Friday, August 23, 2024 Saruni Basecamp transforms Kenya’s safari scene by combining luxury with a deep commitment to conservation. This new brand arises from Basecamp Explorer’s strategic acquisition of Saruni, a top luxury safari company in Kenya’s Masai Mara. The merger highlights a unified vision to boost community-based conservation and sustainable tourism across East Africa.
Saruni Basecamp now encompasses a portfolio of 12 exceptional safari lodges and camps, each offering an innovative approach to ethical tourism rooted in local communities. Guests at these lodges are treated to Kenya’s finest wildlife experiences, including exclusive Big Five game viewing, night drives, off-roading adventures, and family-friendly safari activities. Saruni Basecamp is also dedicated to fostering meaningful connections between visitors and the communities that support these conservation efforts.
Visitors can engage in impactful activities such as tree planting, supporting fair-trade women’s jewelry cooperatives, and exploring a wildlife and Maasai education center. One of the standout properties in this collection is Basecamp Masai Mara, where President Barack and Michelle Obama once stayed. In their honor, a grove of native Kenyan trees has been planted just outside the camp.
In Samburu, Saruni Rhino offers a unique opportunity to track rhinos on foot within the Sera Conservancy, a remarkable success story in rhino conservation that is now home to 25 rhinos, including both Eastern White and Black species. Saruni Basecamp stands as a new beacon in Kenya’s tourism industry, showcasing the powerful combination of luxury and conservation, all while preserving the country’s natural beauty for future generations. Jeremiah Mutisya, CEO of Saruni Basecamp commented on the acquisition of Saruni properties by Basecamp Explorer.
“Our vision at Saruni Basecamp is to create a lasting, positive impact on people and the planet. To achieve this, we’ve developed a sustainable community model that we are now scaling through our community conservancies. We have uniquely balanced our role as both a non-profit foundation and a for-profit safari business, believing these goals are intrinsically linked.
Our foundation’s mission is to safeguard wildlife corridors for wildlife to thrive, while also uplifting local communities through employment and land leases and engaging in regenerative practices that enhance the ecosystem. On the business side, our safari operations are designed to offer world-class experiences that celebrate the natural and cultural richness of the Samburu and Masai Mara. By choosing to stay in our boutique camps and lodges, our guests not only enjoy intimate encounters with local communities, wildlife and breathtaking landscapes but also contribute directly to our conservation and community development goals.
With Saruni properties now part of our portfolio and more in the pipeline, we’re excited to expand our impact on both the land and the communities that sustain it.” Saruni Basecamp takes pride in its strong commitment to local empowerment, with a fully Kenyan management team at its corporate headquarters and an impressive 90% of camp staff hired from nearby rural tribal communities, including the Maasai and Samburu. This “hire local” approach ensures that guests receive an authentic, culturally rich experience, truly walking in the footsteps of a Maasai or Samburu warrior during their stay.
The collection of camps offers a wide range of cultural activities and excursions that immerse visitors in the traditions, stories, and daily lives of these indigenous communities. Saruni Basecamp places a significant emphasis on education, striving to provide guests with a deep, meaningful understanding of the region’s cultural and ecological heritage. This enriching experience is designed to leave a lasting impression, allowing guests to carry the knowledge and memories of Kenya’s vibrant culture and natural beauty back home with them.
.
