Efforts To Secure A Sustainable Future During COVID-19

The Covid-19 Situation In Kenya

On the 6^th of April, President Uhuru Kenyatta released a statement reflecting on the degree to which the Covid-19 pandemic has affected the country, its people, its education system, and its economy.

To date 4277 persons have been tested, with a total of 158 testing positive for the virus. The president expresses gratitude and is pleased that 4 people have made a full recovery so far. He also expressed his condolences, and stood in solidarity with the 6 who have lost their lives to the pandemic.

Reflecting on the rapid nature in which the virus spreads, the President reiterated he would go to any lawful lengths to respond to this pandemic and flatten the curve. The following measures have been set in place:

• Wearing a mask when outside the home.
• Cleaning your hands with soap for 20 seconds several times a day.
• Avoid crowded areas and keep a 1.5m social distancing protocol.
• Complying with government directives, including any and all curfews.
• Avoid the elderly aged over 58 years.

With majority of Covid-19 cases emerging from the Nairobi Metropolitan Area, and the counties of Kilifi, Kwale and Mombasa, in addition to the nationwide curfew between 7 pm and 5 am each day, additional measures have been put in place to further contain the virus.

These measures include a 21-day lockdown effective from this past Monday 6^th April at 7 pm and restricted movements via road, rail or air in the Kilifi, Kwale and Mombasa areas.

You may access the full presidential address here.

How Mara Engai Is Helping Flatten The Curve

We initially took precaution by encouraging social distancing, and asking guests to postpone rather than cancel but, due to the rapid spread across the globe of COVID -19 and in the interest of Public Health, we have acted responsibly in protecting our guests, employees and community by temporary closing the Mara Engai Safari Lodge as of March 23.

This action is in line with the global and national concern of the spread of COVID-19.

Every one of us has to be responsible from a local level to ensure social distancing is maintained to help prevent the escalation of the virus outbreak.

We anticipate to re-open on July 1 dependent on the confidence of the virus being contained and on the directive of health care regulators on public health.

We will be monitoring the situation daily and following guidelines from the Kenyan Government and WHO. These are unprecedented times, and we all need to play our role in protecting those around us.

COVID-19 And Our Connection With Climate Change

Due to the shutdown of countries across the world, there has been a significant decline in air pollution in major cities as we implement stricter quarantines and travel restrictions, even if this decline is only temporary.

One thing we can take from this pandemic is the way that many communities have taken significant steps to protect each other. It gives us hope that rapid action could also be made on climate change if the threat it poses was treated as urgently.

Our reaction to the virus shows that if we need to act, we can, and on an international level.

How Mara Engai Is Committed To Environmentalism And Sustainability

Our main priority is taking care of the local Maasai community. It always has been, but even more so now because of the COVID-19 pandemic. In rural villages, the way of living is communal, and out here, there are no hospitals, so they are especially vulnerable. Sustaining their way of life is crucial to keeping the spirit and tradition of Kenya’s Masai Mara alive.

Over 75% of our employees are recruited from the local area, so their safety and well being are close to home. 

As a Gold Eco-Rated Lodge, Mara Engai has a profound commitment to reducing our carbon footprint. Even though we’ve closed the lodge for the protection of our local community, for now, you can still contribute to the Mara Engai Foundation during this worldwide pandemic. 

A panel of community elders runs our foundation, and you can get involved with schemes such as farming projects, women’s programs or wildlife conservation.

If you would like to help support the Mara Foundation to continue serving the community and wildlife of the Maasai Mara, Please get in touch for more information. 

The Effects On The Travel Industry And Global Tourism

The outbreak of Coronavirus COVID-19 presents the tourism sector with a significant and evolving challenge.

The World Travel and Tourism Council has warned the COVID-19 pandemic could cut 50 million jobs worldwide in the travel and tourism industry. Furthermore, once the outbreak is over, it could take up to 10 months for the industry to recover.

As a result, UNWTO (United Nations World Tourism Organisation) has called for stable international leadership and for tourism to be included as a priority in future recovery efforts.

Tourism is one of the most deeply affected sectors. The tourism sector, like no other economic activity with social impact, is based on social interaction. According to its website, UNWTO has been guiding the tourism sector’s response on several levels:

• By cooperating closely with the World Health Organization (WHO), the lead UN agency for the management of this outbreak.
• By ensuring with WHO, that health measures are implemented in ways that minimize the unnecessary impact on international travel and trade.
• By standing in solidarity with affected countries.
• By emphasizing tourism’s proven resilience and by standing ready to support recovery.

How You Can Support The Travel Industry And Tourism During This TimeIf you would like to support the travel industry during the COVID-19 pandemic, the best way is to purchase vouchers for future visits when social distancing is no longer necessary.

Here are some other great ideas for supporting your local tourism industry.

Mara Engai Post Covid-19: Lodge Upgrades

While the future might be uncertain, we believe maintaining a positive outlook and vision, is the most important thing we can practice as an organisation that prides itself in progress.
 
With this in mind we are excited to announce the development of our new spa and gym as we progress into a space of true luxury and adventure at the lodge.
 
These new additions will establish the lodge as a place where exquisite luxury meets high-end adventure travel.
 
We look forward to your return!