Mara Toto Camp, a Great Plains Conservation Explorer-Collection safari camp, is tucked away in a grove of trees, hidden from lights, noise and any sign of humankind – a perfect camp to stay at to enjoy your Masai Mara safari. Under the canopy of African ebony trees, its humble main area is lit by lantern and candlelit, simple in design but just enough for all the comforts. It is safari chic with four light and airy, spacious canvas tents, each with en-suite bathrooms where you enjoy piping hot water from huge brass ‘safari showers’ to a chorus of hippos lazing nearby.

When the COVID-19 pandemic brought tourism to a standstill, protected areas and camps were left empty, with national parks facing a severe drop in tourism revenues, wildlife ranger’s salaries were uncertain, and they lacked the tools and resources needed to protect wildlife. This perfect storm of conditions leaves many endangered animals highly vulnerable to wildlife crime. Our Great Plains Foundation Project Ranger sprang into action in 2020 as an emergency response to the effects of COVID on conservation funding in Africa and is committed to keeping front-line conservation personnel in the field.