About us

The Karen Blixen Camp Trust is committed to protect the endangered Maasai Mara ecosystem through conservation, community development, and education programs. We focus our activities within the greater Maasai Mara region in southwestern Kenya. We cooperate closely with the Karen Blixen Camp

A Digital Foundation for an Important Mission

The Nature Mission's new website was developed and donated by Personalezonen, which handled both the design and development of the platform. The objective has been to create a clear, user-friendly, and engaging digital foundation that can strengthen the communication of the Nature Mission's work with nature conservation and sustainable coexistence. The collaboration is built on a shared desire to make a difference. At Personalezonen, we have great respect for the work carried out by Ree Park's Nature Mission—both in Denmark and in the Masai Mara in Kenya. It was therefore a natural step to contribute with what we do best: creating frameworks that support a greater cause. This partnership is an example of how different skills can be united for a common mission. When we work together, we create solutions that have a greater impact and make a real difference for both nature and people.

The Creation of the Nature Mission's Business Network

As a natural extension of the collaboration and the shared commitment to conservation, the idea arose to gather influential business leaders into a new community: The Nature Mission's Business Network. The network held its inaugural meeting on June 4th, when a group of invited business professionals gathered for a day at Ree Park Safari. It was a day of great experiences, powerful conversations, and a collective focus on how the business community can play an active role in the future of nature. The day's agenda included an inspiring presentation by Jan Dal Lehrmann, safari experiences on the America Express and in Land Rovers, and a very special finale atop Katanga Hill, where participants had the rare opportunity to get up close with the park's lions. Under the open sky, surrounded by wild animals and beautiful scenery, they networked, exchanged ideas, and sowed the seeds for something that already has the potential to grow into something significant. The Nature Mission's Business Network was created with a clear purpose: to engage decision-makers and companies in the work of nature conservation through knowledge, networking, and concrete initiatives.

Our history

The Karen Blixen Camp Trust was born from a vision to create a sustainable and deeply integrated model of ecotourism. In 2012, Danish businessman Karsten Ree acquired a tourist camp along the Mara River in Kenya's vital Mara North Conservancy. His intention was not merely to run a safari camp but to transform it into a powerful engine for positive change. From the outset, the camp initiated and supported crucial nature conservation projects and community-focused programs, establishing a business where luxury ecotourism directly funded the protection of the surrounding wilderness and the empowerment of the local Maasai people.

In 2016, this commitment was formalized with the official registration of the Karen Blixen Camp Trust as a non-profit entity by the Kenyan government. This strategic move transferred all social and environmental responsibilities from the camp's commercial operations to the Trust, creating a clear and accountable framework for its mission. The Trust's core philosophy is built on the understanding that the future of the Maasai Mara's iconic wildlife is intrinsically linked to the prosperity of the communities that live alongside it. Its vision is to foster a healthy, thriving ecosystem where wildlife prospers and local communities benefit directly from conservation through sustainable development, education, and economic opportunity.

Today, the Karen Blixen Camp Trust manages a diverse and impactful portfolio of projects. In wildlife conservation, it has been a key partner to the Mara Elephant Project, protecting elephants from poaching and human-wildlife conflict, and has run the innovative Mara North Conservancy Dog Project to vaccinate and control domestic dog populations, mitigating the spread of diseases to local wildlife. On the community front, the Trust has established vocational training programs, including a highly respected Culinary Arts School and an upcoming Automobile Mechanics School, to provide Maasai youth with valuable skills and employment opportunities. It also supports women's empowerment through beading projects and provides essential resources to local schools, ensuring that the next generation is equipped to become custodians of their natural heritage.

The Trust operates on a collaborative model, working closely with donors, partners, and the Karen Blixen Camp to fund its initiatives. This synergy ensures that every guest's visit contributes to a larger purpose, turning their safari experience into a direct investment in the long-term health and harmony of the Maasai Mara. By bridging world-class tourism with on-the-ground conservation and community development, the Karen Blixen Camp Trust serves as a powerful example of how responsible enterprise can secure a sustainable future for both people and wildlife.

Trustees

The board members represent people with complementary skills and expertise dedicated to conserve the Maasai Mara ecosystem and improve the lives of members of the local Maasai community.

Stephen J. DeVincent, M.A., D.V.M., M.A., Co-chairman

Dr. DeVincent received his Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (D.V.M.) degree from Tufts University in 1995. He was awarded a Master of Arts (M.A.) degree in 1996 from the Fletcher School of Law and Diplomacy at Tufts University. He also earned a B.A./M.A. degree in History from University of Cambridge in England in 1985/1986.

Dr. DeVincent was employed as a full-time small animal Associate Veterinarian from 2006-2008. He is a member of the American Veterinary Medical Association.

In 2008-2010, Dr. DeVincent was an American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS) Science and Technology Fellow within the U.S. Department of State. His principal responsibility involved international polar bear conservation policy. In the years 2011-2013he worked for the National Marine Fisheries Service of NOAA.

From the fall of 2013 to January 2017, Dr. DeVincent resided in Copenhagen with his husband Rufus Gifford, who served as the United States Ambassador to Denmark during that time. Dr. DeVincent accompanied World Wildlife Fund of Denmark on two trips to Greenland in 2015 and 2016 focused on decreasing human – polar conflict issues. Since 2016 Dr. DeVincent has the role of Chair of the Board of Trustees of the Karen Blixen Camp Trust. Dr. DeVincent is also a Faculty Fellow of the Center for Animals and Public Policy at the Tufts University Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine.

Jesper Stagegaard, CEO Ree Park, Co-chairman of the trust

Graduated as Cand. Hort. specialized in ‘Land use in Developing Countries’ from the Royal Veterinary and Agricultural University of Denmark in 1998. Field experience on conservation work in e.g. Latin America and Africa. African Wilddog (Lycaon pictus) Conservation, 2005-2007 (South Africa). Rewilding European Bison (Bison Bonasus), 2004-2005 (Poland). Guide and consultant on several field expeditions in Africa, 2002-. Member of the Danish Ministry advisory board for Zoological institutions, 2017-2020 (Denmark). Member of Scientific advisory board, Mara Elephant Project, 2015- (Kenya). Board member and Director Mara North Conservancy, 2012- (Kenya). Chairman Karen Blixen Camp, 2012- (Kenya). Species Committee member (European Endangered species Program, 2009- (Europe). CEO. Ree Park – Safari, 2005- (Denmark).

Pernille Kallehave, Ma (Law), journalist, research advisor, Aarhus University

Pernille Kallehave is a Research Advisor at Aarhus University (Denmark), and the Program Director of the Maasai Mara Science and Development Initiative (MMSDI), founded in 2014 by an interdisciplinary group of researchers at Aarhus University together with Karen Blixen Camp, Mararianta community and Kenyan universities. MMSDI wants to contribute to conserving the Maasai Mara ecosystem, its rich wildlife and culture through interdisciplinary research and development initiatives. The research network has mapped the many challenges of the Mara and several research and master student projects have started up. In 2017 the Danish researchers published their first article in Nature Open Science about the fencing of the Mara and the threats this poses to wildlife. Besides this mrs. Kallehave has worked in Karen Blixen Camp developing new ideas for the Educational Initiative, the village school and especially the women empowerment program.

Ronald Mutie, CEO & Managing Director, Karen Blixen Group

Chief Executive Officer of the Karen Blixen Group, based in Nairobi, Kenya. Deeply involved in the organization’s day-to-day operations, he plays a key role in shaping and executing its strategic direction on the ground. With strong leadership and local insight, he ensures that conservation and community efforts translate into real impact.

Bo Kjellson, Chairman of Borås Djurpark Wildlife Conservation Fund

In the recent past Bo Kjellson worked as Managing Director at Borås Zoo, Sweden. His passion for Africa has always been present and he went on his first safari to Kenya and Tanzania 1975. In the last 12 years, he has been a tour leader and organizer for safaris to different parts of Africa, once or twice/year. He is a dedicated person with wildlife experience and has a genuine interest in conservation programs both in zoos and wild spaces. He believes that the zoo community can contribute to the wildlife by awareness, donation and education/information.

Partners

We cooperate with a broad range of stakeholders across the Mara, connected to our projects and the mission of the organization.
Our core partners are:
The Maa Trust is working towards a harmonious balance between conservation and sustainable human development in the Maasai Mara.
The Maasai Mara Science and Development Initiative believe that facts and science are important to ensure sustainable development of the Maasai Mara.
The mission of the Mara Elephant Project is protecting elephants and their habitats across the greater Mara ecosystem.
A Fiscal Sponsorship Agreement between KBCT and the Sidekick Foundation, Inc d/b/a Mara Elephant Group USA, enables donations by U.S. citizens to be tax deductible for federal income tax purposes.

Donors

Borås Djurpark Wildlife Conservation Fund

Borås Djurpark is a city owned zoo in the southwest part of Sweden.
The general aim of the zoo is to contribute to a more sustainable human society and to long term conservation of biodiversity both locally and globally. To further develop these efforts a fund was established in 2017 which more efficiently enables the zoo to support In-situ conservation projects around the world. Through it, the zoo collects donations from visitors, local companies, school classes and other stakeholders and raises awareness of species and the conservational work of the organizations/trusts/funds that the zoo supports and collaborates with. Borås Djurpark Wildlife Conservation Fund always seeks to collaborate with organizations/trusts/funds that have a holistic approach to conservation. Projects that benefit the local fauna and flora as well as local communities are most likely to experience long term success.

Animal Protection Denmark

Animal Protection Denmark is the oldest and largest animal welfare organization in Denmark. Our vision is to help animals in need, stop animal abuse and fight for a respectful and sustainable relationship between animals, people and nature.
Since the establishment in 1875, the organization has improved the lives and welfare of millions of animals, from farmed animals and animals used in the entertainment industries to companion animals, wildlife and research animals.

Animal Protection Denmark continues to form the debate about animal welfare and animals’ conditions, as we work to improve the lives of both farm animals, pets and wildlife. We influence decision-makers at national, EU and international levels, advocating for an agricultural production that takes the animals’ natural needs and behaviour into account. We inform and advise pet owners about responsible ownership and rescue abandoned pets through our shelters. Animal Protection Denmark also solves animal welfare cases and cares for wildlife at our rescue stations, so that they can return to the wild.

Internationally, Animal Protection Denmark supports several animal welfare projects in Africa and Asia.
https://www.dyrenesbeskyttelse.dk/en

Join the pack

Follow our progress. Sign up to our newsletter to be informed about everything we do and everything we achieve.
Donate

Karen Blixen
Camp Trust

Karen Blixen Camp Trust is a Kenyan nonprofit organization located in the unique and fragile ecosystem of the Maasai Mara in Kenya.

Contact us

Links

2025 © All Rights Reserved Naturmission.dk