Masai Mara Conservation Project

The stunning natural resources and astounding biodiversity of the Masai Mara draws visitors from around the globe. We have a long history of collaboration with local Maasai communities to plan their own development and enterprise priorities.

EDUCATION

Sanctuary Retreats Philanthropy believes education is the key to empowering the communities of the Masai Mara. We work with the region’s schools to enhance the learning environment and provide the resources necessary to give students a solid academic foundation for their future. At Enkereri Primary School, for example, we have assisted in building classrooms, a library, an administration building, kitchen and dining hall, while a lunch programme feeds 400 students daily to ensure children have enough energy to keep up with their studies. Enkereri School is also one of nine schools in the Masai Mara that is participating in our digital literacy programme, which utilises e-readers loaded with textbooks and literature.

CONSERVATION

Human-wildlife conflict is prevalent in the Masai Mara. Predators often make an easy meal of Maasai cattle, while elephants and other wild animals trample and eat crops. To teach children about their local wildlife and to inspire appreciation of the unique animals, Sanctuary Retreats Philanthropy takes children on Rhino Watch Trips. By educating children about the animals that coexist with them, and their importance to the ecosystem and the tourism industry, we are growing a new generation of wildlife and conservation advocates.

HEALTH

Mara-rianda Clinic is the only regional medical centre in a 20km radius where walking is the primary mode of transport. Tending to some 100 patients every day, Sanctuary Retreats Philanthropy assists the clinic in meeting the healthcare needs of the surrounding communities through the provision of medical supplies and equipment.

ENTERPRISE

Maasai beadwork is admired the world over for its beauty and intricacy. Traditionally crafted by Maasai women, designs encompass powerful elements that reflect Maasai values and beliefs. Blue represents the sky and embraces the Maasai faith in Enkai (God), while tributes to cattle, key to the Maasai way of life, are also redolent in the designs: green represents grass, essential for nourishing livestock, red symbolises the blood of the cattle and white represents milk. Sanctuary Retreats Philanthropy works with a women’s group to create traditional beadwork and then sell it to guests at Sanctuary Olonana. Not only does this project provide the participants with an income, but it brings together women from several clans to help promote harmony and a sense of community.