Ritz-Carlton lodge impacts wildlife corridor, say conservationists

The opening of a Ritz-Carlton safari camp in Kenya’s Maasai Mara, priced over $5,000 a night, has sparked controversy among Maasai leaders and conservationists who argue it threatens a vital animal migration corridor. They have filed a lawsuit against Marriott International and local operators, claiming the lodge obstructs wildlife movement essential for biodiversity. While the Kenya Wildlife Service defends the camp’s compliance with environmental regulations, concerns grow over tourism’s impact on the region’s ecosystem. The Maasai warn that escalating tourism jeopardizes both land and wildlife, urging for a sustainable balance.