Welcome to Collection in the Wild, where our journey intertwines with a rich tapestry of history, conservation, and community engagement.

1956

Where it all began

Tarquin’s grandfather, Sir Michael Wood was a pioneer and innovator in the fields of aviation, medicine and agriculture. In the 1950’s he started farming in Tanzania, and cleared land for crops to feed a growing nation. He had a farm on the slopes of Kilimanjaro and one day over sundowners, with his fellow AMREF founders, they came up with a plan of improving healthcare in rural Africa by setting up the Flying Doctors.

It was in the days before independence from Britain when millions of people living in remote areas had no access to proper medical treatment. His plan was to take specialised and essential health care to the small bush hospitals that were isolated by terrain and inadequate means of communication. He also connected these remote hospitals to expert medical advice by setting up a radio network with Nairobi as the hub. It was a daunting task but he had huge vision, charisma, deep compassion and enormous courage to explore medical frontiers.

Our story

Driven by 3 promises

House in the Wild was once a mud hut on a bean farm surrounded by degraded and severely overgrazed land. It is now a boutique lodge in a thriving community driven conservation project. We are driven by 3 promises:

  • Restoring Biodiversity
  • Improving livelihoods
  • Providing extraordinary experiences

Since 2012, the land surrounding the House in the Wild, has been devoted to a pioneering re-wilding project in partnership with the Maasai community. Using grazing animals as the drivers of habitat creation, and with the restoration of dynamic, natural water courses, the project has seen extraordinary increases in wildlife and improved quality of well managed livestock. The transformation of the area has been inspiring, with common sightings now of wild dog, leopard and of course the resident pride of lion in the Enonkishu Conservancy. Naretoi is the first project of its kind where the land on the edge of the Mara has changed from farming back to nature.

It is now an endearing story of hope, growth and progress, and offers warm hospitality and the chance to restore, relax and nurture a sense of place while on safari. Our guests leave feeling inspired, re-awakened and ready to plan their return trip.

Our Impact

Explore our conservation & community efforts

Futures in the Wild

Focused on sustainable conservation of the areas on the Northern edges of the Maasai Mara ecosystem and the communities and wildlife therein.

Wild Hub

The Mara Training Centre is a hive of activity and it allows our guests to understand and explore the different layers of conservation and community development projects.

Explore

Uncover Collection in the Wild

A unique conservation model - offering an intimate glimpse into the vibrant wildlife and breathtaking landscapes and culture of this iconic Kenyan savanna.

testimonial

Can’t recommend this place enough. The location is incredible, the staff are wonderful and go out of their way to make the experience so special. We saw so many animals, the guides are so friendly and knowledgeable. Trip of a lifetime for sure!

Steven, UK