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Is a Kenyan safari resort blocking wildebeest migration?

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December 18, 2025

A Kenyan court case on whether a luxury safari resort is blocking an important wildlife migration corridor has taken an unexpected turn. After filing a lawsuit against the camp's owner, Marriott, an activist is now backtracking.

Since opening, Ritz-Carlton's luxury safari camp in Maasai Mara has faced backlash. Conservationists argue that it was built on a key wildebeest migration corridor and could disrupt one of the world's great natural wonders. Activist Meitamei Olol Dapash has taken Marriott to court, seeking the demolition of the camp, but later asked the presiding judge to withdraw his case.

Kenya Wildlife Service and environmental authorities dispute the claim, saying the camp doesn't block migration routes. The case also raises concerns over a government exemption for the resort.

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