Encounter Mara, Mara Naboisho Conservancy

Rates From $660

Per Person Sharing

About This Lodge

Encounter Mara delivers a grounded and authentic tented experience within the wildlife-rich Mara Naboisho Conservancy. The camp maintains a low profile, allowing the surrounding bush and its inhabitants to take centre stage. Its character is defined by a classic safari atmosphere where the separation between guest and nature is minimal. 

The camp provides a front-row seat to one of the highest densities of lions in Africa, ensuring a stay focused on observation and connection. The mood is quiet and steady, perfect for those who value the sounds of the night and the unfiltered reality of the savannah over manicured luxury. It fits seamlessly into a journey through Kenya, offering a genuine pause in a region known for its dynamic predator action.

Location & Setting

The camp sits tucked within a natural shade canopy of acacia trees, looking out towards a stretch of open savannah. A salt lick nearby draws animals in, creating a constant, natural theatre visible from the main areas. 

The location in the Naboisho Conservancy ensures privacy and freedom from the high vehicle traffic found in the main reserve. Guests arrive via the local airstrip, transferring quickly into this secluded pocket of wilderness where the landscape feels vast and the human footprint remains small.

Accommodation

There are ten tented suites, constructed from canvas and natural timber to blend with the woodland. Each tent rests on the ground, enhancing the feeling of being part of the earth rather than separated from it. The design is simple yet comfortable, featuring en suite bathrooms with traditional bucket showers that add a touch of old-world charm. 

A private veranda fronts each unit, complete with a daybed or hammock for quiet afternoons spent watching zebras or giraffes pass by. The canvas walls allow the sounds of the night, including distant roars and rustling leaves, to filter through, ensuring a sensory-rich night’s rest.

Facilities & Experiences

The main camp area is an open-plan canvas structure that houses the lounge and dining space. It faces the salt lick, allowing guests to spot wildlife while enjoying a morning coffee or evening drink. A campfire acts as the evening social hub, where guests gather to share stories under the stars. 

The service is warm and personal, with a focus on hospitality that feels like visiting a friend’s bush home rather than a hotel. There is no pool or spa here; the focus remains firmly on the bush experience and the shared camaraderie of safari life.

  • 24Hr Front Desk
  • Air Conditioning
  • Bar / Lounge
  • Eco-Friendly
  • Family Rooms
  • Kids-Friendly
  • Restaurant
  • Wildlife Viewing

Seasonal Rates

Competitive rates for unforgettable experiences

Room TypeShoulder Season
(Jan-Mar, June, Oct-19 Dec 2026)
Peak Season
(July-Sept, 20 Dec-5 Jan 2027)
Green/Low Season (April-May
2026)
Standard$725$960Closed

Important Rate Notes

  • Location: Mara Naboisho Conservancy
  • Access: Scheduled flight to Ol Seki or Naboisho Airstrip
  • Board Basis: Full Board
  • Wi-Fi: Available in the main lounge tent
  • Child Policy: Welcomes children aged 5 and older
  • Check-in/out: 12:00 / 10:00
  • Rate Range: From USD 660–940 per person sharing

Activities

  • Night game drives searching for elusive nocturnal predators
  • Guided walking safaris to learn about small ecosystem details
  • Visits to local homes to understand the conservancy partnership
  • Hot air balloon flights for a perspective of the vast plains

Who it Suits

  • Purists seeking a classic under-canvas safari feel
  • Photographers wanting close access to predator action
  • Couples looking for a quiet and private wilderness escape
  • Families with older children interested in nature and culture

Our Sustainability & Community Impact

Encounter Mara operates on a partnership model with hundreds of local Maasai families, who lease their land for conservation purposes. This direct agreement secures vital habitat for lions and elephants while providing a reliable income to the community. The camp also supports local education through conservation clubs in schools, helping to foster the next generation of wildlife guardians.

Recommended Safaris

info@johnbowtoursandtravel.com
Kenya Cinema Plaza, 3rd Floor Room 3-8. Moi Avenue, Nairobi