Hemingways Collection Scales Sustainable Tourism and Heritage Renovation at River Camp Mara

James A. Abi · September 9, 2026 · 344 views 2 min read

Press Release

Nairobi, Kenya, September 9, 2026 … Hemingways Collection has completed a comprehensive, heritage-focused interior refresh of River Camp Mara in the Mara North Conservancy, anchoring a renewed commitment to low-impact conservation and authentic local design.

Complementing the physical redesign, Hemingways has significantly reinforced its operational environmental footprint at the 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.

Tented Suite Interior: The meticulous interior refresh at River Camp Mara blends heritage charm with modern luxury. This view of the tented lounge shows the new tactile design vocabulary, featuring bespoke Nairobi-printed textiles and handcrafted elements from local Mara artisans.

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.

Tented Suite Interior Bedroom: A detailed look inside one of the eight refreshed tented suites at River Camp Mara. The design overhaul has upgraded guest comfort while preserving the camp's historic safari soul, utilizing artisanal fabrics and traditional patterns.

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.

Ross Evans, CEO of Hemingways Group, says that the revitalisation of River Camp Mara reflects a broader evolution in sustainable luxury hospitality.

En-suite Bathroom: The upgraded en-suite bathrooms at River Camp Mara combine luxury standards with a connection to nature. This space features high-end fixtures alongside sustainable infrastructure upgrades, such as new solar water heating systems.

"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."