Discover Naboisho Conservancy: Masai Mara’s Best-Kept 1 Safari Secret

Looking for a safari that combines luxury, authentic wildlife encounters, and minimal crowds? Welcome to Naboisho Conservancy — one of the most exclusive private conservancies in Kenya and one of the best-kept secrets of the Greater Masai Mara ecosystem. If you’re yearning for a luxury safari that feels deeply personal, purpose-driven, and far removed from the typical tourist trails, this is your invitation.

Tucked away on the northeastern edge of the Masai Mara National Reserve, Naboisho offers a high-end, low-impact safari experience that brings you closer to wildlife, while supporting the people who have lived alongside it for generations — the Maasai. Here, safaris aren’t just about seeing animals — they’re about immersing yourself in a landscape rich in life, culture, and conservation purpose. Think: exclusive game drives, up-close wildlife encounters, and a chance to directly support the local Maasai communities who own and protect this land.
This is the side of Kenya most travelers never see and that’s exactly why you should.
What is Naboisho Conservancy?
Naboisho (meaning “coming together” in the Maasai language) is a groundbreaking 50,000-acre private wildlife conservancy that borders the world-renowned Masai Mara Reserve. Established through a collaborative partnership between over 500 Maasai landowners and forward-thinking tourism operators, Naboisho is a shining example of community-led conservation and sustainable tourism in Kenya.
The conservancy model allows local Maasai families to lease their land for wildlife conservation, while generating income from carefully managed, ethical safari tourism. The result? A thriving wilderness protected by the very people who call it home — and a safari experience unlike any other.
Why Visit Naboisho Conservancy?
1. Fewer Vehicles, More Wildlife
One of the biggest draws of Naboisho is its strict limit on the number of camps and vehicles, ensuring that wildlife sightings feel personal and undisturbed. Say goodbye to safari traffic jams and hello to unspoiled game viewing. Imagine watching a pride of lions wake from their nap — with no other vehicle in sight.
2. Exclusive Safari Activities
Unlike the adjacent Masai Mara Reserve, Naboisho Conservancy permits off-road driving, night game drives, and guided walking safaris. These unique offerings allow you to explore the land more freely, track animals more intimately, and witness nocturnal behavior that most travelers miss.
3. High Wildlife Density
Despite its smaller size, Naboisho boasts one of the highest lion densities in Africa. It’s a predator haven, home to numerous lions, cheetahs, leopards, hyenas, and other carnivores. The conservancy also hosts large populations of elephants, giraffes, zebras, wildebeest, and more than 300 bird species — making it a paradise for wildlife lovers and photographers.
4. Luxury Camps with Low Environmental Impact
Naboisho’s eco-conscious safari camps offer the perfect blend of comfort, style, and sustainability. Stay in beautifully appointed tented suites, enjoy gourmet bush cuisine, and sleep to the sounds of the wild — all while leaving a light footprint on the environment and supporting local Maasai communities.
5. Direct Support for Maasai Landowners

Your visit makes a tangible difference. By staying in Naboisho, you’re not just enjoying a five-star safari — you’re contributing to the livelihoods of over 500 Maasai families, supporting education, healthcare, and wildlife protection.
What Makes Naboisho Conservancy Special?
1. Private & Peaceful
While the Masai Mara Reserve is often bustling with vehicles, Naboisho Conservancy offers an entirely different atmosphere — one of serenity, space, and true exclusivity. With limited lodges and guest numbers, you get the wild all to yourself.
2. Incredible Wildlife
From the famed Marsh Pride to elusive leopards and high-speed cheetah chases, Naboisho is a dream destination for anyone passionate about wildlife. Predator sightings are common, and with fewer vehicles, the encounters feel more authentic and unhurried.
3. Unique Safari Activities
Guided walking safaris, off-road tracking, and night drives allow you to connect with the ecosystem in a way that simply isn’t possible elsewhere in the region. These immersive experiences make every game drive an adventure.
4. Community-Owned & Ethical
Naboisho isn’t just a conservancy — it’s a conservation movement. It’s a success story in responsible tourism, with revenue from tourism directly supporting Maasai landowners, promoting wildlife protection, and ensuring the future of this vital ecosystem.
Top Bucket List Experiences in Naboisho Conservancy
1. Thrilling Off-Road Game Drives

Go beyond the beaten path with guides who know this land intimately. Track lions across the open plains, sit quietly by a waterhole at dusk, or watch cheetahs sprint after prey — all without the limitations of staying on designated roads.
At night, embark on a spotlight safari to see a different side of the bush: think porcupines, genets, aardvarks, and nocturnal big cat hunts under a sky blazing with stars.
2. Walk with the Maasai
Step out of the vehicle and into the wild on a guided walking safari led by Maasai warriors. Learn to read animal tracks, identify medicinal plants, and listen to stories passed down through generations. This is where your safari becomes deeply personal.
3. Soak in the Solitude with Sundowners 
There’s no better way to end a day on safari than with a sundowner in the bush. Enjoy a gin and tonic or a glass of wine as the sky blazes orange and the sounds of the savannah come alive. Whether you’re on a hilltop or by a campfire, it’s pure safari magic..
4. Photographer’s Paradise
With exclusive access, fewer vehicles, and stunning light, Naboisho Conservancy is a dream for wildlife photographers. Get close to big cats without disruption, photograph iconic African sunsets, or capture the quiet moments that often go unnoticed in busier reserves.
5. Meet the Maasai, the Land’s True Custodians
Visit a traditional Maasai village and experience a way of life that harmoniously blends ancient traditions with modern conservation. Participate in song and dance, learn about Maasai customs, and see how tourism is empowering these communities to protect their ancestral lands.
Wildlife in Naboisho Conservancy: What to Expect
| Species | Common Sightings | Best Time to Spot | Activity Type | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lions | Very frequent | Year-round | Game drives, walking safaris | Naboisho has one of Africa’s highest lion densities |
| Leopards | Frequent | Early morning, late evening | Night drives, off-road tracking | Elusive but often seen with experienced guides |
| Cheetahs | Frequent | Dry season (June–Oct) | Game drives | Best seen hunting in open grasslands |
| Elephants | Very frequent | Year-round | Game drives, camp viewing | Large breeding herds pass through regularly |
| Giraffes | Very frequent | Year-round | Game drives, sundowners | Graceful and always a highlight for photographers |
| Wildebeest/Zebra | Common year-round | July–Sept (Great Migration) | Game drives | Migration herds pass through without the crowds |
| Hyenas | Frequent | Night, early morning | Night drives | Active scavengers and hunters — fascinating to watch |
| Birdlife | Extremely diverse | Nov–March (Green Season) | Birdwatching, walking safaris | Over 300 species, including raptors and sunbirds |
Best of all? During the Great Migration, thousands of wildebeest and zebra pour into Naboisho without the safari convoy chaos.
Where to Stay in Naboisho Conservancy

Stay in eco-conscious luxury safari camps designed for comfort and sustainability. Our favorites include:
| Camp Name | Style & Ambience | Unique Features | Ideal For | Eco-Credentials |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Naboisho Camp | Classic luxury with a wild touch | Located in a prime wildlife area with intimate guiding | First-timers, couples, nature lovers | Solar power, minimal footprint, local staff |
| Basecamp Eagle View | Modern eco-luxury with dramatic views | Overlooks a busy waterhole; award-winning sustainability | Eco-conscious travelers, photographers | 100% solar, community-owned, carbon-neutral |
| Ol Seki Hemingways Camp | Tented elegance with high-end comforts | Panoramic views and full butler service | Honeymooners, luxury seekers | Uses local materials, supports Maasai community |
| Mara Nyika Camp | Ultra-luxurious & exclusive | Located in a private part of the conservancy | Photographers, privacy-focused guests | Built on raised decks, light touch development |
We help you choose the best lodge for your travel style be it romantic, family-friendly, or photography-focused.
Best Time to Visit Naboisho Conservancy

| Season | Months | Conditions | Highlights |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dry Season | June – October | Clear skies, cool nights, dry landscape | Peak wildlife viewing, fewer insects |
| Migration Season | July – September | Wildebeest & zebra migration through Naboisho | Big cat action, dramatic predator-prey interactions |
| Green Season | November – March | Lush, green landscape, afternoon showers | Fewer tourists, great light for photography, birdwatching |
| Rainy Season | April – May | Heaviest rainfall, some camps close | Quietest time; good for exclusivity but limited access |
Plan Your Custom Naboisho Safari with Cross wild Safaris
At Cross Wild Safaris, we specialize in tailor-made safari itineraries that deliver the very best of Naboisho Conservancy and beyond. Whether you’re dreaming of a romantic honeymoon, a family-friendly adventure, or a conservation-focused journey, we’ll design a trip that exceeds your expectations — and leaves a positive impact.
Why Travel with Us?
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Personalized Itineraries – No cookie-cutter trips. Your safari, your way.
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Expert Local Guides – Learn from the best in the business.
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Handpicked Lodges – Only the top eco-luxury camps make our list.
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Transparent, Ethical Travel – We support local communities and conservation at every step.
Ready to explore Masai Mara’s most exclusive conservancy?
Contact us to start planning your private safari to Naboisho today. Let the wild welcome you home



