Top private conservancies in the Maasai Mara
Why travellers who've already done the main reserve keep coming back to the conservancies that border it — and how to pick between them.
Maasai Mara Safari · Kenya safari packages · Kenya safari holidays
Ring the Maasai Mara National Reserve and you'll find a patchwork of private conservancies — community-owned land leased long-term to a small number of safari camps. Because bed numbers and vehicle access are capped by agreement, they routinely deliver a quieter, more flexible experience than the reserve itself.
Here's what sets them apart and how to choose between the best-known options.
Comparing the main conservancies
| Conservancy | Known for | Good fit for |
|---|---|---|
| Mara North | Scenery and river access | Guests chasing crossings and cats |
| Olare Motorogi | High predator density, low vehicle numbers | Serious wildlife watchers and photographers |
| Naboisho | Large lion prides, strong walking tradition | Active travellers wanting walks plus game drives |
Highlights
- What a conservancy allows that the reserve doesn't
- Mara North Conservancy
- Olare Motorogi Conservancy
- Naboisho Conservancy
- Building the ideal stay
01
What a conservancy allows that the reserve doesn't
Conservancy management agreements typically permit activities the national reserve prohibits, which changes what a day in the bush can look like.
- Night drives with spotlights
- Guided walking safaris with trackers
- Controlled off-road driving to reach a sighting
- Bush meals and sundowners away from fixed sites
02
Mara North Conservancy
A large, scenically varied block close to the Mara River, popular with camps that want quick access to crossing points as well as resident big cats.
03
Olare Motorogi Conservancy
One of the smaller, lower-density conservancies, known for an unusually high concentration of lions, cheetahs and leopards relative to its size.
04
Naboisho Conservancy
Home to some of the largest lion prides in the wider Mara ecosystem, and one of the better conservancies for walking safaris given its terrain and guiding tradition.
05
Building the ideal stay
Most seasoned Mara visitors now split their nights: a few in a conservancy for the exclusivity and extra activities, with day permits into the national reserve itself when the river crossings are active.
Dos
- Wear neutral colours — khaki, olive, sand
- Pack layers for cold early game drives
- Stay seated and keep voices low near animals
- Follow your guide's instructions at all times
- Drink plenty of water and use sunscreen
Don'ts
- Don't wear bright colours, white or camouflage
- Don't feed or call to animals
- Don't leave the vehicle unless your guide says so
- Don't use drones — they need special permits
- Don't bring plastic bags (banned in Kenya and Tanzania)
What's usually included
- Accommodation in your chosen level
- Meals as listed in your itinerary
- Game drives with a professional guide
- Park and conservancy entry fees
- Airport pick-up and drop-off
- Drinking water in the vehicle
Usually not included
- International flights
- Visa fees
- Travel insurance
- Tips for guides and camp staff
- Personal items and souvenirs
- Premium drinks unless all-inclusive
- Optional activities not in your itinerary
Keep exploring
Published fees to plan around
Sources checked 7 October 2026 · US dollars · fees only, not full safari prices
| Fee | Published amount | Who and when |
|---|---|---|
| Maasai Mara reserve · July–December | US$200 | Non-resident adult entry; published seasonal tariff, not a camp rate. Entry and exit rules affect the number of chargeable visits.Narok County published fee schedule |
| Maasai Mara reserve · January–June | US$100 | Non-resident adult entry; the low-season rate in the same published schedule. Reconfirm for your travel year.Narok County published fee schedule |
Your accommodation and flights need a quote for your dates, room arrangement and availability. Compare the full journey total, not a nightly headline: meals, transport, guiding, entry fees and optional activities should be clear. Published tariffs may change; we reconfirm the applicable fees before you book.
Our editorial values
Original travel guidance by Dennis Njoroge, CEO of Perch Africa Safaris. Wildlife and weather are never guaranteed. Published fees link to their authority sources; camp and flight prices are confirmed for your own journey. You receive your full itinerary and matching proforma before payment.
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Frequently asked questions
Can guests staying in a conservancy still visit the main reserve?
Yes, typically on day trips that incur a separate reserve entry fee.
Are conservancy stays pricier than reserve-area lodges?
Often, because conservancy fees support the landowning community directly and camps keep bed numbers low — but many rates bundle in activities and fees that would otherwise be extra.
Do all conservancies offer the same wildlife?
Big cat viewing is strong across the main conservancies; the real differences are in landscape, vehicle density and the activities each one permits.
