Mara North Conservancy lies immediately north of the Maasai Mara National Reserve, one of the largest and earliest examples of Kenya’s community conservancy model. Covering about 320 sq km, it was established in 2009 when over 800 Maasai landowners agreed to set aside their land for conservation and low-density tourism in exchange for lease payments.
The conservancy at a glance
- About 320 sq km, established in 2009 by over 800 Maasai landowners
- Sits directly north of the Maasai Mara National Reserve
- Strict bed limits keep visitor density low compared with the reserve itself
- All of the “big five” present, alongside more than 450 recorded bird species
Community conservation model
Rather than being run as a government reserve, Mara North operates on leases: Maasai landowners receive payments from a fixed number of partner camps in return for keeping the land open for wildlife and limiting development. This model channels tourism income directly to local communities while keeping wildlife corridors intact across a much larger landscape than the reserve alone.
Wildlife and landmarks
Mara North is known for landmarks such as Leopard Gorge, Rhino Crest, Heaven Plain and the Lemek Hills, and for some of the highest wildlife concentrations in the wider Mara ecosystem. Migrating wildebeest pass through the conservancy during the dry season from July to October, and a separate, smaller migration from the Loita Hills moves through between December and May.
Things to do
- Game drives with off-road access not permitted in the national reserve
- Night drives for nocturnal predators, generally not allowed in the reserve itself
- Walking safaris with Maasai guides
- Cultural visits to local Maasai communities
Practical information
- Reached by road from Nairobi, about five to six hours, or by scheduled flights to nearby Mara airstrips
- Best visited in the dry seasons from June to October and January to February
- Access is arranged through the conservancy’s partner camps, which include conservancy fees
Mara North combines classic Mara wildlife with a quieter, more flexible safari experience than the national reserve. Offmap Safaris can combine it with a Maasai Mara Reserve stay or the neighbouring Naboisho and Olare Motorogi conservancies. To start planning, visit Plan My African Safari, message us on WhatsApp at +256 701 243 304, or email [email protected]. See also our notes on health and safety and responsible travel.
