Naboisho is a Maasai word for “come together.” It is also the name of a 50,000-acre wildlife conservancy located northeast of Masai National Reserve. Close to a decade ago, about 500 Maasai landowners came together, carved some land out of Koiyaki-Lamek Group Ranch to create the conservancy. To tourists and locals alike, Naboisho was a game-changer. This conservancy has some of the highest wildlife concentration anywhere in the region. Before we talk about my adventure in Naboisho, a brief history of conservation here is in order.
Many years ago, the Maasai lived in perfect harmony with the wild animals. Then came the tourists and their need to roam large swathes of the country in search of the wild animals. The greater Mara area provided the perfect location for these encounters. The Maasai also love their cows and saw their grazing fields dwindle as more land was set aside for the construction of lodges, campsites and related amenities. Masai Mara was born.