Trade, not aid

Karen Blixen Camp distributes our revenue following the principle trade, not aid. We make it possible for the local Maasai community to profit economically on various scales

The tourism industry is often criticized for not ensuring that enough of its revenue goes back to the host community; making it difficult for the local people to profit economically from camp located in their vicinity. Karen Blixen Camp distributes our revenue in many different ways.

Bed night fee for staying at the camp

Karen Blixen Camp protects 3.400 acres (1.373 Ha) of natural wildlife area as a private concession area on lease agreement with local Masai landowners. Every time a guest spends a night at our camp we pay 5 USD. The payment of bed night fees amounts to 37.000 USD annually.
 

Use of local suppliers

Free ranging and eco friendly Masai goats and lambs are sold by Masai herdsmen and served for our staff; either barbequed or used in stews. Milk for the staff’s morning chai (tea with hot milk) also comes from the local Masai cattle, grazing on the savannah. All bottled soft drinks are bought at a small shop in the Mararienda village. For logistic and contractual work we hire local trucks and jeeps. In total, 40.000 USD are spent yearly using local suppliers, saving us money, time and diesel not purchasing from Nairobi.

Guest visits benefit the local Masai community

Karen Blixen Camp has initiated a simple ticketing system to ensure direct payment and transparency. When guests visit the Masai village they are obliged to obtain a ticket at the Camp. The Camp keeps track of all sold tickets. At the end of each month the total amount is calculated and the money paid. In this way, the villagers are ensured to receive the money they are entitled. Other camps in the area have adopted this transparent ticketing system.
 

Beautiful beadwork handmade by local Masai women

The beautiful Masai artifacts for sale in the gift shop are made by the local Masai women’s group. It was the women who took the initiative and came to sell their beaded armbands, wedding necklaces and rungus (wooden clubs). Since we wish to promote trade, not aid, prices are negotiated and the gift shop makes a profit every time guests buy the artifacts. Last year we bought Masai beadwork worth 3.800 USD and sold everything, thus making the business profitable for both parties.