local Maasai culture take center stage, Mara North is your stage. Embrace the quietude, the authenticity, and the sheer beauty of this remarkable conservancy.