Exclusive Maasai Mara Conservancy Safaris During the Great Migration

The first light filters over the Ngama Hills to delicately illuminate the short grass and give it a golden hue. A quarter million wildebeest have grazed their way into the red soil under your feet somewhere behind that ridge, their low grumbles rumbling through the red soil. You are standing on the veranda of a private tented camp in the Mara Naboisho Conservancy, coffee warm in your hands, and there is not another human sound for miles. This is the Maasai Mara you’ve dreamed of, not the crowds you’ve seen on YouTube, but a peaceful, intimate seat up front of the world’s most incredible wildlife show. A Private Conservancy Safari in the Great Migration is an intimate experience of the wilderness; it turns what a tourist event is into a personal one. With Stawi Adventures, a luxury safari company based in Nairobi, you’ll have access to the finest of Kenya’s private reserves, all thanks to the expertise of local guides.

Here we’ll tell you why a private conservancy is superior to the others, the three top conservancies for participating in river crossings, the best time to visit, and answer some of the most common questions from savvy visitors. At the conclusion, you will be aware of precisely why a luxury Maasai Mara safari in a conservancy ought to be your next African adventure.

What Are Private Conservancies – And Why Do They Matter?

The majority of first-time visitors believe that they can only see the migration in the Maasai Mara National Reserve. In fact, there are more than a dozen conservancies in Kenya, all of which are community-owned lands adjacent to the reserve, and governed by a rigid eco-tourism agreement. These private conservancies feature restricted entry of vehicles, no minibuses, daytime and nighttime game drives, which are not permitted within the reserve.

What does that mean for YOU? During high season in the National Reserve, a leopard could be spotted with 20 other cars. For most in a private conservancy, it may be two or three vehicles, or in my case, it might be just my conservator and me. Armed Maasai rangers, who are like readers of the ground, are able to lead the walking safaris. At night, there are other worlds, including that of elusive aardwolves, springhares and the glinting eyes of genet cats.

There’s more to this, too. The private conservancy Kenya models generate direct income for Maasai landowners via lease fees, which provide strong economic motivation for wildlife protection over livestock grazing. Your safari dollars with Stawi Adventures go directly to funding anti-poaching units, paying rangers, and funding community schools. It is luxury with a conscience, and it works.

Explore our full range of private conservancy safaris on our All Tours page.

Three Exceptional Conservancies for Your Migration Safari

The Great Migration is not available at all conservancies. The wildebeest have to go across the Mara River, and only some private reserves touch the crossing sites. There are three great options here, each with a unique flavor.

Mara Naboisho Conservancy – Predator Capital

Lions, cheetahs and leopards “come together” here, Naboisho, which translates to Maa as “coming together”. Naboisho offers outstanding sightings of big cats in an environment that is populated by one of the largest predator populations in all of Africa – without the crowds. The conservancy is adjacent to the Mara Reserve but also has an area of 50,000 acres that provides excellent resident game species year-round. The herds migrate into Naboisho’s grassland during migration season, which makes the crossing of the herds with very few other vehicles a unique opportunity. There are several luxury safari lodges, one such example is the small camp with six tented guest suites in Kenya.

Ol Kinyei Conservancy – Pristine Off-Road Viewing

The conservancy is one of the oldest in the Mara, and their maturity is evident. Rolling hills, thick wooded river bottoms and huge areas of open range where vast herds of plains game roam freely. The conservancy allows some off-road driving, which will allow your guide to set up your vehicle for optimum photography angles (with respect to animal well-being). This will please birders with more than 300 recorded species. If you want a luxury tented safari Kenya camp that is truly out in the wild, then you’ll get this from Ol Kinyei.

Olare Motorogi Conservancy – Absolute Seclusion

For top privacy, opt for Olare Motorogi. It has the lowest density of vehicles in any Mara conservancy – less than a dozen small camps on 35,000 acres. At the height of migration, there are still times to be alone, your car, a group of anxious wildebeest and the crocodile-patrolling Mara River. Several romantic safari lodges can be found here with private plunge pools, bush breakfasts and dinners under a blanket of stars. It’s the highest of an exclusive Maasai Mara safari.

Each of these conservancies can be included in a custom itinerary. Start designing yours on our Booking / Plan My Journey page.

When to Go – Timing the Great River Crossings

The Great Migration is a round robin, but the exciting Mara River crossing occurs only for a few months in the year. Getting the timing right is essential.

Peak Crossing Season – July to October

The mega-herds gather around the Mara River during the months of late July to October on the river’s northern side. The most common crossings occur in August and September, when they can occur several times a day. These months are also the busiest months, though. For peak season, it is essential to book your luxury Maasai Mara safari a minimum of 10-12 months prior; the top camps will be booked by the end of the preceding December. The crossings are often still going on in late October with smaller crowds.

Shoulder Season – November and December

It is during this period in the year that the skies are dramatic, there are some afternoon showers (but not usually affecting game drives), and the value is outstanding. Camps have 30-40% lower rates, and the resident game is outstanding. Typically, the migration herds have arrived in the Serengeti by November, and there will still be huge numbers of resident zebra and wildebeest. These months are for the solitude, the bird migrations, and the photographic light, which many experienced safari adventurers like.

Calving Season – January to March

These months will see calving on the Serengeti’s southern plains, not the Mara. The conservancies are, however, some of the best year-round wildlife viewing opportunities in Africa. Predator action is especially intense as lion prides and cheetah mothers target vulnerable newborns. This is an excellent second window for travelers desiring a more luxurious safari in Kenya that avoids the migration crowds.

The Stawi Adventures Difference – Your Safari, Your Way

We don’t sell ‘off the shelf’ itineraries at Stawi Adventures. We listen first. If you are a photographer looking for a private tour and driver with a light and animal sense, you might want to consider hiring a professional guide. For those who are photographers and need a private tour and a light, animal-sense driver, you may want to consider hiring a professional guide. A couple who are celebrating an anniversary, looking for a romantic safari lodge for their honeymoon with their own dining area and plunge pool? Is space for multiple generations and an adaptable eating schedule important for your family?

This is what we do based on your responses, to select the conservancy and camp that is right for you. We know the top luxury safari places in Kenya with the most experienced guides, the best bush dining options in the camps and which conservancies have the most reliable crossing access during migration.

From the logistical end, we also arrange all safari park and conservancy fees, ground transfers and 24 hours in-country support, including the 45-minute flight from Nairobi’s Wilson Airport; it’s an adventure! All you have to do is turn up and breathe the fresh grassy fragrance and let the migration pass before you!

Ready to start planning? Browse our sample migration itineraries on the All Tours page or jump directly to our Booking / Plan My Journey to begin a conversation with our safari experts.

Practical Tips & Frequently Asked Questions

How far in advance should I book a private conservancy migration safari?

If you are traveling in July through October, make your reservations no less than 10-12 months in advance. Olaré Motorogi and Naboisho are the most popular and only have 6-8 guest tents that fill up by the end of December. Generally, 6-8 months are enough for green season travel (November, December, January, March).

Do I need a visa to visit Kenya for a safari?

Yes. Please note that all visitors from outside the United States of America (except a few visa-exempt countries) will require an Electronic Travel Authorization before they board their flight. The eTA is USD 30, and has a validity period of 90 days, with a passport that needs to be valid for at least 6 months after the date of entry. Submit an application on the official website of eTA for Kenya. Normally takes 3-5 working days to process.

What is the luggage limit for fly-in safaris?

There is a limit of 15kg (33lbs) per person for the internal safari to Maasai Mara in a soft-sided duffel bag. On most small aircraft, hard-shell suitcases are not allowed. Do not go in formal clothes, you won’t need more than neutral coloured casual clothes for your safari camp.

Can I see the Big Five in a private conservancy?

Absolutely. The Big 5 (lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo and black rhino) are all found within the Mara conservancies. Although it is rare, it is not impossible to sight a rhino, especially in Ol Kinyei and Naboisho. Leopards are frequently seen on night drives. Your safari guide in Kenya will set you up in places where water is available and there is sufficient cover.

Conclusion

The Great Migration is not just a single thing, after all, it’s an ongoing millennia-old stream of hooves and life that has been rolling for ages over these plains. If you are in a private conservancy, you feel this spectacular event as an intimate and soul-stirring encounter. You’ll hear the snort of a zebra stallion, smell the dust kicked up from a stampede and see a lioness eye the herd without other vehicles jostling for position. The power of an exclusive Maasai Mara safari in the private reserves of Kenya.

It’s now time to book your appointments, particularly for next spring and summer’s migration. The wildebeest don’t wait; they just don’t. Call Stawi Adventures today and begin your discussion. Visit our Booking / Plan My Journey page, or check out our range of private conservancy migration safaris on our All Tours page. Your Mara awaits.