A note from Lippa and Tarquin, owners who live onsite at House in the Wild in the Northern Mara Conservancies…
As we reflect on an incredibly busy year at the Collection in the Wild, we are filled with gratitude and excitement. Our purpose remains clear: restoring biodiversity, improving livelihoods, and creating extraordinary experiences for our guests. This commitment has driven our transformation and growth, culminating in July, with the successful completion and launch of the magnificent Wild Hill property.
Our team bring the warmth, charm, and passion for conservation to the Wild Hill, making it a truly unique experience for our guests. This exceptional destination stands out in its design and it raises the bar in safari properties in Africa. But it also embodies our commitment to storytelling and community engagement in the private conservancies of the Northern Maasai Mara. At the Wild Hill, we are dedicated to sharing our journey – from humble beginnings as a self-catered mud hut on a bean farm to now operating one of Africa’s finest properties. This incredible transformation reflects our deep-rooted belief in the power of conservation and community collaboration. We are humbled by this opportunity and embrace the responsibility of pioneering new heights in sustainable tourism.
Our focus on conservation is woven into every aspect of all we do, ensuring that guests not only enjoy breathtaking views and exceptional service but also become part of a larger narrative about restoring biodiversity and improving livelihoods. We invite our visitors to connect with nature while experiencing the rich stories that shape this remarkable place.
Together, we are creating a legacy that honors both the land and its people, fostering a sense of stewardship that we hope will inspire all who visit and last for the long run.
Expanding Our Adventures
In our quest to enhance our guest experiences, we are thrilled to announce the addition of horse riding and e-biking to our activity lineup. We have welcomed an incredible herd of horses from Ride Maasai Mara, to our HQ at the Mara Training Centre, and we can’t wait for our guests to explore the landscapes and wildlife of the area from a new perspective.
New Facilities and Enhancements
This year, we have made significant strides in enhancing our facilities at House in the Wild. We completed our new spa, shop, and photography room. In 2025 at House in the Wild, we are planning the renovation of our River Cottage, ensuring that this beloved space continues to offer comfort and charm for our guests and is out of the high level mark in case of future flooding! Additionally, we have expanded our fleet with four incredible and comfortable new cars, enhancing the safari experience for our guests as they explore the area.
Strengthening Our Team
Our team continues to grow stronger, with key additions that enhance our operations across all properties. Charl Grobler, helps us to breath! As our brilliant operations manager, he is deeply involved in all aspects of our operations ensuring that we maintain high standards throughout. In January we welcomed Mike Njeroge, who joined us to enhance the guest experiences at our Wild Villas. His expertise and experience in tourism in Kenya will help us deliver even more memorable stays for our visitors. David and Solveig Steyn joined us in June, steering the Wild Hill ship and with their experience in this level of service in the world of Safari, we feel incredibly fortunate to have them on our team.
Thanks to Solveig we have deepened our offerings by embracing wellness as an integral part of the safari experience across all of our properties. At Collection in the Wild, we provide a harmonious blend of wellness, nature, and inspiring conservation stories that create a truly transformative journey. Alongside our wellness offerings, by engaging with our rewilding initiatives and conservation efforts, our guests become part of a hopeful narrative that fosters positive change. Keith Aguero joined us in August as manager of House in the Wild and with his vast experience in tourism in Kenya we feel incredibly privileged to have him on our team. Rose Adhiambo continues to grow and we loved this recent article and feature on her story, written by Liz Harper.
Commitment to Conservation
At the Mara Training Centre, we have been actively engaged in Sustainable Rangeland Management programs with Leshan Nampasso becoming an accredited professional with the Savory Institute. Jane Nashipae and her team from Women in the Wild have been involved in several exciting tree planting projects, and in 2024, we completed two more conservation libraries in the area, furthering our mission to inspire future generations about wildlife conservation. Looking ahead, we are working on formalizing our Futures in the Wild project in 2025, which will establish a structured approach to expanding this vital initiative.
Importance of Our Research
We are also proud to share that in 2024, there was a paper published on Enonkishu, highlighting its significance as a model for integrating wildlife conservation with community livelihoods. This research emphasizes how innovative approaches can restore ecosystems while benefiting local communities – a vital aspect of our mission. You can read more about it here.
Wildlife Flourishing
We are witnessing a remarkable resurgence of wildlife in the Northern Mara region. A herd of over 38 giraffes was found in Mbokishi – an inspiring sight on what was once farmed land. Since January, 8 different leopards have been spotted in the 4 conservancies of the Northern Mara. The Enonkishu pride of six lions remains strong between Naretoi and Olchorro, and the 3 Sankei males are thriving in between Enonkishu and Mara North, despite one recently losing his tail in a battle for dominance. New baby cubs have been spotted in Lemek, adding joy to the landscape. Perhaps most exciting is the arrival of a lovely cheetah mother who has brought her three cubs to Enonkishu – could she be one of Kisaru’s cubs familiar with this territory? Still quite shy, she has been spending her time in between Mbokishi and Enonkishu.
Celebrating Our Team’s Success
We truly appreciate our amazing team for their hard work, commitment, and genuine care they give for our guests. Their passion and dedication have crafted unforgettable moments, and we’re immensely grateful for their can-do mindset.
Looking forward to next year, Lamu is firmly on our radar as we prepare for renovations and exciting projects in 2025.
As we reflect on this transformative year filled with growth and adventure, we remain grateful for the support of our community, our guests and our partners. The journey ahead is bright with promise, and we can’t wait to share more unforgettable experiences with you in the coming months!
Thank you for being a part of our story!
Contact info@bush-and-beyond.com for reservations, pictures, and more. Head to our journal for more pictures and details on our exciting projects with Collection in the Wild.
