Visit Mara North Conservancy
Remember, all our itineraries are totally flexible and can be changed to suit you.
About Mara North Conservancy
Established in January 2009, Mara North Conservancy is a private wilderness park and forms part of the Maasai Mara ecosystem. Mara North Conservancy was structured in 2009 and covers 74,000 acres. The conservancy represents a joint effort between the 12 member accommodations in the conservancy and more than 800 Maasai landowners.
Stretching almost 70,000 acres on the northwestern edge of the Maasai Mara National Reserve, Mara North Conservancy is one of the world’s largest of the Masai Mara’s community conservancies. An added advantage when visiting Mara North is the feeling of exclusivity due to the limited number of travelers allowed. The landscape scenery here is characterized by extensive savannah grasslands filled with memorable wildlife encounters which are sure to follow.
While here you can experience everything that’s good about the Masai Mara, from Night game drive safaris, to bush walking experiences and everything in between. The wildlife including big cats and countless plains animals are found here.
“A Big 5 Paradise”
Mara North Safari Tour Packages
Then customise yours with an expert.
Our listed Masai Mara travel packages are chosen to inspire and enlighten you – they show how top safari destinations can work together in an itinerary. When it comes to planning a Kenya vacation, we’re the tailor-made travel specialists. A Kenya Safari Expert will customize your vacation, shaping it around your individual wants and preferences.
Masai Mara Safaris By Road
Discover on our 4x4s safari vehicles that ensure complete comfort while exploring the Mara and getting close to impressive wildlife sightings.
Best Masai Mara Fly-In Safari Tours
Discover Masai Mara safari by air, which delivers you directly into this world-class wilderness with some of the most exquisite luxury safaris in Africa. Fly non-stop, an added layer of thrill and excitement to seeing and doing more in less time.
What Makes a Masai Mara Trip So Special
The Masai Mara National Reserve and its neighboring wildlife conservancies enlists Kenya among the top safari destinations in Africa. Wide-open plains, an abundance of wildlife like elephant, buffalo, zebra, giraffe, hyena and the Mara’s famous big cats: lion, leopard and cheetah.
Moreover, come between July – August and November every year, the Mara welcomes the drama of the Great Wildebeest Migration, the thrill of spotting a cheetah or lions on a hunt, or the grace of a leopard lazily lying on a branch, with an unending masses of wildebeest march through the Mara River filled with deadly Nile crocodiles. Discover on your first Masai Mara safari.
“Masai Mara Photographic Tour”
Mara North Landscape & Scenery
Mara North Conservancy is dominated by long golden grass and impressive flat-topped acacia trees, with the conservancy’s landscape exactly as you would expect it to be in the Masai Mara National Reserve.
As you drive along the eastern side of the plains, the surrounding is filled with a network of wooded valleys and seasonal streams known as ‘luggas’. The area’s riverine forests are an emerald-hued refuge for the conservancy’s elephants, baboons, giraffes and hippos. To the west, forested hillsides flank the croc-infested waters of the Mara River with the towering Olooloo Escarpment (also called the Siria Escarpment) rising up in the background.
7 Best Things To Do In Mara North Conservancy
When you consider doing a safari in Mara North Conservancy, travelers who stay within the conservancy are able to participate in a number of bush safari activities that are not allowed inside the Masai Mara Main Reserve, including night game drives and bush walks.
The game viewing here is very private with just a few visitors allowed inside the park, making the game drives in Mara North the best compared to any other destination. That said, walking safaris and night game drives are possible in Mara North as well as community and market visits, and if you feel like it you can take it to the air on a Hot-air balloon ride.
1. Safari Game Drives In Mara North Conservancy
The main activity in Mara North Conservancy is the guided game drives. Accompanied by an expert driver guide, wander around the safari tracks, rocky terrains, and dry sandy riverbeds as you search for lions, buffalo, and elephants, giraffe, and leopard before stopping for a freshly prepared bush breakfast or sundowners if you wish to.
Head out for an early morning or afternoon game drive for the best game viewing opportunities. Keep in mind that only guests of camps within Mara North are permitted to game drive in the conservancy.
However, during the Great Migration the more exciting crossing points at the Mara River happens within the main Masai Mara National Reserve or Mara Triangle, meaning you will likely travel south and spend a day or two there.
2. Hot Air Balloon Safari In Mara North Conservancy
Among your list of things to do in Mara North Conservancy, if you’re in for a heart racing experience, fly high up in the skies above the endless Mara North plains.
Wake up before dawn and rise with the golden sunrise as it lights up this beautiful conservancy. Float above the sky with a birds-eye view of the Maasai Mara plains below.
Your Hot Air Balloon Safari lifts-off between 6:00 and 7:00 am after a freshly brewed coffee and flight safety brief.
As you float in the air, you will have one (1) hour to explore the Mara from the skies observing the wildlife and landscape.
Upon your flight landing, you will be treated to a lovely champagne breakfast in the middle of the bush.
3. Bush Meals, Dinners & Sundowners In Mara North Conservancy
Your list of what to do in Mara North doesn’t stop with a hot air balloon ride, there are still plenty of unforgettable escapes within this conservancy.
This is a classical moment on how you can finish your game drives; watching the sun set over the African wilderness there’s simply no feeling like this, good times for reconnecting with nature.
As the sun fades from view and the clouds turn dark you will be resting at the perfect spot, complete with cocktail drinks in hand, tasty homemade ‘bitings’ bonfire, and close to your loved ones or friends.
Home to Big Five Wildlife
4. Cultural Maasai Visit In Mara North Conservancy
Visit the Maasai, a community with a vibrant and proud cultural heritage.
Discover their generally peaceful and mutual relationship with the wildlife and the land, as well as ancient rituals and stories.
The Maasai have been known for centuries as being fearsome hunters and warriors. However, today their livelihood revolves around community, and they welcome travellers to learn about their customs and culture first hand.
5. Walking Safaris In Mara North Conservancy
Guided bush walks in Mara North are led by our expert guides and Maasai warriors; the focus being the rich bird life, encounter wildlife on foot, and discover how the Masai make use of the indigenous plants for medical and ritual purposes.
These walking tours are only possible inside the conservancies and takes you deep into the African bush. Walking safaris inside Mara North are best done in the early mornings or evenings when it is not too hot.
Ready for this? Make sure to pack comfortable walking shoes, light long-sleeved tops and trousers, a good hat, plenty of water and binoculars.
If you’re in for a longer walking tour, this is also possible in the nearby Mara Naboisho Conservancy.
Mara North Conservancy is just a fantastic place for walking safaris, family safaris, honeymoon safaris and luxury experiences.
6. Night Safari Drives In Mara North Conservancy
When the night comes alive.
More quiet and watchful game viewing as we discover the endless Mara North plains on a night game drive, a completely different feeling.
This is done in the comfort of a 4×4 open-sided safari vehicle with our highly qualified guide. A chance to marvel at the wondrous night sky in search of the unique nocturnal wildlife found here… Look for animals not found during daylight hours such as Aardvark, Porcupine, Honeybadger, Pangolin, Bat-Eared Fox and Bushbaby.
The lights of our 4×4 safari vehicle illuminate an unseen world, unknown even to experienced safari adventurers. Spotting the shy nocturnal creatures who walk, feed and fight their way through the Bush at night can be a bit as exotic and exciting as sighting larger mammals during the day. The night game drive is strictly managed and monitored in ensuring minimal negative impact to the ecosystem.
The Wildlife & Animals At Mara North Conservancy
Mara North being a fantastic place to see wildlife, aside from the African Big 5 there are over 450 species of birds to spot. Other commonly seen predators gracing the plains in Mara North include spotted hyena and black-backed jackal; expect to see impala, Thomson’s and Grant’s gazelle, zebra, wildebeest, buffalo, elephant, giraffe and more.
Home to Big Five Wildlife
The Chances To See Wildlife In Masai Mara
That said, it’s somewhat possible to spot not just the ‘Big Five’ as often mentioned widely, but rather the ‘Big Nine’ which includes; Lions, Leopards, Elephants, Rhinos, Buffalos, Giraffes, Zebras, Cheetahs and Hippos. This is made possible by the nature and richness of the reserves landscape, one can see all of the above animals not just in a single game drive, but also with a little more luck, within your 3 days Masai Mara safari drive in the reserve.
Best Time To See Wildlife In Masai Mara
While planning your safari to Masai Mara, wildlife viewing in Masai Mara is good throughout the year, with the safari months from June to October relatively dry therefore offer the best general wildlife watching. If you wish to catch the wildebeest’s crossing, the best months for the wildebeest migration are August to October year to year as the animals move with the rain in search of greener pastures.
Stay at a Luxury Lodge
Best Time To Visit Mara North Conservancy
The long cool-dry season from June to October is considered by most to be the best time of year to visit Mara North for game viewing; the absence of rain means that the vegetation is less dense, making animals easier to observe. Additionally the drier months of January and February are also a good times to visit while the best time for birdwatching usually happens from November to April when the migratory birds from Europe arrive.
Temperatures are consistent year-round, and rainfall is all that distinguishes the seasons with the short rains beginning in November and early December followed by the long rains in March and April.
Weather & Climate At Mara North Conservancy
The weather and climate for Mara North Conservancy is similar to that of the Masai Mara National Reserve in general. That said, there’s no real wrong time of year to visit the Mara North Conservancy.
Masai Mara has a generally mild climate chillier than you might expect when in an area that’s this close to the equator. The reserve sits at an altitude varying from 1500 to 1900 meters, and you can expect average daytime temperatures which are comfortable, and evening temperatures can become quite chilly. The region’s Dry seasons starts from (June to October) whilst the Wet season (November to May) consist of a shorter and a longer rainy period that are accompanied by a brief dry spell.
Masai Mara Weather
Dry Season In Masai Mara – June Through To October
Consider this the perfect time for going on a Kenya safari; the days are sunny and it’s rarely very hot. Nevertheless pack some warm clothes for the morning game drives which can be very chilly.
June, July & August In Masai Mara
June, July & August – During this time, consider Masai Mara generally sunny and dry with afternoon temperatures averaging at around 25°C/ (77 degrees Fahrenheit), and during the night you will experience cold evenings and early mornings when temperatures are at around 12°C/54° Fahrenheit.
September & October In Masai Mara
September & October – Should you decide to travel during this months, it’s mostly dry although you can expect occasional rain showers. Daytime temperatures in October are slightly at an average of 27 degrees Celsius (81 degrees Fahrenheit). On your early morning game drives expect it to be chilly at around (around 12°C/54°F).
Wet Season In Masai Mara –November Through To May
It’s that time of the season when we experience rainfall in the Masai Mara. Talking about abrupt short afternoon showers. We recommend that on your list of what to pack for your Kenya safari bring with you warm clothing.
November & December In Masai Mara
November & December – marks the start of the ‘Short rains’ – expect short rain showers during these two months with afternoon temperatures at an average of around 27°C/81 degrees Fahrenheit).
January & February In Masai Mara
January & February – Rainfall slows down, although incidental rain shower do still occur.
March, April & May In Masai Mara
March, April & May – this is the long rainy season with April being the wettest month. However – you don’t have to worry about it raining all day long but it does rain regularly, typically in the form of afternoon showers. Early morning game drives can be slightly warmer with average temperatures in Masai Mara around 13°C/55°F.
The Best Masai Mara Private Conservancies
As you head over to the legendary Mara River to spot any one of seven species of kingfishers, from the Giant Kingfisher to the tiny Pygmy Kingfisher. The forests lining the river are home to the colourful Ross’s Turaco and the Schalow’s Turaco. The most impressive birds of the Mara are the birds of prey, from the mighty Martial Eagle to the tiny Pygmy Falcon. The Martial Eagle is so strong it is known to feast on young impala and dikdik. However, the most iconic of the birds of prey is the Bateleur. Looking up and watching a Bateleur glide across the clear blue African skies is quite a memorable sight to see.
Luxury Masai Mara Safari Tours
Want To Visit Masai Mara National Reserve? The Mara is a rewarding African safari destination which offers many unique experiences, depending on your travel style from Mid-Range Masai Mara safaris to Luxury Masai Mara safaris.
Additionally, for those who wish to explore Kenya in more intimate ways, our Masai Mara Honeymoon Safaris are your best bet; whilst those who would desire to connect with loved ones, our Masai Mara Family Safaris offer you that opportunity; nonetheless the list doesn’t end there, if spending time alone is your way of travel, explore our Masai Mara Private Safaris.
Best Kenya Safari Packages
Want to visit Masai Mara National Park? This is one of the most rewarding safari destinations in southern Kenya that you can easily add on a safari package to Kenya top destinations. Being close to Nairobi, you can easily start off with short Nairobi daytrip tours then proceed to Masai Mara making it easy to visit in a short time frame, and combine it with other parks as well.
You have plenty of choices to pick from, Masai Mara midrange safaris to Masai Mara luxury safaris depending on your travel style.
9 Days | 8 Nights
Best Kenya Air Safaris
Masai Mara Safari Costs
It’s not easy to give exact costs for a Masai Mara safari. There are many budget-influencing factors like the time of year you travel, how luxurious you’d like your stay to be, whether you fly or drive between camps and lodges, whether or not you go private and exclusive, and which extra activities you want to add to your itinerary, like spa treatments, hot-air ballooning and cultural visits. We can, however, provide estimated costs for a safari in the Masai Mara.
Ready To Plan A Private Masai Mara Safari?
Browse some of our favorite Mara North safaris & tours which promise a more intimate adventure especially for travelers longing for a more private safari experience far away from the crowds with plenty of flexible safari activities, this is your one chance to do one of Kenya conservancy safaris & tours. Maybe you’re planning your honeymoon safari in Africa or rather you just desire a more private family safari experience just know that you have plenty of options to choose from.
Frequently Asked Masai Mara Park Questions
Q. What are the documents I need to visit Masai Mara?
As for the documentations you need for your holiday in Kenya, keep in mind entry requirements can change, so please contact your local Kenyan embassy or high commission to verify that the following information below is up to date.
-A passport is required for all foreign visitors and must be valid for at least six months.
-No visa is required. Instead, all visitors must apply for an Electronic Travel Authorisation (eTA).
-Visitors must apply in advance for the eTA on www.etakenya.go.ke.
-The standard processing time is three days, but you can apply up to three months prior to travel and early application is recommended.
-When arriving from a yellow-fever-infected country in Africa or the Americas, a yellow-fever vaccination certificate is required.
-For more information we strongly direct checking the website of your local Kenyan embassy/high commission or the government travel advisories below:
Australia – www.smartraveller.gov.au
Canada – travel.gc.ca
EU Member States – ec.europa.eu
Ireland – www.ireland.ie
New Zealand – www.safetravel.govt.nz
United Kingdom – www.gov.uk
United States – travel.state.gov
Masai Mara Safari Reservations
Q. What type of clothes do I wear on a Masai Mara safari?
Pack lightweight, comfortable, and casual clothing for a Kenyan safari, including long sleeves, pants, comfortable closed-toe shoes, a wide-brimmed hat, and layers for cooler mornings and evenings on game drives. For more details, we suggest you do your own safari packing essentials and find out what fits your interests.
Browse our safari clothing packing advice on what to pack for your African tour:
- Lightweight trousers /shorts and t-shirts remain ideal for the daytime drives.
- Lightweight jacket / fleece for the early mornings and evenings.
- Remember to also pack some warm socks and a woolly hat would be suggested for early morning and evening game drives.
- Hiking shoes
Other items we would suggest you bring along with you include:
- Sunscreen glasses & hat/cap
- Comfy Shoes / Sandals
- Flip Flops to wear during the day
- A Torch / Lamp
- Binoculars
- Phone/laptop charger
- Pack your medication, and a spare set of spectacles or contact lenses if you wear these.
Q. What is the best time to see the Masai Mara wildebeest migration in Kenya?
The best time to witness the dramatic Masai Mara wildebeest migration in Kenya is typically between mid-July through mid-September where your chances of witnessing a river crossing are generally much higher. In early October marks the end of the herd crossing the river from Kenya down into Tanzania, as thunderstorms begin in the north the herds will embark on their return journey back to the Serengeti.
Checkout our Migration safari offers.
Q. Kenya Vs Tanzania: Which Is Better for an African Safari?
Choosing between Kenya and Tanzania for an African safari depends on personal preferences, BUT Kenya is the most chosen being cost & budget friendly during both high and low seasons. Secondly, when it comes to the best places to stay in Kenya and Tanzania, both destinations offer fantastic accommodations. Thirdly in terms of Big 5 sightings, the wildebeest migration & general game viewing, both destinations are safari heavyweights. In terms of privacy and extending your safari beyond game drives, there are more private conservancies in Kenya than Tanzania which offer you plenty of activities inside the park.
Lastly, Kenya safari is the most sought-after destination for the world’s best safari experiences, evident from the large number of celebrities visiting year in year out.
Q. Will I have a private vehicle or shared game drives with other people?
We tend to enforce a maximum person per vehicle policy of 6. Meaning, although you’ll be sharing with other guests, everyone will get a side-view seat with unhindered views.
Some trips are designed in such a way that a private vehicle and guide are included for a portion of the trip, but the use of a private vehicle throughout your safari comes at an additional cost.
Masai Mara Flying Safaris
Q. How many days do you need for an Africa safari?
The ideal duration for an East Africa safari package often ranges from 5 to 14 days, this allows you to enjoy a comfortable and a well-rounded rewarding safari experience during this African tour package. It also depends on the destinations you will visit, wildlife interests, and personal preferences.
Q. What do I do in case of an emergency?
We have a 24 hour emergency line. If anything goes south, we’re ready to assist you regardless of time or date.
Q. Are there malaria mosquito nets in Africa safari tented camps?
Many tented camps in Africa provide fitted mosquito nets in all rooms which are also insect proofed to protect you against malaria mosquito bites and other insect bites, ensuring a comfortable and safe stay.
It’s also advisable to carry insect repellent to further protect yourself especially in the outdoors during evenings.
Q. Is there Wi-Fi at the safari lodges & tented camps on safari?
Almost all Africa safari lodges and tented camp accommodations during your safari provide free Wi-Fi. You’ll find this available in all three accommodation levels – comfort or luxury accommodations.
Wi-Fi is provided in the public areas of the safari lodges/tented camps including the reception, dining areas, and lounge. It is not provided in the individual rooms/tents.
Moreover, because you will be inside a wilderness park, we still request that you come prepared with your own network data to avoid any inconveniences.
Kenya Safari Payment Methods
Q. Do you provide drinking water on safari?
East Africa is within the tropics and near the Equator, separating the northern and southern hemispheres. The tropical temperatures are relatively high on the safari route and even within the national parks/game reserves.
Because you’ll need to frequently hydrate during your safari, we ensure unlimited supplies of drinking water.
All Vulture Africa Safari vehicles are fitted with a cooler box or mini fridge with a constant supply of cool, bottled water.
We replenish our supplies of drinking water during stops along the safari route.
Here’s everything you need to know about packing for your Africa safari trip.
Q. Are mosquito nets provided in safari lodge rooms/tents?
We carefully research and choose our selection of top safari lodges and tented camps to offer the best in terms of comfort, relaxation, amenities, and atmosphere during your safari.
We fully understand the need for your protection against mosquitos and other insects.
All rooms/tents during your safari are fitted with mosquito nets or are insect-proofed to protect you against bites.
Tented camp showing bedroom with mosquito nets
You are also advised to use insect repellent to further protect yourself especially outdoors in the evenings.
Q. Is it possible to store excess luggage while on safari?
Vulture African Safaris understands that your holiday travel may be lengthy and could involve different activities during your trip. You may find the need to store some of your luggage at various times.
You can safely store your extra luggage at our Nairobi office for safekeeping until you have completed your safari.
This is a free service extended to all our safari guests.
Packing luggage for an East African safari holiday tour
Additionally, our 4×4 safari Jeeps accommodate generous luggage space in its rear luggage compartment.
Q. Do you handle requests for special dietary needs?
Kenya and Tanzania welcomes visitors from all over the world and their diverse diet preferences. These preferences may be due to religious beliefs, lifestyles, or health concerns.
The menus in all safari lodges & tented camps are continental cuisine however, vegetarian, kosher, halal, gluten-free, etc. meals are also provided.
We request you indicate your special diet needs during safari booking/confirmation.
Why Book Your Safari in Advance?
Q. Do you provide airport hotel airport transfers when we arrive and depart Nairobi?
As part of our safari tour services, Vulture African Safaris provides free pickup and return to the airport/hotel for any guests who are booked for a 3-day or more safari tour with us.
The transfers are provided even if you arrive or depart several days before or after your safari start/end.
Please let us know your arrival & departure flight details including airline codes and arrival/departure times. We will provide you with the name of your driver and telephone contact in advance of your arrival/departure.
Q. Do you book or can you recommend a Nairobi hotel for our pre or post-safari stay?
If you are arriving in Nairobi earlier than your safari starting date or are intending to stay a few days more after your safari finish, you will require a Nairobi hotel.
Our listed safari tours and advertised prices do not include your Nairobi hotel.
Nairobi has a wide range of hotels in the economy, comfort, and luxury categories suitable for your 1 night or extended stay.
As part of your safari tour, Vulture Africa Safaris will pick you up at the airport and bring you to your respective Nairobi hotel or residence. This includes most areas around Nairobi.
We suggest that you look up and book online your preferred Nairobi hotel. If you should require advice, suggestions, or booking assistance for your Nairobi hotel, we will be happy to assist.
We can make suggestions depending on your budget and what area of the city you are interested in staying.
Q. Can we purchase a local Sim card for use while in Kenya?
A Kenyan Sim card will greatly reduce your telephone roaming bills during your visit and while on safari in Kenya
1 GB of data costs an average of $5.
Safaricom, a telco provider in Kenya is the market leader with the best national coverage and better deals.
Sim cards can be purchased from official stores or approved resellers. You can purchase them at the Nairobi airport upon arrival. Cost is approximately $1 or Ksh.100
To purchase local sim cards, you are required to have a Sim-unlocked GSM-compatible phone.
Q. What are your recommended safari tipping guidelines?
Tipping in guidelines for Kenya and Tanzania safaris – although not mandatory, is expected in return for good service.
All hotels, lodges, and porterage gratuities are included in the cost of your safari – these are collectively referred to as the service charge.
You may also decide to tip individual waiters, porters, and other hotel service employees who provide exemplary service. Usually, $1 – $5 per meal or move is appropriate and appreciated.
It is, however, customary to tip your safari driver/guide at the end of the safari tour. The amount is dependent on your evaluation of the quality of the service rendered. An average of $10 per guest per day or 5-10% of your safari-only cost is suggested. However, the amount is at your discretion – you are welcome to provide additional compensation to any staffer who has provided special services. A bar gratuity of $1 is acceptable.
You may tip in Kenya shillings, USD, or in Euro at the end of your safari and preferably in an envelope.