Hemingways Collection takes Sustainable Tourism and Heritage Renovation to the River Camp Mara in Kenya
The Hemingways Collection in East Africa has just completed a comprehensive, heritage-focused interior refresh of River Camp Mara.
The property is located within the Mara North Conservancy in Kenya.
It is anchoring a renewed commitment to low-impact conservation and authentic local design.
Mara forms part of the Serengeti ecosystem.
Complementing the physical redesign, Hemingways has significantly reinforced its operational environmental footprint at the Mara River camp.
Recent facility updates include the integration of advanced solar water heating infrastructure and refined waste management systems, moving the property toward its inaugural Ecotourism Kenya certification.
But beyond conservation infrastructure, the camp’s operations within Mara North anchor a direct economic partnership with over 1,000 local Maasai landowners.
This multi-thousand-acre conservancy model safeguards critical wildlife migration corridors while securing sustainable land-lease revenues and community development for local stakeholders.
Following the design overhaul, the intimate eight-tent camp preserves its historic safari soul while upgrading guest comfort.
The project introduces a tactile, layered design vocabulary – pairing bespoke, Nairobi-printed textiles and custom pieces from local Mara artisans with woven Mandalay bedspreads and vintage Istanbul rugs.
The Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Hemingways Group, Ross Evans, says that the revitalisation of River Camp Mara reflects a broader evolution in sustainable luxury hospitality.
“Today’s luxury travellers expect high-end hospitality to feel authentic, locally grounded and environmentally responsible. At River Camp Mara, our work is about preserving the classic spirit of an intimate tented safari while elevating the comfort, design and environmental responsibility expected by today’s luxury traveller.”
Built by Richard Roberts, a third-generation conservationist, and his wife Liz, the camp was founded on a deep respect for nature, privacy, and personalized service.
Under the Hemingways Collection, this legacy is also blending intimacy with nature.
The eight tents comprise six Luxury Tents, one Family Suite, and one Private Suite, River Camp Mara’s seclusion and warmth exceed luxury, and the roots in the land culminate to create unfiltered, personal, and unforgettable experiences that resonate.
Hemingways Collection is a premier luxury hospitality brand operating five-star boutique hotels and safari camps in Kenya and East Africa.
Known for exceptional service, historic heritage, and deep conservation roots, the group includes properties in Nairobi, Watamu and Maasai Mara in Kenya as well as Rwanda.