Mara Naboisho Conservancy, The Mara Naboisho Conservancy is likely where you’ll find the highest concentration of big cats in the world along with a high-end, low-traffic tourist experience. This 53,000-acre protected area borders the famous Masai Mara National Reserve. It was created by 500 Maasai people who own land and their tourist partners.The conservancy is home to over 100 lions, with the biggest pride having over 20 individual cats. Lucky tourists will see one of the highest densities of lions in the world. You might see elephants, wildebeests, zebras, giraffes, and even the occasional wild dog in these open savannahs. If you want to go on a really cool adventure, look for animals like the aardvark, the caracal, the serval cat, and the aardwolf.

It means “coming together” in Japanese.

The Maasai people in the area speak a language called Naboisho. The relationship was made because they wanted to protect their land and wildlife and were inspired by the success of other Kenyan conservancies. The goal was to bring back the environment through best grazing practices while limiting the number of tourists who could visit. The Maasai get a monthly stipend as payment for changing how they herd animals, which helps them make a living.

The Koiyaki-Lemek Group ranch was used to make this second-largest reserve in the area in 2010. Your trip to the reserve will help protect the land, the animals, and the Maasai people who live there.

Your Mara Naboisho Tour Guides

As unique as your tour at Mara Naboisho is, your guides add an extra level of knowledge and care for the environment. The guides are known for their strict code of behavior and high standards. They were trained in-depth at the Koiyaki Guiding School, which was made possible by the conservancy’s tourism partners.

The Project for the Big Cat

Because there are so many of these beautiful cats in the reserve, it made sense to bring in the tools to study them. The goal of the Big Cat Project is to study and help lions, cheetahs, and leopards do well. It brings together researchers, NGOs, tourist partners, and the community.

Its four goals are to track animals, do study, help people and animals get along, and teach the community. Getting information about the big cats’ routines and habits is very important if we want to protect their native habitat.

Don’t Forget…

Camp in the Wilds—If you want the best fun in the Mara, spend a night or two camping in the wilds. You and your guide will set up camp, cook dinner over a campfire, and listen to the sounds of animals at night.

Night Safari: When the sun goes down, the Mara seems like a different world. It will feel like there are only you and the dark eyes of a night stalker looking back at you. This exciting and mystery activity isn’t allowed at the nearby national park, so make the most of this chance.

Guided Walking Safari—Another great thing about stopping at a conservancy is that you can go on an exciting walking safari. Let go of your car and get close to the sounds, sights, and smells of the wild bush. You’ll see so much more. In this close-up view of the natural world, you may come into contact with birds, bugs, and smaller animals.

The Maasai: If you want to really connect with the Maasai, go to one of their villages close. You can ask your local guide to take you to the village where he grew up or where he has family. You’ll get a close and strong look at their culture by seeing their traditions and maybe even some of their dances.