Directly bordering the North boundary of the Maasai Mara National park itself, the Mara North Conservancy comprises more than 28,000 hectares of rolling savanna. It is home to a spectacular array of plants, reptiles, birds and mammals, including elephant, rhino, buffalo, lion, leopard (i.e. all of 'The Big Five'), together with wildebeest, zebra and various types of antelope and gazelle. Leopard Gorge, situated in the heart of the Conservancy, is famous as the setting of numerous BBC 'Big Cat Diary' and National Geographic documentaries. Truly a prime game-viewing location, making for an amazing walking safari experience.

With only twelve member camps in this huge area, the exclusivity of your experience is virtually guaranteed. For our Walking Safari here we have selected the four most suitable of these for our purpose, and our suggested itinerary is as follows. Always remember, though, that everything is completely flexible, and your trip can be individually tailored to your own particular wishes.

Your trip begins at the renowned Offbeat Mara Camp*, situated closest to your incoming Musiara Airstrip. You will usually arrive in time for lunch, and can then spend the afternoon settling in and relaxing, before taking either a late afternoon game drive, or a short walk around the area. The following day is earmarked for a full day game-viewing trip into the heart of the Maasai Mara Reserve itself, taking a picnic lunch. Then your final day can be spent getting in some more serious game viewing by vehicle in the area around the camp, or in getting your legs in shape for the serious walking to come.

On your fourth day you will undertake your first significant walk as you transfer north-west to the Karen Blixen Camp, situated on the far edge of the Conservancy. Arriving in time for lunch, you will again rest up in the early afternoon until it gets sufficiently cool to walk further or take a game drive. In either event you will conclude your day with a welcome sundowner, either in camp or at some exotic viewing point. After your evenning meal it may be possible to take a night drive, during which you will encounter a whole new range of wildlife. Your second day here can be spent walking or game-viewing by vehicle, to choice, within the area around the camp.

On your sixth day the process is repeated as you transfer on foot to Elephant Pepper Camp (one of our very favourites in the area, representing as it does the classic bush camp - rustic yet luxurious). Your two days here will then follow a similar pattern to that encountered previously - walking, game drives or just relaxing.

Then on your eighth day - after an early rise - you will undertake the rather longer trek to Kicheche Mara Camp in the far north-eastern corner of the Conservancy area. Two nights will be spent at Kicheche, largely unwinding, before you are then driven back to the airport for your onward journey.

* Details of every camp mentioned can be found on our KenyaAway website.