Overview
Together with Masai Mara National Reserve, Mara North Conservancy safeguards and maintains the wilderness, plants, and animals of the northwest region of an internationally valuable ecosystem. The 74,000-acre Mara North Conservancy was established in 2009. Over 800 Maasai landowners and the 12 member lodgings in the reserve have worked together to create the conservancy.
Location
Situated on the northern boundary of Masai Mara, the conservancy’s ecosystems are essential to protecting both resident and migratory species, including the zebras and wildebeests that cross the region during the Great Migration.
Wildlife and safari
The environment also supports a wide variety of herbivores and predators, including the Big 5 and several threatened and critically endangered species.
In addition to enjoying safari activities that are prohibited inside the reserve, boarding guests staying within the conservancy can also go on night game drives and bush walks.
What sets it apart
Compared to the public reserve, Mara North offers guests the chance to explore a large portion of Kenya’s isolated bush region with fewer tourists because of its small number of guest beds, which guarantees intimate, exclusive, and personalized access.
Following Mara North’s best practices for low-density experiences, the conservancy has few accommodations spread among twelve-member lodgings.
Community contribution
The conservancy uses a model of wildlife management to show how feasible and successful it is to balance conservation objectives and human requirements.
The conservancy fee and portion of the bed night earnings are used to fund animal protection initiatives and enhance the standard of living for the native Maasai people.
Some of the accommodations include;
- Karen Blixen Camp
- Mara Rianta Camp
- Mara Acacia Bush House
- Offbeat Mara Camp
- Mara Bush House
- Elephant Pepper Camp
- Ngare Serian
- Saruni Mara
- Kicheche Mara Camp
- Royal Mara Safari Lodge
- Saruni Wild
- Serian
Entry Fees: Entry fees for the conservancy are reasonable, and the proceeds go towards conservation and community development.
Residents: The park entry fee for Kenyan residents is typically around KES 1,000 for adults and KES 300 for children. Prices may vary, so checking for the most up-to-date rates is advisable.
Non-Residents: Visitors from other countries can expect to pay a higher entrance fee, generally around USD 70 for adults and USD 40 for children. Again, these fees can change, so verifying current rates is recommended.
Best Time to Visit
During the annual wildebeest migration from July to October. The views of the great herds crossing the Mara River annually are spectacular.