Our 12 'Hurrays' of Christmas
As Christmas approaches, we thought we'd share our very own 12 reasons to be joyous - not just during the festive season, but (who knows?), maybe to inspire your Bushtops visit in 2025.
1. A New Home for Roving Bushtops by the Mara River
2024 was the year we established a new home for Roving Bushtops near the Mara River, creating bases at both ends of the Serengeti. Guests can now combine stays here with time at Serengeti Bushtops, Mara Bushtops, or both.
2. Spectacular Crossings: A Migration Season to Remember
The migration in the northern Serengeti and Masai Mara was truly spectacular again this year: river crossings went on until mid-October. It's worth noting that September and October are ideal months in which to view the migration and river crossings in the northern Serengeti, with relatively few visitors compared to the peak months of July and August.
3. Meet Our Stars: The People Who Make Bushtops Shine
We continue to employ some truly amazing people: reviews always highlight just how impressive and warm they are. Pictured are just a few of our shining stars ...
4. Introducing the Remodeled Family Suites at Mara Bushtops
We remodelled our family suite at Mara Bushtops and built a new family suite. Both look exceptional.
5. A Fresh Look: Serengeti Bushtops Tented Suites Reimagined
Our tented suites at Serengeti Bushtops were also given a complete makeover. Judging from initial feedback, guests love the results.
6. Sunsets, and Wildlife: Tune into Our Popular Webcam
The webcam over our Mara Bushtops salt lick is proving to be hugely popular. Alongside occasional visitors, a community of Bushtops fans gathers most evenings to watch the wildlife and chat happily as the sun sets. Click here to take a look at what's happening right now ...
7. Feeding Futures: A Generous Gift for Nkoilale School
Incredibly generous guests helped us kick-start a feeding programme at Nkoilale school during 2024: as a result, 700 day-school pupils now enjoy hot lunches. They have also enabled us to build a new kitchen onto the existing canteen, plus stores, an office and serving area.
8. Transforming Bisalala School: Water, Washrooms, and More
We also completed two major projects at the Bisalala school near Serengeti Bushtops. Our guests have helped us pipe water from a nearby village, create 10 new washrooms, renovated 2 classrooms, add multiple water tanks, install more than 100 desks and provide plenty of needed school supplies.
9. Changing Lives: Celebrating 15 Years of Sponsoring Education
This year brought the number of children we and our guests have sponsored through their education during the past 15 years to 250.
One of the very first students to be sponsored was Helen Kamakia (pictured above). She went on to Mt. Kenya University and got a diploma in supply and procurement management and has just landed a job at Mara Bushtops. One of her responsibilities is to look after the sponsorship programme and meet with guests who want to know more about the process.
We are absolutely delighted to have Helen as part of our team and wish her the best of luck in her professional endeavours.
10. Amani Spa: Award-Winning Wellness in the Wild
The Amani Spa at Mara Bushtops continues to get rave reviews, maintaining the quality that has won it multiple awards over the years. The latest one being by the World Luxury Spa awards where Mara Bushtops has won in 3 categories as the global winners 2024.
11. 800+ 5-Star Reviews: The Essence of Wild Luxury
Our reputation for Wild Luxury - combining the best of nature and nurture - has earned all three of our camps 5 stars from more than 800 Tripadvisor reviewers. Each represents a guest who has truly reconnected with what matters at a Bushtops camp.
12. Press Accolades in 2024: Recognition for Passion and Excellence
Press reviews in 2024 called us one of the 4 best safari trips that support local communities (National Geographic Travellers), a 5 star bucket list experience that respects the environment (Town and Country) and just for a bit of nostalgic festive fun, this time last year we were amused to be included in Gwyneth Paltrow's Goop Holiday Gift Guide when they recommended a moving, solar-powered safari at Roving Bushtops as their 'Ridiculous but Awesome' gift for travel lovers.
We'll never rest on our laurels, but it's lovely to have our passion and commitment recognised.