Kicheche Mara North

AREA & ACTIVITIES

Habitat & Wildlife
The Masai Mara ecosystem is one of the best game viewing areas in Africa and is especially good for viewing the big cats. Elephants, buffalo, hippo, crocodiles, giraffe, zebra, lion, leopard, cheetah, spotted hyaena, impala, gazelles, eland, waterbuck, topi, jackal and serval are all common and seen regularly. Rhino are found in certain areas, and wild dogs are more transient visitors. The famous wildebeest and zebra migration is usually in residence from mid-July through to mid-October, though the movement of the animals is always somewhat unpredictable. The scenery of the Masai Mara is stunning with open grassland plains intersected by rivers, rocky ridges and pockets of riverine forest. Birdlife is varied and especially good around the riverine woodland areas.

Whilst the official Masai Mara Game Reserve can be busy with tourist vehicles in places, especially at river crossings in migration season, the Mara North Conservancy offers relative exclusivity away from the crowds. You do still see other vehicles, especially at predator sightings, but much of the time you will be able to explore away from other vehicles. The Conservancy is vast, stretching from the Aitong Hills all the way down to the north-western boundary of the Mara Reserve, and offers a good mix of wide open plains, rocky valleys and riverine thickets. The game viewing is superb.

The conservancy is funded by a limited number of ‘tourism partners’ in cooperation with local Maasai land-owners, and this model has been shown to benefit not only the local land-owners who receive greater income and better pasture for their livestock, and the tourism partners, but also the wildlife and in particular, the predators.

Activities
The main activity at Kicheche Mara North is game drives by day across the open plains of the Mara North Conservancy, and to a lesser extent into the official Mara Game Reserve. Guided walks are also offered, giving a very different perspective to the drives and affording you the chance to stretch your legs after many hours spent in vehicles! There is the chance to arrange a Community Discovery trip to gain a brief glimpse into the lives of the local community and the opportunities and challenges they face. It is also possible to visit the Mara Elephant Project (this must be booked in advance and donations are at guests’ discretion). Fly-camping in the bush is an option too as a one night experience, usually combined with a walking safari to and from camp (this is an extra cost). Hot-air ballooning is available as a third party activity (at extra cost). There is also the chance to arrange a Community Discovery trip (no extra cost) to gain a brief glimpse into the lives of the local community and the opportunities and challenges they face. This visit is usually made after lunch allowing guests to continue on their afternoon game drive.

Seasons
Kicheche Mara North is open all year except in April and May (the April closure date varies from year to year) and for a short period in late November / early December (again these dates can vary). Game viewing is excellent all year round, but the migration is usually in residence from mid-July to mid-October.