Naboisho Conservancy Voyage Tips and guide

Naboisho Conservancy is a private wildlife conservancy bordering the eastern boundary of the Maasai Mara National Reserve in Kenya. Known for its exceptional big-cat populations, thriving community-led conservation model, and low-tourism density, Naboisho offers some of the Mara ecosystem’s most exclusive safari experiences.

Naboisho Conservancy is a community-owned wildlife conservancy in the Greater Maasai Mara ecosystem, established in 2010 to protect critical wildlife habitat while empowering local Maasai landowners. It covers roughly 200 km² (77 sq mi) of savanna, acacia woodland, rocky outcrops, and seasonal river valleys that form an essential wildlife corridor between the Maasai Mara National Reserve and neighboring conservancies such as Olare Motorogi, Ol Kinyei, and Lemek.

What makes Naboisho unique is its pioneering model of community-based conservation. More than 500 Maasai families have leased their land to the conservancy in exchange for guaranteed monthly income. This ensures long-term habitat protection while reducing pressures such as agriculture, charcoal burning, and unplanned grazing. Tourism revenue flows directly back into the community, funding education, healthcare, and livelihoods.

Naboisho is known for some of the highest wildlife densities in the Mara ecosystem. It holds:

• One of the largest lion populations in the Mara region
• Excellent cheetah sightings thanks to open plains
• A thriving population of giraffes (especially Maasai giraffes)
• Abundant elephants, zebras, wildebeest, topi, and eland
• High densities of nocturnal animals due to low tourism pressure

Unlike the often crowded Maasai Mara National Reserve, Naboisho strictly limits the number of camps and game-drive vehicles allowed. This ensures quieter sightings and a more intimate safari experience—often a major draw for repeat safari travelers.

• Off-road driving is allowed, enabling guides to follow big cats or track rare wildlife—an advantage not permitted inside the National Reserve.
• Night game drives are permitted, offering rare chances to see aardwolves, servals, bat-eared foxes, hyenas, porcupines, and lions on the hunt.
• Walking safaris are a specialty here, as conservancies allow activities not possible inside the national reserve.
• Community integration is central: many guides, trackers, and staff are Maasai from the surrounding villages, giving visitors a deeper cultural experience.

The conservancy lies on gently rolling plains punctuated by:

• rocky kopjes
• acacia thickets
• seasonal streams such as the Enesikiria Valley
• wooded drainage lines ideal for leopards
• patches of tall grass that attract grazers and predators

During the dry season, Naboisho becomes a refuge for wildlife migrating from drier areas, while in the wet season, the plains burst with flowers and migratory birds.

Naboisho is designed as a low-density, high-quality safari destination. Only a handful of camps operate within the conservancy, ensuring:

• limited vehicle numbers at wildlife sightings
• quieter nights without traffic noise
• personalized guiding
• minimal environmental impact

Guests must stay in a member lodge to access the conservancy, and each lodge operates under strict environmental and cultural guidelines.

The conservancy lies within traditional Maasai pastoral lands. Livestock grazing is regulated but not entirely forbidden; during severe droughts, supervised grazing may occur to support community livelihoods while maintaining ecological balance.

For visitors, this means you may occasionally see Maasai herders moving cattle near the conservancy boundary—a reminder that Naboisho is not a fenced wilderness but a living landscape shared between people and wildlife.

• By air: Daily flights from Nairobi’s Wilson Airport to Naboisho (Ol Seki) Airstrip, with transfers arranged through lodges.
• By road: 5–6 hours from Nairobi via Narok; requires a sturdy 4×4, especially during rainy seasons.

Naboisho Conservancy charges a daily conservation fee to all visitors staying in camps within the conservancy. This fee directly supports wildlife protection and provides income to the Maasai landowners who lease their land to the conservancy.

Conservation fees (2024–2025 typical rates):

• Non-residents: US$100 per person per night
• East African residents: US$35–60 per person per night (varies by lodge)
• Children: Usually 50% of the adult rate (varies by accommodation)

Fees are usually included in your lodge or safari package, so visitors do not pay directly at the gate.

There is no separate entry permit required for Naboisho Conservancy. Access is strictly limited to guests booked in one of the conservancy’s member camps and lodges. Day visitors are not allowed unless arranged through a registered tourism partner.

Most safari activities inside Naboisho are included in the conservancy fee or your lodge rate, but some may incur additional charges:

• Night game drives — Allowed in Naboisho; may require a supplement depending on the camp.
• Guided walking safaris — Offered by several lodges; may carry an extra fee.
• Cultural visits to Maasai villages — Fees vary, often US$20–30, paid directly to the community.

Drones are not permitted without prior approval from the conservancy management and the Kenya Civil Aviation Authority (KCAA). Unauthorized drone use can result in confiscation and fines.

• You must stay in a conservancy lodge to access Naboisho.
• Conservancy fees are not interchangeable with Maasai Mara National Reserve fees. If you plan to visit the main reserve, you must pay the Mara entry fee separately (typically US$100–200 per person depending on season and zone).
• Fees may vary slightly by lodge, management company, or season.

Naboisho Conservancy is primarily explored by guided safari vehicles provided by the lodges. Independent driving is not permitted, as the conservancy restricts access to protect wildlife and preserve the low-density experience for guests. All game drives are conducted by trained guides, usually in open 4×4 vehicles with excellent visibility.

Most camps offer:

• Morning and afternoon game drives
• Full-day drives (on request)
• Night game drives, which are allowed in conservancies but prohibited inside the Maasai Mara National Reserve
• Off-road driving, permitted in Naboisho for closer wildlife viewing
• Walking safaris, conducted with an armed guide and Maasai tracker
• Fly-camping or bush breakfasts, arranged by some lodges

Because off-road driving is legal in Naboisho (unlike the main reserve), guides can follow lions, cheetahs, and rare species into thickets and plains with minimal disturbance—one of the conservancy’s key advantages.

Naboisho is compact, and most camps are within 10–30 minutes of prime wildlife areas. The network of conservancy roads is maintained by the landowners’ association and is generally navigable year-round, though muddy patches occur during heavy rains.

Lodges can arrange transfers to nearby conservancies such as:

• Olare Motorogi Conservancy
• Ol Kinyei Conservancy
• Lemek Conservancy
• Mara North Conservancy

These transfers are normally done in lodge vehicles and may require paying the conservation fee for the destination conservancy if entering during game drive hours.

Most lodges offer day trips into the National Reserve (additional park entry fees apply). Drives from Naboisho to popular sections of the Mara typically take:

• 30–60 minutes to Talek Gate
• 45–90 minutes to Oloolaimutia Gate
• Longer to reach central reserve sites such as the Musiara Marsh

Walking is permitted only on guided walking safaris with trained rangers. These often take place early in the morning and are a highlight of staying in a conservancy, offering opportunities to see tracks, birds, insects, and smaller mammals up close.

Arrivals and departures use Ol Seki Airstrip, located inside the conservancy. Camps provide transfers directly from the airstrip to your lodge. These transfers may include wildlife viewing en route.

Naboisho Conservancy is one of the most wildlife-rich areas of the Greater Maasai Mara, offering quiet, uncrowded viewing and some of East Africa’s best big-cat encounters. The conservancy’s varied habitats—open plains, rocky ridges, acacia woodland, and seasonal watercourses—mean that wildlife is abundant year-round.

• Lions — Naboisho holds one of the highest lion densities in the Mara ecosystem. Large prides, including famous resident families, are regularly seen hunting or resting in acacia thickets.
• Cheetahs — The conservancy’s open grasslands make it excellent for observing cheetahs on the hunt or raising cubs.
• Leopards — More elusive but commonly found along wooded drainage lines and rocky outcrops.

Wandering herds of elephant move through Naboisho, using the conservancy as a vital safe corridor between Mara North and Olare Motorogi. Calves, breeding groups, and lone bulls are frequently seen.

Naboisho is known for having one of the highest giraffe densities in Africa. Maasai giraffes roam in large numbers, often gathering in relaxed groups on the plains—ideal for close photography.

The conservancy supports thriving populations of:

• Wildebeest
• Zebras
• Elands
• Topi
• Impalas
• Grant’s and Thomson’s gazelles
• Rare night species such as aardwolves and bat-eared foxes (often spotted on night drives)

These animals sustain the conservancy’s large predator densities.

More than 300 species occur here, including:

• Secretary birds
• Lilac-breasted rollers
• Martial and tawny eagles
• Vultures
• Ostriches
• Hornbills

• Enesikiria Valley — A stunning drainage valley lined with acacias, often rich in lions and leopards.
• Acacia woodlands — Beautiful at sunrise and a favorite for elephants, giraffes, and resting lions.
• Rocky kopjes — Offer elevated views over the plains and are favored by predators for resting and scanning territory.
• Seasonal waterholes — Attract wildlife during the dry season and serve as excellent all-day viewing locations.

Because night drives are allowed in the conservancy, visitors can see species rarely encountered in the national reserve, including:

• Servals
• Aardwolves
• Bat-eared foxes
• Porcupines
• Spring hares
• Hyenas on the hunt
• Lions moving in the dark

The conservancy borders traditional Maasai grazing areas, offering glimpses of daily pastoral life—cattle herders, beadwork traditions, and Maasai homesteads in the distance—without disrupting wildlife viewing.

Naboisho Conservancy offers activities that are not permitted inside the Maasai Mara National Reserve, making it one of the best places in Kenya for immersive and flexible safari experiences. Most activities are arranged through your lodge.

Morning and afternoon game drives are the core activity in Naboisho. With low visitor density and off-road driving permitted, guides can follow predators and get close to wildlife without the crowds found in the main reserve.

A highlight of conservancy safaris. After sundown, guides use spotlights to search for nocturnal species such as:

• Servals
• Aardwolves
• Bat-eared foxes
• Porcupines
• Spring hares
• Hyenas and lions on the move

Night drives offer rare photographic opportunities and an entirely different safari atmosphere.

Guided walks with an armed ranger and Maasai naturalist allow you to explore the landscape on foot. Walks focus on:

• Tracking animal prints
• Identifying birds, insects, and plants
• Observing smaller mammals
• Learning Maasai bushcraft

Some camps offer half-day or multi-hour walking safaris as a signature experience.

A unique wilderness adventure offered by several lodges. Guests sleep in lightweight camps set up deep in the bush, usually after a walking safari. Evenings feature lantern-lit dinners, campfire stories, and stargazing under remarkably dark skies.

Naboisho is popular with photographers thanks to:

• Off-road driving access
• High big-cat densities
• Space to position vehicles
• Fewer competing vehicles at sightings

Some camps provide specialized photo guides or photography vehicles with swivel seats and low-angle roofs.

Lodges arrange respectful visits to nearby Maasai communities, where guests can learn about:

• Traditional dancing
• Beadwork
• Pastoralist life
• Community conservation efforts

These visits help support local families whose land forms the conservancy.

With over 300 species, Naboisho is excellent for:

• Raptors such as martial eagles and vultures
• Secretary birds
• Hornbills
• Sunbirds
• Nightjars on evening drives

Walking safaris add even more opportunities for close-up viewing.

Many camps arrange:

• Bush breakfasts after morning game drives
• Scenic sundowners overlooking plains and valleys
• Private bush dinners in secluded spots

These are memorable parts of the Naboisho experience.

Not typically conducted directly inside Naboisho, but easily arranged from nearby Mara launch sites. Balloons fly at dawn over the plains, offering sweeping aerial views of the Mara ecosystem.

There are no public shops inside Naboisho Conservancy, but most safari camps have small boutiques offering high-quality, locally sourced items. Because Naboisho is community-run, many of these purchases directly support Maasai landowners and artisans.

Most lodges sell:

• Maasai beadwork
• Hand-carved wooden animals and masks
• Beaded leather belts and bracelets
• Shukas (traditional Maasai blankets)
• Kanga and kikoy cloth
• Locally roasted Kenyan coffee
• Wildlife books, postcards, and maps
• Safari essentials (hats, sunscreen, reusable water bottles)

Prices are higher than in nearby towns, but quality is excellent and proceeds support community projects.

Some lodges partner with women’s groups in nearby villages. Goods may include:

• Intricate bead necklaces and earrings
• Handwoven baskets
• Decorative gourds
• Handmade soap or natural cosmetics

Purchasing directly from these groups helps support education and household income.

For broader markets, ATMs, or bargain shopping:

• Talek (30–60 minutes) has small Maasai markets with beadwork and curios.
• Narok (2–3 hours) has large craft stalls and general shops.
• Nairobi is the best place for high-quality Kenyan handicrafts if you are traveling onward.

• ATMs are not available in the conservancy. Bring cash (Kenyan shillings).
• Haggling is common in local markets but not in lodge gift shops.
• Wildlife products (ivory, skins, horns) are illegal—avoid any suspicious items.
• Supporting local artisans is an important part of Naboisho’s community-funded conservation model.

There are no public restaurants inside Naboisho Conservancy. All dining is provided by the safari camps and lodges, which typically offer full-board or all-inclusive packages. Meals are a major part of the safari experience and are generally of very high quality.

Most camps serve a combination of:

• International cuisine (European, Asian, Middle Eastern influences)
• Kenyan dishes such as ugali, chapati, sukuma wiki, nyama choma, and stewed beef
• Fresh salads and vegetables grown in highland farms
• Homemade soups and baked breads
• Multi-course dinners by candlelight

Meals are usually taken in a central dining area overlooking the plains, with some lodges offering private dining on request.

Several camps arrange special dining experiences such as:

• Bush breakfasts after sunrise game drives
• Picnic lunches in scenic wildlife areas
• Sundowner snacks at viewpoints
• Bush dinners under lantern light, accompanied by Maasai guards

These experiences are allowed in conservancies (but not in the main Maasai Mara National Reserve), making them a highlight of staying in Naboisho.

Most lodges can accommodate:

• Vegetarian and vegan meals
• Gluten-free or dairy-free diets
• Halal requirements
• Special allergies

It is best to notify the camp in advance, as supply deliveries to remote conservancies are limited.

Because Naboisho caters to low-density, higher-end tourism, food standards tend to be excellent. Many camps use:

• Fresh produce from local Maasai or highland farms
• Kenya-grown coffee and tea
• Homemade desserts and pastries
• Occasionally fresh fish from Lake Victoria catchments

If staying just outside Naboisho, nearby areas such as Talek, Ol Kinyei, or Aitong offer small, simple local eateries ("hotels") serving traditional Kenyan food at low prices. Options are basic but authentic.

There are no public bars or cafés inside Naboisho Conservancy. All drinks—alcoholic and non-alcoholic—are provided by the safari camps and lodges, many of which operate on an all-inclusive basis.

Most camps offer a full bar with:

• Local beers (Tusker, White Cap, Serengeti, Safari)
• House wines (often South African)
• Spirits (gin, whisky, rum, vodka)
• Cocktails, including gin & tonic, dawa, or sundowner specials
• Fresh juices
• Soft drinks
• Kenyan tea and French-press coffee

High-end camps sometimes include premium wines and specialty spirits; mid-range camps may charge extra for imported alcohol.

A signature experience of Naboisho. Guides set up:

• cocktails
• beers
• wines
• light snacks

at a scenic viewpoint overlooking the plains as the sun sets. Sundowners are allowed in conservancies but not inside the Maasai Mara National Reserve, making them a major highlight of staying here.

Lodges provide unlimited safe drinking water, either bottled or filtered. Guests are encouraged to refill reusable bottles to reduce plastic waste.

Do not drink tap water.

Because mornings and evenings can be chilly on the plains, lodges commonly serve:

• Masala chai
• Herbal teas
• Hot chocolate
• Locally grown Kenyan coffee

Many camps also offer a wake-up tray brought to your tent with tea, coffee, and biscuits before the early morning game drive.

If passing through nearby towns (Aitong, Talek), basic local bars and shops sell beer, soda, and water, though these areas are typically visited only in transit.

Accommodation in Naboisho Conservancy consists primarily of high-quality safari camps, many of which are small, intimate, and designed to minimize environmental impact. Staying in one of these member camps is required to access the conservancy.

• Naboisho Camp – A luxury tented camp offering spacious canvas suites, excellent guiding, and exceptional wildlife right in camp. Known for its relaxed atmosphere, gourmet meals, and photographic opportunities.
• Encounter Mara – A classic-style tented camp overlooking a natural salt lick often frequented by lions, giraffes, and antelopes. Strong focus on sustainable tourism and community partnership.
• Kicheche Valley Camp – A high-end tented camp nestled in a secluded valley. Offers top-tier guiding, off-road viewing, and superb big-cat sightings. Popular with serious wildlife photographers.
• Ol Seki Hemingways Mara – A stylish camp with large, open-sided suites featuring sweeping views across the plains. Ideal for travelers seeking comfort and privacy with easy airstrip access.
• Saruni Mara (neighboring Karari/Nkashi areas) – Though technically just outside the main conservancy boundary, Saruni properties offer access to Naboisho through guided drives. Boutique design, Italian-influenced cuisine, and elegant cottages.
• Eagle View Camp – Built on a ridge with panoramic views, this eco-friendly camp is operated in partnership with local Maasai communities. Known for wildlife-rich surroundings and strong sustainability practices.
• Basecamp Eagle View or Wilderness – Upscale, community-run camps known for conservation work, training local guides, and offering immersive experiences close to wildlife corridors.

Most lodges include:

• Full-board meals
• Guided game drives (day and night)
• Walking safaris
• Conservancy fees
• Airstrip transfers

Traditional self-camping is not allowed inside Naboisho Conservancy due to wildlife density and strict conservation policies. However, some camps offer fly-camping—a guided wilderness experience where lightweight tents are set up in a safe, remote area for one night only. This is fully supervised and arranged through the lodge.

Independent backcountry camping is prohibited.

The conservancy maintains strict limits on vehicle and visitor movement to protect wildlife and ensure the low-density safari model that makes Naboisho special. All overnight stays must be booked through officially recognized conservancy lodges.

Naboisho Conservancy is considered very safe for visitors, especially compared to the more crowded Maasai Mara National Reserve. Still, it is a true wilderness with large animals, open savanna terrain, and unfenced camps, so standard safari precautions are essential.

Wildlife moves freely throughout the conservancy, including lions, elephants, leopards, cheetahs, hyenas, buffalo, and smaller nocturnal predators.

• Never walk outside camp alone, especially after dark.
• Always use a Maasai escort when moving between your tent and communal areas at night.
• Do not leave food outside your tent—hyenas and monkeys investigate anything edible.
• Keep windows and tent flaps zipped to prevent baboons or genets from entering.

Game drives are conducted by professionals who understand animal behavior. Follow the guide’s instructions, stay inside the vehicle unless explicitly allowed, and maintain respectful distances from wildlife.

Both activities are allowed in Naboisho but only with trained, armed guides.

• On night drives, avoid leaning out of the vehicle or using flash photography without permission.
• On walking safaris, stay close to your guide, walk quietly, and avoid sudden movements.

Camps are unfenced and integrated into the ecosystem. At night, it is common to hear lions, hyenas, elephants, and grazing animals near tents.

• Do not panic—this is normal, and guides monitor animal movement.
• Remain inside your tent until morning unless escorted.

The conservancy’s roads are unpaved and can become muddy during rainy seasons (March–May, November).

• The camps handle all transport within Naboisho.
• If self-driving outside the conservancy, avoid traveling at night due to livestock, wildlife, and poor visibility.

• Days can be hot and dry—carry water on game drives.
• Nights may be surprisingly cold; pack warm layers.
• Mosquitoes are present around camps. Use repellent and sleep under nets.
• Discuss malaria prophylaxis with your doctor before traveling.

Naboisho is one of the most secure areas in the greater Mara ecosystem. The conservancy has trained community rangers who patrol daily.

Crime against visitors is extremely rare, but:

• Keep valuables in your tent safe or locked bag.
• Avoid leaving bags unattended in vehicles during pick-ups or transfers.

Naboisho is community-owned; visitors may encounter Maasai herders on the outskirts of the conservancy. Dress modestly when visiting villages and always ask before taking photos.

Naboisho Conservancy sits at the heart of the Greater Maasai Mara landscape, making it easy to continue your journey into neighboring conservancies, the Maasai Mara National Reserve, or other safari regions of Kenya.

Just west of Naboisho, the famous reserve offers wide open plains, huge predator populations, and, from July to October, the Great Migration. Day trips can be arranged from camps in Naboisho or you can stay inside the reserve for a different safari atmosphere.

A short drive west. Known for outstanding big-cat sightings, dramatic landscapes, and some of the highest wildlife densities in Africa. Popular with photographers seeking quieter sightings.

Directly adjacent to Naboisho and similarly community-owned. It offers sweeping grasslands, excellent cheetah viewing, and several high-quality eco-camps.

To the north, Lemek is less visited and offers open plains, community interactions, and excellent opportunities to see herds of grazing animals.

A well-known conservancy to the northwest, offering dramatic scenery, riverine forests, and exclusive high-end camps. Great for leopards and scenic river drives.

Part of the Maasai Mara National Reserve, managed separately and known for well-maintained roads, spectacular views, and consistent wildlife—especially during the Migration.

North of Naboisho, this is one of the last strongholds of traditional Maasai culture. A beautiful area for multi-day hiking, community visits, and cultural immersion far from tourist crowds.

Most visitors return to Nairobi via a short flight from Ol Seki Airstrip. Kenya’s capital offers museums, markets, restaurants, and attractions like the Giraffe Centre and Nairobi National Park.

If extending your safari beyond the Mara, consider:

• Amboseli National Park – Famous for elephants and Mt. Kilimanjaro views.
• Laikipia – A blend of walking safaris, private conservancies, and rhino conservation.
• Samburu National Reserve – Known for “Samburu Special Five” and striking desert landscapes.
• Tsavo East & West – Massive wilderness areas ideal for multi-day safari circuits.