ASILIA NABOISHO CAMP – MARA NABOISHO CONSERVANCY

Naboisho Camp is set in the Mara Naboisho Conservancy in southwest Kenya and there are nine spacious and comfortable tents.

Explore the Mara on foot, see nocturnal species on a night drive or spend an unforgettable night camping in the bush for a real safari adventure. With 266 species of birds to spot, there are also ample birdwatching opportunities.

Asilia is a founding member of the 20,234-hectare Mara Naboisho Conservancy. Situated in the far north of the Mara-Serengeti ecosystem this is one of several nonprofit conservancies around the world-famous Masai Mara National Reserve. These conservancies are partnerships between the Maasai and tourism operators such as Asilia. Tourism fees go toward management of each conservancy and the Maasai landowners’ lease payments. Naboisho is one of just eight boutique camps in the Mara Naboisho conservancy, making this safari experience extra special.

The camp is also home to one of Asilia’s photographic safari vehicles which has space for three photographers and one other guest. Capture eye-level images of the Mara’s wildlife and move around easily with 360° swivel seats and beanbags and foam camera rests.

LOCATION

Asilia Naboisho Camp is located in the Mara Naboisho Conservancy in the greater Mara area of Kenya

CAMP

Naboisho

Designed to take full advantage of its wilderness surrounds, Naboisho is superbly comfortable. The camp has nine spacious tents each with king-sized or twin beds, indoor and outdoor hot-water showers and a flushing toilet. Each tent has a daybed, an inviting spot for an afternoon siesta in between game drives.

At the main communal area the thatched lounge and dining room provide a vantage point overlooking the open plains in front of camp – allowing for meals to be served to sights and sounds of the Naboisho wilderness. Meals are usually taken communally so you to get to know other guests and learn more about the Mara from your hosts. The kitchen team prepares everything in-camp including freshly baked breads and pastries and breakfast is a continental spread or a full English. For lunch you can relax over a light meal with fresh salad and vegetables or we can pack a picnic to enjoy out in the bush. Late afternoon means time for tea – with cake and savoury treats. Dinner is a relaxed, three-course affair.

Naboisho is a great destination for families with two dedicated family tents and a range of special activities for children. Here are some of the fun experiences the camp can organise for kids:

• Identifying animal tracks
• Learning about local cultures
• Guided nature walks
• Learning bush skills

The camp warmly welcomes any children over the age of five. Please chat to us about your family’s needs and we will make every attempt to assist and private vehicles may be available for families.

ACTIVITIES AND WILDLIFE

The Mara ecosystem is rich in wildlife and the Mara Naboisho Conservancy has one of the highest concentrations of lions and cheetahs in Africa. Naboisho also has one of the highest lion densities in Africa, with plenty of other game to view. There’s even a lesser-known wildebeest migration ; the Loita Migration sees thousands of wildebeest and zebras pass through the conservancy between the Mara Reserve and Loita Plains.

Because the Mara Naboisho Conservancy is private it is not governed by the same rules and regulations as national parks and reserves. At Naboisho guests can go on walking safaris, drive off-road to get closer to wildlife and enjoy night drives to spot wildlife that only appears after dark, picnic in the wilderness and even organise fly camping trips. It’s a great spot for those who have done a traditional safari and are looking for something more adventurous – you can even add a multi-day Asilia Adventures walking tour of the conservancy to your trip.

Game drives – game drives are offered twice per day: in the morning and again in the late afternoon. We can also stay out late to spot nocturnal animals and venture off-road. Our vehicles are seven-seaters with open sides or five-seaters with roofs that open so you can stand for a better view. All vehicles are fitted with power points and fridges.

Walking safaris – learn about the Mara ecosystem with your passionate and specially trained guide who will lead a walk through the savannah pausing to explain bird and animal behaviour and how all the small things work together – from termites to dung beetles.

Fly camping – Perfect for those who want an intimate safari experience – set out on a walking safari in the afternoon and spend a night fly camping in a remote part of the conservancy. Staff will cook your dinner over a campfire under the stars and the sounds of the bush will lull you to sleep. Return to the main camp the next morning – fly-camping is at an additional cost.

Children’s safari programme – the guides are great with kids and many of them are parents themselves and love taking children on safari. They can teach children bush skills such as how to track animals, while telling Maasai folktales and stories about life in the Mara. We can plan games or visit a local school to meet future pen pals and learn more about Maasai culture.

Cultural and community visits – enjoy a trip to a nearby Maasai village where you can meet the camp’s neighbours and learn about Maasai life. The camp takes great care to plan these trips with sensitivity and respect for the local communities.

Research projects – due to the high concentration of wildlife many research programmes are conducted in the Mara Naboisho Conservancy. Researchers sometimes visit camp and spend an evening with guests sharing their findings and experiences of working in the bush.

Hot-air balloon rides – sail over the Mara plains as the sun peeks over the horizon – a hot-air balloon ride offers an incredible vantage point and a different perspective of the wildlife. Balloon rides are at an additional cost and are subject to weather conditions.

Night drives – a night safari gives you the opportunity to spot animals that spend the day snoozing. Vehicles are equipped with special spotlights that give you the thrilling experience of watching predators as they stalk their prey at night.

CLOSED DURING APRIL

FAMILY FRIENDLY