Wildebeests graze in Masai Mara in Kenya
Expert Africa
Kenyan environmentalist activist Meitamei Olol Dapash, who had sued to stop the operationalisation of the Ritz-Carlton Safari Camp Lodge in Maasai Mara Game Reserve, has submitted a request to withdraw his case.
According to Reuters, Dapsh's lawyer confirmed the application on Wednesday, December 17. The withdrawal was made without any explanation, with some reports indicating that his concerns were addressed.
"The petitioner herein wishes to withdraw the entire suit instituted by way of petition dated 8th August 2025 with orders as to cost," Dapsh's lawyer said.
In his petition, the environmentalist accused the camp of obstructing the migration corridor between the Maasai Mara National Reserve and the Serengeti National Reserve in Tanzania, which is vital in ensuring wildlife traverses the two national reserves in search of pasture, a natural phenomenon commonly known as the wildebeest migration.
The great migration of wildebeest from Southern Serengeti to Maasai Mara.
Photo
Maasai Mara
His lawsuit further questioned the legality and environmental compliance of the camp's establishment. He had also sued the Narok County Government, the National Environment Management Authority, and three others.
Dapash had urged the court to issue conservatory orders, which would halt the opening of the hotel. The environmentalist said that the hotel was also undermining the rights of indigenous communities.
The hotel came under sharp criticism last month, after videos circulated online of struggling wildebeest near the hotel.
However, in a statement on Thursday, November 27, the Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) described the videos as misleading, stressing that they were meant to tarnish the reputation of some camps in the reserve.
According to the service, the posh hotel sits within a designated low-use tourism investment zone, as outlined in the Maasai Mara National Reserve Management Plan (2023–2032).
Furthermore, the agency assured that the wildebeest migration was accorded the highest form of protection by the government.
According to KWS, camps that have been established along the Mara, Sand, and Talek rivers have negligible effects on the migration and have historically coexisted with wildlife movements without any obstructions.
"The Ritz-Carlton safari camp is situated within a designated tourism investment low-use zone, as provided for in the Maasai Mara National Reserve Management Plan, 2023 - 2032," KWS said in a statement.
"Our commitment is demonstrated through ongoing national initiatives, including the recent Cabinet approval to secure the Nairobi National Park-Athi-Kapiti wildlife corridor, among others. This policy direction highlights our firm resolve to safeguard all existing wildlife corridors, including those within the wider Masai Mara ecosystem," it added.
A tent at a camping site in Masai Mara.
File
