From One Billionaire to Another: Hemingways Acquires Maasai Mara’s River Camp

Luxury hospitality company Hemingways Group has announced the acquisition of Richard’s River Camp, a well-known high-end safari camp located in the Mara North Conservancy, Maasai Mara.

The move comes shortly after Hemingway’s expansion into Rwanda with the acquisition of Heaven Holdings in Kigali, which includes The Retreat, Heaven Restaurant, and Fusion.

The acquisitions are part of the Group’s regional expansion strategy.

Founded in Kenya in 1988, Hemingways has grown into a leading luxury brand through its Hemingways Collection, which includes boutique hotels and safari properties in Kenya and, most recently, Rwanda.

The group is known for its personalized service, conservation, and community-based tourism.

In a statement, Hemingway’s CEO Ross Evans said the company is honoured to take over the operations of Richard’s River Camp from its founders, Richard Roberts and Liz Fusco. 

The couple was recognized for their contributions to wildlife conservation and community development in the Mara.

“Richard and Liz have played a vital role in creating and sustaining conservancies like Mara North and founding conservation initiatives such as the Mara Elephant Project. We are proud to continue this legacy and commit to preserving biodiversity and supporting sustainable community development,” said Evans.

Also Read: Win for Kenya as Maasai Mara National Reserve Enters World Book of Records

What Next After Richard’s River Camp Acquisition

Richard’s River Camp is a luxury 18-bed property known for its intimate setting and close wildlife encounters.

It has been a popular choice for high-end safari travellers looking for privacy and authenticity in the Maasai Mara ecosystem.

With the acquisition, Hemingways becomes a tourism partner in the Mara North Conservancy, one of Kenya’s largest community and private sector-owned conservancies.

The conservancy covers over 73,000 acres and works with more than 1,000 Maasai landowners to protect wildlife while promoting economic opportunities for local communities.

Additionally, the conservancy was recently named a finalist in the 2025 African Travel and Tourism Association (ATTA) Awards under the Community Upliftment category, highlighting its impact on sustainable tourism.

Hemingways is already an active member of the Naboisho Conservancy and says the new partnership aligns with its mission to support responsible tourism across East Africa.

Also Read: Inside Luxury Maasai Mara Camp Soon Charging at Least Ksh142K Per Night [PHOTOS]

About Billionaires Hemingway’s Group and Richard’s River Camp

Behind the Hemingways empire is Richard ‘Dicky’ Evans, an Englishman who first came to East Africa in the late 60’s. Dicky would come to Kenya to play with the country’s rugby team, but loved the white sandy beaches, fishing, and luxurious resorts.

Back in the 1980s in Watamu, Dicky made a deal with a British war hero to acquire 22 acres of land that housed the Seafarers Hotel, a modest property more popular with locals than tourists.

He carried out extensive renovations and rebranded it as Hemingways, inspired by the iconic author. By 1988, the revamped hotel had become one of the most famous destinations in the area.

Today, Hemingway’s Watamu is not just a hotel for accommodations; it also has 21 luxury apartments with one, two, and four-bedroom units, valued between Ksh45 million and Ksh140 million each.

On the other hand, Richard’s River Camp was established by Richard Roberts and Liz Fusco. 

They are the founders behind Richard’s Camp and Richard’s River Camp, two luxury safari lodges in Kenya’s Maasai Mara.

Richard passed away in August 2019, but had a lifelong bond with the Mara, having called it home since the age of three.

Liz, his partner, has played a key role in shaping the camps’ design and overall philosophy.

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