Our journey into creating a 
Sustainable Glamping Safari Camp:

From dream to reality,
                              amid Challenges

In late 2018, a shared dream brought together two seemingly different worlds: Dennis, a Maasai warrior, and Anne, a Dutch student from Leiden University. Our journey began with a simple yet powerful vision, united by a deep passion for Africa’s landscapes, wildlife, and culture.

The first step of our adventure was purchasing a 4x4 vehicle, a milestone made possible through Anne’s dedication to her studies in African languages and cultures, as well as Eco & Wildlife at Leiden and Velp in the Netherlands.

 

With this vehicle, we began offering safaris and other self-designed, unique experiences for travelers eager to explore the heart of Africa.

Inspired by the positive impact we were having, we decided to take our dream further.

 

Together with our dedicated team, we began the process of building our very own Community-Based Safari Camp, a project that reflected our commitment to sustainability, local empowerment, and preserving the beauty of the land. This camp would not only serve as a gateway to unforgettable safaris but also as a space where visitors could experience the authentic Maasai way of life, contributing directly to the local community and conservation efforts

 

Just before the pandemic struck, we proudly acquired 5 hectares of land to establish our safari camp, emphasizing our commitment to sustainable tourism as this land is rented from a member of the Maasai community. However, this was just the beginning of a now current five-year saga filled with unexpected challenges.

Determined not to let adversity defeat us, we forged ahead with our plans, despite being separated for several months. Anne worked an extra job in the Netherlands, while Dennis focused on laying the groundwork for Oseki’s first structures in Kenya, all in line with our vision of sustainable tourism and community-based tourism. Together, we designed and built new tent structures each couple of months, pushing forward our dream of creating a unique safari experience grounded in sustainable tourism.

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The Pandemic

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Throughout the pandemic, our priority was to retain our team and maintain our vision of sustainable tourism. The extra job was crucial to ensure that we could keep everything on track. Understanding the hardships faced by our local community, we committed to providing aid to those who were most affected, further integrating the principles of sustainable tourism and responsible tourism into our mission. Responsible tourism means making a positive impact on the environment, society, and economy, ensuring that local communities benefit from tourism activities. Many lost their jobs and had no resources to fall back on, having chosen a full settlement lifestyle instead of a nomadic lifestyle.

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We were fortunate to assist 500 households during the first six months of the pandemic by distributing blankets and food packages, thanks to our partnership with Naivas Supermarket and support from our close friends at Oseki. A heartfelt thank you to Frank, Sigrid, Nikki, and everyone else who contributed to this effort. Our efforts were rooted in the principles of responsible tourism, which emphasizes ethical practices that respect local cultures and support community welfare.

As the country began to slowly reopen, we turned our attention to another important initiative. We partnered with a compassionate Dutch couple, Wilma and Hubrecht, who run a project called Corja. Upon learning that a girls' dormitory in Nkineji had burned down—just 45 minutes from us—they graciously donated to help us rebuild the dorm room, which had been nearly destroyed by the fire, showcasing our dedication to sustainable tourism initiatives and the ideals of responsible tourism.

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We would also like to recognize Farith for donating KES 600,000 for books for Nkineji school, and Corinne, who has sponsored a child to attend school for four years now. Their support has made a significant difference in the community, aligning with our goals of community-based tourism and responsible tourism.

Our commitment to raising awareness for our food project even led us to be featured on French television, France 24, where we shared our story and mission of sustainable tourism and business practices of responsible tourism.

Through challenges and triumphs, we remain dedicated to our dream and the community we serve. Together, we continue to build Oseki, one tent at a time, while nurturing the spirit of connection and support that unites us all in the realm of sustainable tourism, community-based tourism, and the principles of responsible tourism.

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Upcoming blogs and new projects

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In Oseki's upcoming blog posts, we will delve into the triumphs and challenges of working within the Maasai community from the perspective of a female European entrepreneur. We are also excited to welcome new projects from travelers and travel companies around the world, which will help us grow both the Oseki brand and the Maasai community each day. Our mission is to promote responsible and sustainable tourism. Explore our carefully crafted Kenya trips, each designed to offer unique experiences while supporting local businesses and communities.