about us

There are only two days in the year that nothing can be done. One is called Yesterday and the other is called Tomorrow. Today is the right day to Love, Believe, Do, and Live. - Dalai Lama

Our Story

Our Camp, Your Home

Where life is simple, and Nature restores the soul...

Hi there friends! We are Karen, Simon, and Jeffrey and we invite you to come visit us at our off-grid eco camp & backpackers – The Smiling Bushpig – in Maasailand, Maji Moto, Narok, Kenya.

We are three friends hailing from the Caribbean, Kenya, and The Netherlands and together we have built a cozy homestead at the foot of the magnificent Loita Hills in the remote but accessible village of Kikurukurr, Maji Moto, a mere 45 minute drive to Kenya’s iconic Maasai Mara National Reserve’s Sekenani Gate.

Since so many friends love to visit us, we decided to realize our dream of having a social enterprise that contributes to both Mother Nature and the Maasai community….and the Smiling Bushpig Eco Camp & Backpackers was born.

We collaborated with the community to assess the challenges they face and concluded that they face livelihood challenges and food insecurity due to the severe droughts that plague the area. Hmm…could we come up with a concept that would help the community whilst maintaining their traditional way of life, and run a successful enterprise?

Well, we’re permaculturalists…..and therein lies the answer….ABSOLUTELY, cuz actually, permaculture principles and traditional Maasai culture share a common goal: work with nature, rather than against it. The Maasai culture also engenders the same fundamental permaculture ethics of Earth Care, People Care, Fair Share.

So…..the whole commercial touristy vibe not your thing? Looking for an off-the-beaten-path, budget friendly, cozy boho style african camping experience…with the creature comforts of home? But still close to other famous spots such as Hell’s Gate and Lake Naivasha to name just a few?

Look no further because the Smiling Bushpig is your new home in the African wild!

Hello! Supa! Hoi! Saludos! Habari! Konta!

Meet Our Team

Supa O’leng! (Maa language, means Greetings). Konta? (my native language, Papiamento). I am Karen from the beautiful island of Curacao in the Dutch Caribbean. I’m an intrepid world traveler, permaculturalist, and sustainable development afficionado, and decided to move to Africa after an epic 3-month overland journey from Nairobi to Cape Town. I left behind my old life as an investment banker 8 years ago, and never looked back!

Supa O’leng! Ira supat? Greetings! Are you doing well? I am Simon, a tribesman of one of the most iconic of African tribes, the Maasai. I am a tireless community youth leader who has been campaigning for human rights, community health, and the development of my Community for over a decade. Is your motto: Responsible travel in support of Nature and the local community? Then you’ve come to the right place…. Karibu!

Hello world! Hoe gaat het? (Dutch). I am a Dutchman from Utrecht, The Netherlands and I have lived and worked in many countries. I am a culinary chef by trade, permaculturalist, and a huge fan of everything Africa. I too wanted a simple, uncluttered life full of adventure, and this was the best decision ever. Do you need some adventure or serenity – or both – in your life? Come join our epic journey of freedom!

Come Find Us

The Smiling Bushpig is completely off-grid though with a very comfy vibe, a home away from home designed with a Caribbean and African touch. After all, the owners live on site and wanted their very own African lifestyle with the comforts of home. We do have solar power for lights, phone charging, and a fridge for those cold drinks!

Although remote, we are a short 10-minute ride from the sleepy Maasai village of Mokondani where MPesa kiosks, small shops for basic necessities and matatu taxi’s can be found.

We are a 45 minute drive from the world famous Maasai Mara National Reserve, 30-minute drive from the small town of Ewaso Ngiro, a 40-minute drive from the bustling Narok Town with its supermarkets, banks, hospitals, bus terminals, shops, and more, and a 4-hour drive from Jomo Kenyatta Airport in Nairobi. You can also take a small airplane to one of the landing strips near us.

We are brand new small-scale eco camp & backpackers and shall be starting our phase 2 and 3 projects soon: A food forest and tree planting project is in the works and we are set to start building our Permaculture Research & Learning Centre.

We are excited about our journey and would love to host you. Join us and become part of our small Maasai community! Your patronage helps us to employ and train vulnerable women and youths from the area and fund primary school projects.

Ashe O’leng! Thank you!