Overview–kenya

Mara Naboisho Conservancy

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.

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.

Excellent

Good

Fair

Poor

Jun

Jul

Aug

Sept

Oct

Mar

April

Nov

Dec

Jan

Feb

May

Rates

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

Best Time to Go

From: June to October (For general wildlife viewing) and August to October (For wildebeest migration)

High Season

From: June to October and December to March

Size

From: 1,510km² / 583mi²

Wildlife & Animals

The Serengeti-Mara ecosystem is where 2.5 million wildebeest, zebras, and gazelles follow the rains in search of new grass every year. They make their way from Serengeti National Park (in northern Tanzania) to the Masai Mara, and they usually cross into Kenya in July or August. Although the timing is never guaranteed, August and September are when you’re most likely to see the herds undertaking the famous crossing of the Mara River in Kenya. They slowly head back into the Serengeti around October.

General Wheather

The weather and climate of Naboisho are identical 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

Excellent wildlife viewing throughout the year
Annual wildebeest migration (from July or August to October)
Open savannah makes for easy wildlife spotting
Wide variety of accommodations for different budgets
Hot-air balloon safaris

Cons

The park gets busy, especially during high season
Access road is bad so a fly-in safari is recommended
Roads can be in terrible condition, especially after rain

How To Get 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/145 mi 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.