The reopening of camps in the Maasai Mara, severely affected by floods last year, highlights the resilience of local operators and their commitment to restoring tourism in the region.
Emboo’s rebuild
Some 14 camps and lodges in the reserve were flooded and forced to rebuild. Among the camps that reopened is Emboo Safari Camp, known for its commitment to eco-tourism, including the use of electric safari vehicles, solar-powered accommodation and focus on sustainable dining.
According to Valery Super, CEO of Emboo, the team rebuilt the entire camp in less than two months. Emboo now features 12 river suites tucked into the tree canopy and raised 1.5 metres above the ground. The decks are made from 1 200 recycled plastic floorboards, sourced from Lamu, and upcycled gunia bags, which are hard-to-dispose-of sacks that would otherwise break down into microplastics.
“We lost everything – tents, furniture and infrastructure – and we had to rebuild from scratch. It was a significant investment, especially just before the high season. However, with an incredible team, we managed to reconstruct everything in just six weeks, allowing us to reopen quickly. Some residents in our area had lived here for over 20 years and had never experienced anything like this. We hope it was a once-in-a-lifetime occurrence and that it won’t happen again. However, with climate change, we can never be certain of what the future holds,” Super says.
“The floods impacted everything, including our vertical garden, which had to be completely replanted. We also lost our swimming pool but, when we rebuilt it, we repositioned it to offer a stunning view of the Talek River. Additionally, we expanded our spa, which can now accommodate two sessions simultaneously,” she adds.
“One of the major innovations we introduced was upgrading our wastewater recycling system. Previously, we used lagoons with local plants to filter wastewater before reusing it. Following the floods, we enhanced this system by integrating sequential batch reactor technology, which allows us to filter and recycle every drop of wastewater more efficiently,” says Super.
Reflecting on the floods, Super says the experience reinforced the importance of Emboo’s sustainable practices.
“When we started Emboo in 2019, our vision was to create an exceptional, off-grid, net-zero experience in the heart of nature. From the outset, we committed to electric safari vehicles, eliminating generators, growing our own food and working exclusively with sustainable partners. This flood reinforced just how critical our approach is. Climate change is affecting communities across the world, including Kenya and the Maasai Mara. This experience confirmed that we are on the right path. We hope to inspire more people to embrace sustainability – not just in travel but in their everyday lives.”
Looking ahead, Emboo is expanding its fleet of electric safari vehicles and planning a new location.
Saruni Basecamp focuses on safety
Saruni Basecamp, another site affected by the floods, took the opportunity to reassess safety measures. Tents were moved away from the river in line with recommendations from a post-flood audit.
“In addition, our management, administration and security teams have undergone comprehensive flood response training, including real-life mock drills,” explains Miriam Ombegi, COO at Saruni Basecamp.
Saruni has invested in updated flood evacuation personal protective equipment to enhance staff and guest safety, and it has strengthened communication with camps upstream to receive real-time updates during the rainy season.
“We have also reviewed and improved our emergency evacuation procedures to ensure faster and more efficient response times. These measures reflect our commitment to guest safety, operational resilience and sustainable practices,” Ombegi says.
A new Ishara
Ishara Camp, which underwent a nine-month renovation after the floods, also made significant upgrades. The camp now features a repositioned river suite and an enhanced villa suite with a private infinity pool and deck.
“Last year’s devastating floods in the Masai Mara presented an opportunity for us to embark on a profound journey of introspection and dreaming, delving deep into our aspirations, reimagining what Ishara could become,” says Azhar Madhani, Co-Founder of Ishara.
“We took to heart every wish list we had and every piece of feedback received from our discerning guests and partners over our first two years of operation and created an even better Ishara, which is the culmination not only of my family’s vision but also of every guest who has, at some point, called it home.”
