Safari Spirit – The People Behind the Safari Experience in the Conservancies of Kenya’s Masai Mara
Peppered across the heart of Kenya’s Masai Mara region lie a number of private conservancies each run in partnership between the local Maasai landowners who lease their land to safari companies to protect wildlife and the land, while also providing economic benefits to the local community.
The first conservancy was founded in 2005, and 20 years on we see a world where luxury meets sustainability, and community spirit thrives. Like we see so often in the safari industry it is the people behind these safari camps with their warmth, professionalism and dedication who make the safari experience extraordinary. From fine dining to expert guiding, these camps are made by their people – warmly delivering a “hard to beat”, level of personal service, all while preserving the delicate ecosystem and empowering the local communities from which they hail.
The Heart of Hospitality
Behind every safari experience is a team of passionate individuals working tirelessly to deliver exceptional service. The staff in these camps bring an unparalleled level of warmth and professionalism, creating an atmosphere that feels like home, even in the middle of the bush. From the moment you arrive, you are welcomed by friendly smiles, attentive service, and a commitment to make your stay unforgettable.
Even before you head off into the wild, you feel a shift from everyday modern life as you land in Nairobi. The warm air of Africa and smell of woodsmoke as you step off the plane precedes the huge welcoming smiles and impeccable service of Stan and Edwin from Benroso Safaris, who swiftly navigate you through the airport and the bustling streets of Nairobi like royalty to catch your flight to the Masai Mara.
Once in camp one quickly discovers that fine dining is a cornerstone of the safari camp experience. Despite the remote locations, the quality of food rivals that of high-end urban restaurants, reflecting the dedication and skill of the culinary teams. Expert chefs craft gourmet meals using fresh, locally sourced ingredients, many of which are grown in the camps’ own kitchen gardens. Dixon, Head Chef at Kicheche Mara North Camp, is proud to have perfected the safari breakfast. “Perfect poached eggs in the middle of the bush is always my biggest challenge but exceeding the expectations of our guests is what we are all about.”
Expert Guiding for the Most Memorable Wildlife Encounters
Expert guiding in the Masai Mara is at the heart of an unforgettable safari experience. The best guides combine deep knowledge of wildlife and ecosystems with exceptional tracking skills, ensuring guests witness remarkable sightings. Many are certified by the Kenya Professional Safari Guides Association (KPSGA) and have years of field experience, honing their ability to anticipate animal behaviour and position vehicles for the best views. Their expertise extends beyond wildlife; they are gifted storytellers who bring the landscape to life, weaving in local culture, conservation insights, and personal anecdotes. On private conservancies, where vehicle numbers are limited, their skill in navigating sightings ensures an exclusive and immersive experience. Whether reading the light for photographers or interpreting subtle animal cues, these guides transform a safari into a truly enriching adventure.
David is a senior guide at Kicheche Mara North, one of the very first camps on this early Conservancy. He has been supported to Silver Level certification with Kicheche Camps and his specialised work with photographic teams coming out to stay for weeks at a time in camp means he is well on his way to completing the mandatory experience before trying out for the toughest Gold Level certification. “I was born here on the the lands of Mara North Conservancy and I am proud to have made my career, and supported my family by sharing my passion for this special place with our guests and conserving the lands and wildlife that I love. “
Sustainability at the Core
The commitment to sustainability is evident in every aspect of the camps we send our clients to. Powered primarily by solar energy, they tread lightly on the land, ensuring minimal impact on the environment. Electricity generated from solar panels powers everything from lighting to refrigeration, demonstrating that luxury and sustainability can and do coexist.
Water conservation is another area where these camps shine. Many safari operators have invested in sophisticated reverse osmosis systems to produce filtered drinking water on-site, eliminating the need for single-use plastic bottles. This not only reduces waste but also aligns with the broader goal of protecting the environment.
Kitchen gardens are a testament to the camps’ self-sufficiency. By growing a wide variety of their own produce, camps reduce their reliance on external suppliers, ensuring fresh ingredients while minimizing their carbon footprint and road miles through the habitat.
Basecamp Wilderness Camp is a founding member of Naboisho Conservancy. It is an important community-owned wildlife area in the Masai Mara ecosystem whose success has helped changing the story of tourism and conservation in the Masai Mara, improving the livelihoods of people and extending the size of protected land where fauna and flora thrive.
Basecamp Wilderness Camp Assistant Manager shares “Our guests are encouraged to participate in our reforestation work. The way it works is simple: we throw the seedballs into degraded areas during our game drive. A seed, encased in a fertile charcoal crust, will germinate and soon these areas will be covered once again with indigenous trees and shrubs. We have partnered with a company called Seedballs Kenya to help re- green our parts of the country.
Our day to day practices reflect our ethos. We harvest rain water, we compost kitchen waste, we generate electricity mostly by solar panels, we recycle 96% of our general waste, we use biodegradable detergents and source supplies locally as much as we can.”
A Holistic Approach to Conservation
The private conservancies in the Masai Mara operate on a model that integrates wildlife conservation with community development. Lease payments to local landowners ensure that the benefits of tourism are shared equitably. This financial support enables families to send their children to school, access healthcare, and improve their overall quality of life. Services often also directly supported by camps as seen with the free medical open days organised and run by a collection of safari operators including Kicheche Camps, Saruni Basecamp and one of the leading charter safari air service providers, Safarilink.
When we arrived at Kicheche Mara North camp the Belgian born medics from the busy Aitong Medical Open Day told us how this service was literally life saving for the remote communities of this region.
The symbiotic relationship between the camps and the conservancies is evident in the thriving wildlife populations too. Strict ecological guidelines, such as limiting vehicle numbers and managing visitor impact, ensure that the natural habitat remains undisturbed. Guests can enjoy intimate wildlife encounters, knowing that their presence supports conservation efforts and benefits the local community.
Empowering Local Communities
One of the most remarkable aspects of these camps is their commitment to community empowerment. They provide employment opportunities and personal development programs for men and women from local Maasai communities. This not only boosts the local economy but also fosters a sense of pride and ownership among the people.
Great Plains have sponsored the Naboisho Women’s Craft Group in the Masai Mara, which enables women in the local communities to bring in their own household income directed towards healthcare and education for their families. Great Plains’ support for the project includes purchasing the raw materials for the products, training and sales/marketing support. The project has a direct impact on the 105 households where the women who work on the beading and soap-making project come from. In addition, a further 1,000 people directly supported by these households will benefit.
Training and development are central to this ethos. Camps invest heavily in upskilling their staff, offering courses in hospitality, guiding, and conservation. Many camps have pioneered programs to train women as guides, an initiative that has seen a growing number of female guides breaking into a traditionally male-dominated field. Women are also taking on roles in camp management, culinary arts, and other key areas, showcasing the transformative power of inclusivity.
The growing presence of female guides and leaders in these camps also sends a powerful message about gender equality and the importance of diverse voices in conservation. These trailblazers are not only shaping the future of the safari industry but also inspiring young girls in their communities to dream big.
Kicheche Camps are leading the way in empowering women in the safari industry, and I shall let them tell you more in their video telling the story behind the women soaring high in their camps.
A Personal Touch in the Wilderness
Safari camps in the Masai Mara go beyond providing luxury accommodation; they create personalised experiences that leave a lasting impression. Whether it’s a private dinner under the stars, a surprise bush breakfast, or a guided nature walk, every detail is thoughtfully planned to make each guest’s stay unique.
This level of care extends to the staff’s interactions with guests. Many visitors leave with fond memories of the people they’ve met, from the guide who tracked a leopard to the chef who shared recipes for traditional Kenyan dishes. The bonds formed during a safari often transcend the experience itself, creating lifelong connections.
McKenna, Assistant Manager at Kicheche Mara North shares with me how much she values being able to build special bonds with all guests especially those who return time after time. “We love welcoming returning guests, as it feels like picking up right where we left off—strengthening our bond with each visit. It’s a joy to see their children grow and even to celebrate new additions to their family.”
Lasting Impressions
The safari camps in the private conservancies of the Masai Mara embody the best of what tourism can achieve. They combine world-class hospitality with a deep respect for nature and a commitment to uplifting local communities. Through sustainable practices, innovative solutions, and a focus on inclusivity, they set a high standard for responsible travel.
At the heart of it all is the community spirit—the warmth, professionalism, and dedication of the people who make these camps a home away from home. Their passion ensures that the magic of the Masai Mara continues to captivate visitors while safeguarding this extraordinary landscape for generations to come.
Having been fortunate to explore many African countries throughout my childhood and adulthood, I am always deeply moved and inspired by being there. An opportunity and a privilege to recharge my soul with African spirit!
If you’re feeling inspired to go and experience safari spirit for yourself, our friendly team of experts would be delighted to help you plan the perfect journey. Call us on +44 (0) 1787 888590 to discuss your requirements, or email us via our Contact Us page.
