Controlled access
Vehicle and bed numbers are limited, which usually creates calmer sightings than the busiest parts of the national reserve.
Private conservancies
Kenya’s private
conservancy safaris.
Private and community conservancies control access and support a broader range of safari activities than most national reserves.
Our take
One of Kenya’s
great strengths.
Private and community conservancies control access and support a broader range of safari activities than most national reserves.
In the Mara ecosystem this often means fewer vehicles at sightings, night drives, guided walks and the ability to drive off road responsibly. In Laikipia, conservancies can combine wildlife with riding, walking, conservation visits and time with local communities.
More activities
Depending on the conservancy, days can include walking, night drives, riding, camel trekking or visits to conservation projects.
A direct local benefit
Conservancy fees create income for landowners and communities while keeping important wildlife habitat open.
Routes to consider
Tailor-made journeys to inspire.
These examples show the shape of a trip. We choose accommodation and arrangements around your dates, interests and budget.
7 nights · From £6,500 per person
Maasai Mara & Laikipia
A beautifully balanced first safari: three nights among Laikipia’s varied landscapes, followed by four nights in a private Mara conservancy.
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8 nights · From £8,000 per person
Two sides of the Mara
A focused Mara safari combining a private conservancy with the National Reserve, designed for travellers who want time rather than a hurried crossing-chase.
Explore the itineraryIllustrative starting prices based on two adults sharing, subject to availability. Exact rooms, family arrangements, private services and international flights are quoted for your request. View all Kenya itineraries.
Where to stay
Places to consider for your journey.
These are starting points for comparing settings, rooms and activities. We choose the strongest combination for your travel month and priorities, then confirm the exact accommodation and arrangements.
Maasai Mara
Offbeat Mara
Offbeat Mara is a small tented camp beside the Olare Orok stream in Mara North Conservancy. Seven tents, flexible safari days and a convivial mess tent keep the emphasis on wildlife, guiding and a traditional camp atmosphere.
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Maasai Mara
Mara Plains
Mara Plains is a small tented camp beside the Ntiakitiak River in Olare Motorogi Conservancy. Seven canvas suites, photography equipment and access to both conservancy land and the Maasai Mara National Reserve create a safari centred on wildlife and flexible guiding.
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Maasai Mara
Kicheche Bush Camp
Kicheche Bush Camp, also known as Kicheche Bush Olare, is a small tented camp in Olare Motorogi Conservancy. Five standard tents and a family suite, hosted meals and guiding keep the emphasis on the surrounding wildlife.
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Maasai Mara
Little Elephant Pepper Camp
Little Elephant Pepper Camp is a four-unit retreat in Mara North Conservancy, with three safari suites and one two-bedroom family suite. Private plunge pools, a natural wildlife clearing and a small guest population create an intimate under-canvas stay.
Explore the propertySpecialist planning
Make the right choices for your trip.
Compare access and activities
A conservancy stay is different from staying in the National Reserve. We explain the activities permitted at the exact camp and the arrangements for reserve visits, including additional fees where relevant.
Understand the Mara ecosystemChoose the camp for your priorities
Guiding, vehicle numbers, room privacy and atmosphere vary between camps. A conservancy name alone does not explain the day-to-day stay; we compare the actual experience for your dates.
Browse the Kenya lodge collectionOur UK-based safari specialists help compare the details and prepare a tailored proposal. Share your dates, party and approximate budget to start planning.
Your questions
Private Conservancy Safaris in Kenya: your questions.
What is a private conservancy safari?
It is a stay on land managed outside the National Reserve under separate arrangements. In the Mara ecosystem, conservancies can offer controlled vehicle numbers and activities that differ from the reserve. The details vary by area and camp.
Can we visit the Maasai Mara National Reserve?
A reserve visit may be possible from a conservancy camp, subject to current access arrangements, driving distances and fees. We discuss whether it adds value to your safari rather than assuming a visit is automatically included.
Are walking and night drives always included?
No. Permission, guide availability, age policies and the rate booked all matter. We confirm the activities offered by your exact camp and distinguish included experiences from extras.
How much should we budget?
Our Maasai Mara & Laikipia example starts from £6,500 per person for 7 nights, based on two adults sharing. This is an illustrative starting point, subject to availability. Dates, rooms, flights, family arrangements and private services affect the final quote. International flights are quoted separately.
How many nights should we allow?
The right length depends on your route and priorities. Allow enough nights to settle into each safari area, and avoid adding a stop simply to cover more ground. Our itinerary pages show the total length and nights in each destination; every example can be adapted.
How do we start planning?
Tell us your dates, party, preferred trip length, interests and approximate budget through our enquiry form. We can then arrange a phone or video call, or develop the first ideas by email if you prefer. Your proposal confirms the route, properties and inclusions.
For more planning advice, explore our Kenya safari guides and seasonal guide.
Start planning
Tell us what you have
in mind.
We will help you shape the right route before preparing a detailed proposal.
Start planningor call +44 (0) 1235 635749