Great Migration at risk: Luxury lodge sparks legal battle in Kenya

Each year, millions of wildebeest cross the Masai Mara in the Great Migration.

Transcript

00:00This is the Great Migration, one of nature's most incredible spectacles.

00:08Over a million wild beasts along with zebras and gazelles travel from Tanzania's Serengeti to Kenya's Masai Mara.

00:15They travel hundreds of kilometers in search of fresh grass and water, crossing rivers and evading predators.

00:22The peak migration runs from July to October with August showing the most dramatic river crossings.

00:27But this natural wonder now faces a new challenge.

00:30The Ritz-Carlton Masai Mara, a luxury safari lodge, opened in August 2025 along the Sand River, a key corridor for migrating herds.

00:39The lodge features 20 tented suites, a four-bedroom villa, plunge pools and personalized butler service,

00:45all promising guests a front row seat to the Great Migration.

00:48Local Masai leaders and conservationists have filed a lawsuit against Marriott International,

00:53the lodge's local developer, Lazizi Mara Limited and Kinian authorities.

00:58They say the lodge obstructs a critical migration corridor connecting the Masai Mara to Tanzania's Serengeti,

01:04vital for wildlife to find food and maintain genetic diversity.

01:08The lawsuit also claimed there was no transparent environmental impact assessment

01:13and requests the court suspend the lodge's operation pending a full hearing.

01:17Marriott, which operates the lodge under a franchisee agreement, states that all necessary approvals have been obtained.

01:24But ecologists warn of serious ecological risks.

01:27Construction on the Sand River has been called highly ill-advised with potential for long-term impacts on wildlife.

01:33Many species in the reserve have already seen population declines of over 80% since the 1970s.

01:39The case highlights broader tensions between luxury tourism and local Masai communities,

01:44who argue that such developments disrupt land livelihoods and cultural practices.

01:49With nightly rates starting at $3,500 per person,

01:52the lodge exemplifies the challenge of balancing high-end tourism with conservation and community priorities.

01:58With the court set to hear the case at the end of October,

02:01the Ritz-Carlton Masai Mara has become a focal point in debates over sustainable tourism in East Africa.

02:07Long.

02:09Long.