Mara North Conservancy

Pros & Cons

• Classic East African savannah scenery
• Fantastic wildlife, including big cats
• Excellent birding
• Less crowded than the Masai Mara National Reserve
• Off-road game drives are possible
• Night drives are permitted
• Not many choices for budget travelers
• A little removed from the great migration

Wildlife

Mara North is a fantastic place to see wildlife and one of the best reserves in Africa for seeing lion, leopard and cheetah. At least three lion prides inhabit the conservancy. Other commonly seen predators include spotted hyena and black-backed jackal. Of the prey species, expect to see impala, Thomson’s and Grant’s gazelle, zebra, wildebeest, buffalo, elephant, giraffe and more.

Scenery

Mara North Conservancy is an extension of the Masai Mara, with the same spectacular scenery. These are classic East African landscapes, with savannah grasslands against the backdrop of the Oloololo Escarpment (also called the Siria Escarpment). Tree-lined rivers snake through the conservancy, and out on the plains, grasses turn golden early and late in the day, with flat-topped acacia trees perfectly silhouetted at sunset.

Activities

When you consider the birds, animals and landscapes you might see, the guided game drives in Mara North are some of the best on offer anywhere. The guides here have a reputation for excellence. Self-guided game drives are not permitted. Walking safaris and night game drives are possible, as are community, school and market visits.

Weather & Climate

The weather and climate of Mara North Conservancy is similar to that of the Masai Mara and the rest of western Kenya in general. More info:

• Weather & Climate – Masai Mara National Reserve

Best Time To Visit

The Dry season (June to October) is the best time for watching wildlife in Mara North. The short rains usually fall in November and December, and are followed by longer, heavier rains in March and April (sometimes continuing into May). The drier period between the rains in January and February is also a good time to visit. The best time for birding is usually from November (when migratory birds begin arriving) to April (when they depart).

Getting There

Most travelers fly into one of Mara North’s airstrips from Nairobi’s Wilson Airport or Mombasa, Migori, Diani Beach, Samburu, Loisaba, Lewa Downs, Nanyuki or Meru with either AirKenya or Safarilink. Most safari operators and lodges or tented camps can provide details. By road, Mara North is 234km/145mi from Nairobi and the driving time is 4 to 5 hours*.
*Driving times are only a rough indication. You should always consider the possibility of significant delays.

Health & Safety

Please read our malaria and vaccinations page for Kenya and our general ‘Wildlife Viewing Safety Precautions’ for more info:

• Malaria & Vaccinations – Kenya
• Wildlife Viewing Safety Precautions

Want To Visit Mara North?

Mara North Safaris

• Mara North Safaris & Tours
• Tour Operators for Mara North