​Overview – Naboisho

Anthony Ham
Expert
By Anthony Ham

Anthony is a renowned Africa expert and author of many Lonely Planet guidebooks, including the guide to Kenya.

Anthony is a renowned Africa expert and author of the Lonely Planet guide to Kenya.

Anthony is the author of the Lonely Planet guide to Kenya.

Naboisho Conservancy is one of the most rewarding of the community conservancies that surround the Masai Mara. It has one of Kenya’s highest densities for lions and cheetahs, and its rolling grasslands and hill country provide a glorious backdrop to so many other species. Expect luxury tented camps, a strong track record on sustainability, walking safaris, and so much more.

Best Time To Go June to October (Wildlife), November to April (Birding)
High Season June to October and December to March
Size 202km² / 78mi²
Altitude 1,596-1,879m / 5,236-6,165ft

Pros & Cons

  • High concentration of lions and cheetahs
  • Fantastic overall wildlife viewing
  • High-quality tented camps
  • Limited number of camps means no crowds
  • Walking safaris and off-road driving possible
  • Low-impact safari rules protect the animals
  • No budget accommodations
  • Often booked out months in advance

Naboisho Safari Reviews

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  • Birding

Wildlife

You would be unlucky not to see lions or cheetahs in Naboisho. Other highlights include elephant, buffalo, zebra, giraffe and more. Only four vehicles are permitted at any one sighting in Naboisho. This means the wildlife is never crowded and you’ll always have a front-row seat, even if you sometimes have to wait a little until another vehicle leaves.

Scenery

Naboisho is like the best of the Masai Mara but concentrated on one small patch of land: if it weren’t for the wildlife, you’d want to visit here for the beauty. Classic East African savannahs dominate, with plenty of light woodlands, river valleys and low rocky escarpments, as well as distant hills as a backdrop.

Activities

Guided game drives in search of animals and birds are the main activities in Naboisho. Self-guided game drives are not permitted. You can also enjoy night game drives, walking safaris, and visits to local communities and conservation projects.

Weather & Climate

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

Best Time To Visit

The Dry season months from June to October, when animals draw near to water, are ideal for visiting Naboisho. The short rains usually fall in November and December, with longer rains likely in March and April (sometimes continuing into May). The dry spell between the rains in January and February is also a good time to visit, but it can be busy then. Migratory birds are present from November until April.

Getting There

Most travelers to Naboisho fly into one of the airstrips in Naboisho (or neighboring Mara North Conservancy). Flights are available from Nairobi’s Wilson Airport (WIL) or Mombasa, Migori, Diani Beach, Samburu, Loisaba, Lewa Downs, Nanyuki or Meru with either AirKenya or Safarilink. Most safari operators and accommodations in the conservancy can provide details. By road, Naboisho is around 230km/145mi from Nairobi. Access roads in western Kenya can be in poor condition, so it could take 5 hours* to drive from the capital.
*Driving times are only a rough indication. You should always consider the possibility of significant delays.

Health & Safety

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

Want To Visit Naboisho?

10 Naboisho Safaris

Naboisho Safari Reviews

  • Expert Rating
    0.0/5
    0 Reviews
  • Wildlife
  • Scenery
  • Bush Vibe
  • Birding
  • User Rating
    0.0/5
    0 Reviews
  • Wildlife
  • Scenery
  • Bush Vibe
  • Birding