Luxury Mara Conservancies safaris made for you
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An intimate and exclusive safari experience
Enjoy an exclusive safari experience in the Mara Conservancies. These private and community-owned areas border the Maasai Mara National Park, so you can expect exceptional game viewing and far fewer visitors.
The boundaries of Kenya‘s national parks and reserves reamin largely unfenced. This allows the animals to move freely, using their ancient corridors and migration routes, coming and going as they please.
Collaboration between Maasai communities and safari camps has seen much of the land to the north and the east of the Maasai Mara converted into wildlife conservancies. The land is leased from the Maasai and a limited number of camps are permitted in the conservancies. This helps to maintain a lower-impact on the environment, wildlife and people who live here.
While staying in the conservancies, it is still possible to go into the Maasai Mara – a particular draw during July and August when the Great Wildebeest Migration crosses the Mara River. However, the vehicles in the national park cannot enter the conservancies, ensuring the habitats here remain peaceful.
As the conservancies are located on privately owned land, there are a number of exclusive and unique experiences on offer. Camps can organise guided bush walks and night drives, both of which are not permitted in the national park. You’ll also have the opportunity to meet with Maasai and learn about their way of life.
Experiences picked by our Mara Conservancies safari specialists
Luxury Mara Conservancies safari lodges
There are many incredible places to stay in Mara Conservancies. Here are some of our favourites, handpicked by our travel designers:
Why book with Jacada?
Safari expertise
Our experts bring decades of first-hand expertise. They’ve lived and travelled across Africa and are regularly on the ground reviewing the most exclusive camps and experiences. You’ll also have the support of a personal concierge, based in region.
Unforgettable guides
We handpick the most knowledgeable guides, who bring each destination to life with care and passion. They’re chosen for their ability to provide unrivalled insight into the region’s wildlife and landscapes as well as a genuine, memorable experience.
Positive impact
By travelling with us, you directly support a range of initiatives spanning wildlife conservation to community engagement. Our luxury trips are designed to prioritise experiences that are positive for you and the places you visit.
Trip inspiration
Get inspired with our Mara Conservancies example trips and then get in touch to plan your own adventure
8-Day Trip
The Great Migration: A Luxury Safari
8-Day Trip
The Great Migration: A Luxury Safari
9-Day Trip
Family Safari to Kenya's Pridelands
9-Day Trip
Family Safari to Kenya's Pridelands
15-Day Trip
An African Trilogy
15-Day Trip
An African Trilogy
Where to go
Amboseli
A thriving elephant population set against the backdrop of mount kilimanjaro makes Amboseli a wildlife photographer's dream. Combined with meaningful cultural experiences and plenty of plains game and predators, there’s days of safari to be had here.
Borana Conservancy
Snow-capped Mount Kenya looms out of the sky to the south with mountains and deserts to north making the Borana Conservancy a particularly beautiful location for your luxury Kenya safari. With a focus on conservation, endangered species, as well as iconic Kenyan wildlife.
Chyulu Hills
Chyulu Hills isn’t like anywhere else in Kenya. Volcanic cones, craters, rocky outcrops and lava fields dominate the landscapes. Wildlife now thrives here after years of hunting with lions and black rhino returning to the area.
Kenyan Coast
Palm fringed, white sand beaches with laidback resorts are the perfect base to discover the coast. Coral reefs and hundreds of brightly colored fish can be found on snorkelling and diving adventures. Above the shoreline there’s boat trips and exhilarating kite surfing.
Laikipia Plateau
One of Kenya’s top wildlife destinations with a focus on sustainability and conservation. Big cats, herds of elephants, black rhino and plains game roam here. Explore in jeeps, on foot or even by camel.
Lake Nakuru
Nakuru national park is a small, perfectly formed park. Lake Nakuru itself, in the middle park, is home to pretty pink flamingos who feed in the shallow waters. Large game and hundreds of bird species can be found here for an exciting safari experience by the water.
Lamu Archipelago
Situated in the twinkling waters of the Indian Ocean sits the unspoilt paradise of the Lamu Archipelago. Off the beaten track, this remote beach hideaway offers a rich cultural heritage, ready to be discovered.
Lewa
Lewa Wildlife Conservancy has proudly turned this former cattle ranch into a thriving wildlife reserve home to a large percentage of Kenya’s black and white rhinos. Close ties to the local Masaai community mean genuine cultural exchanges.
Loita Forest
Loita Forest is the place of birds; diverse habitats of wooded areas, swamps and rivers are a haven to many Kenyan and migratory bird species. No large predators allows for abundant walking trails, guided by local Maasai for an authentic and rewarding experience on foot.
Maasai Mara
The Masai Mara is one of the most famous national parks in the world. The place to see the Great Wildebeest Migration thundering through the Mara River and masses of varied wildlife from the big five to birdlife.
Meru National Park
Meru has an abundance of water; regular rainfall, swamps and several rivers coursing through the landscapes attract a diverse range of wildlife. Get caught up in the touching story of Elsa the lion cub from the novel ‘Born Free’ which was set in Meru
Nairobi
Scratch the surface and Kenya’s capital and find there’s more than meets the eye in this bustling metropolis. Stunning hotels, markets, museums, wildlife sanctuaries and it’s even got its own national park.
Samburu
Home to the Samburu and an area of great cultural and natural significance. Some of the species that roam this arid landscape cannot be found anywhere else, including Grevy’s zebra.
Solio Private Reserve
Solio is Kenya’s leading rhino sanctuary and a wildlife haven to many other creatures including over 300 species of birds. Another shining star of conservation that offers varied safari experiences.
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When to visit Mara Conservancies
The best time to visit the Mara Conservancies is generally the dry season from June to October, coinciding with the Great Migration for peak wildlife viewing, especially river crossings. For fewer crowds and excellent game viewing, consider the shoulder seasons of January to February, or the green season from November to March). January and February are great months to see baby animals and birds before the long rains between March and May.
Wildlife viewing
June–October
Bird watching
January–February
Walking safaris
July–October
Kenya travel guides
Plan your trip to Mara Conservancies
Whatever you want from your adventure in Mara Conservancies, our team of safari experts are ready to help.
Don't take our word for it
Your trip, your story
We craft trips deeply personal, delightfully surprising and entirely one of a kind. Every Jacada journey begins in conversation with a travel designer, a specialist in their destination of expertise. Behind each journey is a wealth of insight, gathered over years of on-the-ground exploration.
Once you’re booked, you’ll meet your concierge. Based in the region you’re visiting, they’ll take care of all the details so your mind is at rest. They make the trip truly special – and truly yours.
