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Breaking Ground, Not Promises

Two and a half years of discussions and planning all came together a week ago in a groundbreaking that will go down in history
Above: Marking the start of a new beginning
Above: Marking the start of a new beginning

Imagine for decades, putting aside land that your family owns for conservation, in hopes that at some point in future it might also pay dividends? Imagine trying to make that decision jointly with hundreds of other families from your community? Imagine questioning yourself over the years, as speculators next door profited from their own dealings and others converted their land for more tangible short-term gains. Now, imagine doing that all while struggling for things as simple as school fees for your children?

That, in essence, has been the commitment that the 845 landowning family members of the Kimana Sanctuary have done — and why last Friday was such a cause for celebration.

The young Maasai of Kimana
The young Maasai of Kimana
Blessings, prayers, and more blessings from the elders
Blessings, prayers, and more blessings from the elders

I was taught that patience is a virtue. We began discussions in earnest 2.5 years ago, exploring opportunities and trying to gain a deeper understanding of where else in Kenya Angama’s guests might want to go. And despite signing a lease almost a year ago to the day, until now all we’ve had to show for our efforts — and our promises — has been a freshly dug borehole.

Time for song and dance by the young warriors
Time for song and dance by the young warriors
What's a Maasai celebration without jumping?
What's a Maasai celebration without jumping?
Steve trying his hardest
Steve trying his hardest

Friday the 14th of October 2022 will forever go down as a turning point in the life of Kimana Sanctuary, an oasis at the very heart of the greater Amboseli, Tsavo & Chyulu Hills ecosystem, and the soon-to-be home of Angama Amboseli.

It was the day when we broke ground, together with members of the families, as a haze of mbuzi choma (grilled goat) wafted through the air. A symbolic act, turning soil. It was a moment in time, a cause for celebration. Here was the promised development, the partners that Richard Bonham and his team at Big Life had said were coming. The waiting was over.

The partnership: Kimana, Co-Op Bank, Big Life and Angama
The partnership: Kimana, Co-Op Bank, Big Life and Angama
The Maasai getting in on the festivities
The Maasai getting in on the festivities
The ceremonial handing of the Co-Op cupcakes
The ceremonial handing of the Co-Op cupcakes

There had been so much work to get here: discussions, presentations, planning, drawings, permissions, and commitments to fund. But only from Friday will there really be anything to show for all of it. I was also taught that life is a journey, not a destination.

Here’s to the visionaries (especially the patient ones).

A special thanks to some of the Angama team who travelled from the Mara, Nairobi and Johannesburg
A special thanks to some of the Angama team who travelled from the Mara, Nairobi and Johannesburg

Notes from the Editor:

Of course, there is an irony that this pristine wilderness will never quite be the same again: by developing Angama Amboseli, even responsibly, we will change this landscape forever. But by welcoming guests from across the world, we will allow for its protection for generations to come.

Filed under: Stories from Amboseli

Tagged with:

Amboseli , Angama Team , Angama Travel , Travel East Africa

About: Steve Mitchell

Steve is CEO and Co-Founder of Angama. Responsible for the vitality of the business along with the stewardship of the Angama Foundation, he is besotted with African travel and is always on the lookout for more ways to delight our guests. When he’s not replying to emails, he’s probably somewhere along Kilifi Creek with his three lovely children.

Browse all articles by Steve Mitchell Meet the angama team

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