Overview–kenya

Mara North Conservancy

Mara North Conservancy is one of the largest and best of the Masai Mara’s community conservancies. Here you can experience everything good about the Masai Mara, especially the savannah landscape and the wildlife (including big cats and countless plains animals), without the crowds. This is also a Maasai homeland, and the community oversees the conservancy.

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.

Excellent

Good

Fair

Poor

Jun

Jul

Aug

Sept

Oct

Nov

Dec

Mar

April

Jan

Feb

May

Rates

From: $204 to $1,223 pp/day

Best Time to Go

From: June to October (Wildlife), November to April (Birding)

High Season

From: June to October and December to March

Size

From: 310km² / 120mi²

Wildlife & Animals

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.

General Wheather

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

Dry Season –June to October

This is an enjoyable time to be in the park with lovely weather. Typically there are sunny days and it’s rarely very hot. Don’t forget to pack warm clothing for early morning game drives.

June, July & August – It can still rain, but mostly it is sunny and dry. Afternoon temperatures reach an agreeable 25°C/77°F, but the cold can hang around in the evenings and early mornings when temperatures of around 12°C/54°F are common.
September & October – Still a dry time of the year, although rain is possible some days. Temperatures increase slightly in October and hover around 27°C/81°F (and higher). Chilly early mornings persist (around 14°C/57°F).

Wet Season –November to May

There are many overcast, cloudy days. Afternoon showers are the norm. Daytime temperatures don’t vary much. Early mornings have temperatures around 14°C/57°F. Bring warm clothing.

November & December – ‘Short rains’ – The rains normally break at some point in November. Average afternoon temperatures are around 27°C/81°F.
January & February – Rainfall eases between the short and long rains, although showers do still occur. The exact timing of this drier period is somewhat challenging to predict.
March, April & May – ‘Long rains’ – April is the wettest month. It doesn’t often shower all day, but rainfall is regular, usually in the form of intense afternoon storms. Tracks might become slippery and difficult to navigate. Early mornings are a bit warmer with average temperatures around 14°C/57°F.

Prons

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

Cons

Not many choices for budget travelers
A little removed from the great migration

How To Get 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/145 mi 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.