Cultural Connections at Mara Bushtops
Guests often describe their stay at Mara Bushtops as one of Africa’s most luxurious safari experiences—but something the Bushtops family is very proud of and truly sets them apart is the way their guests connect with the history and culture of this iconic region of Kenya and the very custodians of this very special slice of the Masai Mara, known as Isaaten.
Warm hospitality, superlative service and incredible wildlife encounters are a given at all three Bushtops Camps. It was certainly my experience when I visited recently. But looking beyond the safari and the “wild luxury” of a stay at Mara Bushtops, this special place offers so much more.
Andy, Claudia and the Bushtops team have spent almost twenty years (it’s their birthday next year!) curating a collection of meaningful cultural experiences and activities that allow guests to truly connect with and immerse themselves in the local Maasai community. From ancient caves to local village life – and flavours passed down through generations, these authentic, meaningful encounters truly enrich the experience and leave a lasting impact, which is very evident when you read through the lovely comments and feedback left by guests.
Maasai guides
We knew we were in the Mara the minute we stepped off our ALS flight at Mara Siana airstrip. This was because we were greeted by our two Maasai guides in full traditional dress! They looked magnificent! The Isaaten Conservancy is actually owned by around 300 local Maasai landowners, so the community directly benefits from every guest that stays. The land is also harmoniously shared by the wildlife and local herders who bring their cattle into certain areas of the conservancy to graze each day on rotation. This co-existence actually benefits the vegetation, and I was really impressed with how lush and green it was in the conservancy compared the dusty, more sparse Masai Mara National Park where cattle are banned. There are no fences between the two reserves, so the wildlife moves in and out freely … but it almost looks like someone regularly mows the green lawns in Isaaten!
Our Maasai guide Daniel and spotter Frederik made for an incredible team. Having both grown up in the area, with nearly 20 years of experience guiding in the area, their combined knowledge of fauna, flora and local traditions was really impressive, and we enjoyed some really great sightings both in Isaaten and on our game drive into the National Park.
We both were impressed to learn something new on every game drive, and this wealth of experience, and knowing exactly how to tailor the narrative to our level of experience, bearing in mind that we have both been on numerous safaris across Africa over 20+ years. They were both very tuned in to what we wanted to see and enjoy on our game drives, which makes a big difference! We also stopped for sundowners on our evening drive and they lit a wonderful campfire for us. Magical.
It was also wonderful to be with guides who deeply respect wildlife – and despite visiting during the tail end of the migration season, we managed to avoid most other vehicles in the National Park.
Exploring the Sacred Kakiya Cave
One of the most powerful cultural excursions from Mara Bushtops is a visit to the Kakiya Cave, a sacred site deeply rooted in Mau Mau and Maasai tradition. For centuries, the Kakiya Cave has served as a ceremonial space used for blessings, rites of passage, and spiritual gatherings.
I had the pleasure of visiting Mara Bushtops for the first time recently and was very excited to hear that a walk to the Kakiya Cave was on the cards. We started our early morning game drive, stopping for a cup of Amarula coffee on a beautiful lookout to enjoy the sunrise. This was an opportunity to chat to our guide Daniel and our spotter Frederik about their lives growing up in the local community. Hearing their stories, told in their own words in this special location overlooking their traditional grazing lands, learning about their unique customs and responsibilities was absolutely fascinating.
Once the sun was up, we headed back down the hill and to another beautiful area of Isaaten where we were met by armed KWS rangers for our walk. We followed a short but fairly steep ancient pathway on foot, hugging a rocky riverbed and up through the trees until we reached a beautiful cave known as the Kakiya Cave. The cave walls have some faded rock paintings made of red ochre, depicting some of the history of the region. Our Maasai guide demonstrated their ancient art of fire making and we spent a little while just soaking up the spirit of this historic, revered space, where the past meets the present. The local Maasai still use it today for some of their ceremonies. Our little adventure then ended with a surprise hot cooked bush breakfast – complete with bubbles, with the very endearing grunts of wildebeest for added background ambience!
Visiting the Local Nkoilale School
Another deeply memorable experience on our trip was a visit to the nearby school in Ngoilale, which is regularly supported by the Bushtops Foundation. This is not a touristy experience at all – but rather an invitation to come and meet some of the local teachers and children as a genuine look into their daily lives. Before we even entered the gate, I knew it was a school I would love – greeted by the words painted on the wall “Education is the ultimate weapon” against ignorance, listing its core values as respect, responsibility, integrity, care and grit. We enjoyed a tour by the Principal Mr Moses Paraiywa who took great pleasure in showing us the classrooms, the water tanks and borehole and the new kitchen and dining room which Bushtops has helped fund, as well as their trophy case! I was struck with how polite all the children were and how happy they looked to be at school. I made a note to remind my teenage boys back home that they should show a bit more enthusiasm for their education! I loved all the motivational quotes painted in strategic spots around the school. My favourite? “Are you lazy? Please try another school!”
It was also quite sobering to understand the challenges they face. I can see why so many of Bushtops guests become sponsors of students, or make donations to the school. One generous Bushtops guest even sponsors a daily feeding programme for their 700+ children. They are saving up to get some playground equipment for the preschool, to build more classrooms and dormitories and to expand their library. It was great to see what a big impact tourism has on schools like this.
The Naiboisho Women Craft and Sewing Centre
We also stopped briefly at the craft and sewing centre where local Maasai women gather for companionship and to create beautiful garments, leather goods and beautiful beadwork, which helps them to support their families. The beautiful mural on the outside says: “From beads to business – you turn talents into transformation”. What a beautiful sentiment. Definitely worth a stop to show your support, although their goods are also sold in the Bushtops gift shop if you prefer not to haggle or don’t get the opportunity to visit.
“Tastes of Our Home”
Cultural immersion at Mara Bushtops continues long after you return to camp. Every evening, we were invited to either order from the a la carte menu – or to be a little more adventurous and savour their “Tastes of Our Home” menu—an elegant celebration of Kenyan flavours, stories and culinary heritage.
The menu is a journey through Kenya’s diverse culinary landscape, celebrating traditional ingredients (many of which are grown in the veggie garden which we also enjoyed a tour of) with contemporary techniques, using age-old recipes, passed down through the generations. Dishes are inspired by a heady mix of Maasai cuisine, coastal Swahili influences, and hearty stews originating from the highlands. Chef David Ngungu or one of the waiters will explain each course along with its origins, ingredients and cultural significance as we worked our way through the courses, which was fascinating and delicious. The tasting menu platter arrived with real “wow” factor, with little bowls of pilau (rice cooked in broth),chicken in coconut sauce, mukimo (mashed potatoes, pumpkin leaves and maize) and fried sukuma wiki (kale), served alongside soft maize ugali (porridge) and chapati. What a wonderful way to celebrate the local culture and get a real sense of place!
A Safari That Connects You to the Soul of the Mara
At Mara Bushtops, cultural exploration is woven naturally into the safari experience. The Kakiya Cave brings ancient traditions to life; the school visit reveals the promise of the future; you can also visit a local Maasai manyatta (village) and sample their “Tastes of Our Home” menu for flavours that tell the stories of Kenya’s many cultures. Together, these experiences offer something rare: a deeper, more meaningful connection to the land and the people who have shaped it for generations. Mara Bushtops is not only a place to witness Africa’s wildlife—but a place to understand, appreciate, and celebrate its cultural heart.
I loved every minute of my safari – not to mention all the spoils of staying in what must surely be one of the most fabulous safari camps on this Earth. But it was the cultural and human connections made that now have me dreaming of my next visit!
