CHRISTMAS CRACKERS from BUSHTOPS

This is the time of year when Christmas holiday excitement builds to a crescendo. Here at Bushtops, we have several particular reasons to celebrate, as you will see below. The momentum is building too, since 2026 represents our 20th anniversary, so look out for a series of celebrations and special announcements to come.

One of our recent enhancements has already generated particular enthusiasm: the allocation of private drive vehicles to every set of guests. This has meant substantially extending our fleet of specially adapted Toyota Landcruiser’s, but the exclusivity this gives every safari visitor makes it more than worthwhile.

Alongside such advances we know how important it is to maintain the highest standards in our existing attractions. A prime example is the Amani Spa at Mara Bushtops which over the years has won more awards than we can count (almost!). We have just achieved another spectacular year’s results, with the World Luxury Spa Awards determining that we have not just the best luxury spa village in Kenya, but also the best of its kind in the world (winning in both Bush Lodge Spa and Luxury Camp Spa categories).

This is why we always talk about ‘Wild Luxury’ at Bushtops. We have never compromised when it comes to adding the best of comfort to superb wildlife viewing.

In return, you have proved to be wonderful supporters and great guests over the past two decades. We never take your choice of Bushtops for granted, so thank you once again for allowing us to share the wonders of the African Bush with you and your families.

Many of you have established deep roots in African soil, returning time and again whilst putting so much back into the local economy. We are eternally grateful to guests who have helped us support local schools, not just with essential daily supplies but also with financial gifts which have enabled these most recent projects, such as toilet facilities for students at Bisalala school and a new block in progress at Nkoilale school, which will add two classrooms, a teachers’ room and toilet facilities. It’s hard to overstate the difference you have made.

Some of our more intrepid guests have combined the Masai Mara and Serengeti by visiting Mara Bushtops in Kenya alongside Serengeti Bushtops and Roving Bushtops in Tanzania. Recent visitors discovered that the latter has found a spectacular new permanent base in the north, creating a fabulous spot for out-of-this-world sundowners, plus breakfasts and dinners in the Bush.

Roving Bushtops rotates between two bases and is now at our southern Serengeti location, preparing for Christmas and the imminent wildebeest birthing season.

If you are reading this newsletter wondering whether or not to visit one or more of these extraordinary Bushtops camps, TripAdviser and other reviews may help, but seeing is believing. Take a preview by joining the growing group of subscribers to our Mara Bushtops webcam. It looks across our private Conservancy’s salt lick, so you can watch a regular flow of wildlife pass in front of our restaurant viewing deck, from the comfort of home. If that doesn’t whet your appetite, nothing will!

We conclude this newsletter by sharing a few impressions of the newly unveiled reception space and viewing terrace at Mara Bushtops, designed for gathering and enjoying sweeping views over the greater Mara.

Whether or not the stories and updates we have shared inspire you to travel in our direction and whatever your plans and aspirations for the months ahead, all of us at Bushtops wish you a very happy festive season and a truly wonderful 2026.

Best wishes,

Your Bushtops family