Meet Lawrence Abura – Camp Manager at Mara Bushtops
As you may have seen we are celebrating 20 years of Bushtops in 2026. We are very proud of the fact that a number of our team have been with us from the very start. That’s why it gives us great pleasure to dedicate this edition of our “Meet our Bushtops Family” series, to Lawrence Abura, Camp Manager at Mara Bushtops! We know that many of our guests, past, present and upcoming, love to get to know our team a bit better … so let’s dive into our next Q & A session…
Hi Lawrence. Let’s kick off our chat with a fun fact about yourself?
I am a die-hard Arsenal football club fan!
What made you want to work in hospitality?
The thrill of meeting new people and learning about their parts of the world
I know that you have worked for Bushtops since the very beginning, way back in 2006! Can you briefly share your journey to becoming Camp Manager of one of Kenya’s finest safari camps?
I first met Andy Stuart and Claudia Stuart co-founders of Bushtops Camps, when a friend recommended that I interview for a job as a German-speaking guide for a Tours company based in Mombasa, which I did, and was offered my first opportunity to work in Tourism. That was 30 years ago. Since then, my career journey saw me working for several years as a German-speaking guide, then working at a coastal hotel as the Head of Sales and Reservations while gaining hands-on experience in hospitality. When the Stuarts set up Mara Bushtops, I started working there as an Assistant Camp Manager and was later promoted to Relieving Manager where I moved around and worked in all three of our Bushtops Camps – before becoming a full-time Manager at Mara Bushtops, where I am proud to be today!
What are you most proud of in life?
I am proud of the career choice I made. There was initial skepticism from my family as the tourism and hospitality industry has always been volatile but it’s been a great experience after more than 30 years now…
Is there any exciting camp news or developments in the area that you can share with us?
Yes, I am very proud of the feeding program at the community school that we run in partnership with our guests. It’s been incredible to see the success and impact this has had and the increase in school enrollments amongst the children from our community as a direct result.
What is your favourite thing about your job?
The satisfaction of having fulfilled my guests’ expectations and hearing them mention this to me.
What defines your management style?
Clear and effective communication combined with empathy and understanding the needs and concerns of my team members. A manager can only be as good as the team behind him.
What is your favourite animal and why?
Elephants. They are super smart and very family-oriented.
What is your favourite bird and why?
The secretary bird because it is fascinating to watch them hunt for snakes on the ground.
What is your favourite time of day in Camp?
The morning hours just before welcoming our new guest arrivals.
When is your favourite time of the year in the Mara?
April and May, when it rains and the Mara turns into beautiful, lush green grasslands.
What is the best advice you recall?
Always learn how to read your guests and be able to tell if they are genuinely enjoying their stay.
What are your hobbies?
Recreational reading, Sports and visiting museums of natural history.
What is your favourite movie of all time?
Cry Freedom.
What three words would your friends use to describe you?
Sociable, focused and cautious
Thanks for taking time out to chat with us Lawrence. We look forward to seeing you on your next visit to the Mara!
