andBeyond Bateleur Camp

Meaningful interactions with Maasai staff along with interactive visits to a nearby “manyatta” (traditional village) educate guests on the daily rituals and cultural heritage of the Maasai. Guests also have the opportunity to purchase handmade crafts, including the Maasai’s renowned beaded jewelry, in good conscience, with proceeds directly supporting the community. The camp’s WILDChild program, for families traveling with children, teaches kids Maasai traditional skills, such as tracking and fire-making.

The Nyekweri Forest is the last indigenous forest within Kenya’s Trans-Mara District, adjacent to the Maasai Mara National Reserve and andBeyond Bateleur Camp. In collaboration with the Nyekweri Kimintet Community Forest Conservation Trust, the goal is to conserve and restore the remaining 25% of this critical habitat. In addition to its ecological and biodiversity value, the forest is also a water catchment area and a refuge for threatened wildlife, including the giant ground pangolin. Elephant take sanctuary in the forest to give birth.

andBeyond Kenya has eliminated over 76 000 plastic water bottles per year through an on-site bottling system, and 67% of their Masai Mara energy requirements are generated from renewable, clean energy sources. This reduction of carbon emissions is supported by other energy-saving initiatives which include a 24-hour solar-powered electric fence, LPG gas for cooking in the guest kitchen, and solar water geysers that provide hot water in guest tents.

Within the Masai Mara, &Beyond has worked in partnership with Wild Impact, their long-standing community and conservation development partner since 1994. In consultation with partner communities neighboring the reserve, a broad range of community-led education, healthcare, conservation and capacity building programs have been developed.