Up with People Alumni Safari to the Maasai Mara

The land of the Maasai Mara in southern Kenya: this astounding place is home to the largest collection of land mammals in the world, breathtaking vistas, and the extraordinary indigenous Maasai people.

Over 25 years ago, alumni John Parker and Hans Magness (’65) traveled to the Mara. They were captivated by the place, but also saw the serious needs facing the Maasai, their lands and the animals that have co-existed for centuries. 

After this initial safari, John and Hans and several others joined together to lay the cornerstones of Basecamp Foundations in both the U.S. and Europe, non-profits that raise funds for projects benefiting the region. Today, these Basecamp Foundations manage 34 projects with 20 partners.

More than 80 Up with People alumni have visited Basecamp; in true UWP-alumni fashion, many have hurled themselves headlong into starting or supporting a number of important projects on the Mara. Here’s just a sampling of what determined alumni can do (is anybody surprised)??!!

Medical Clinic in Talek

In January 2024, alums traveled to Basecamp and visited the tiny medical clinic in the nearby village of Talek. The clinic is staffed solely by nurse practitioner Daniel Namposa who lives above it and responds to patient needs around the clock. In its current state, it is rudimentary at best. Alum Gary Wysocki (’71-’75) and his wife Deb, a registered nurse, now spearhead the committee (all UWP alumni) to raise funds to relocate and expand the clinic. Alumni on that January safari raised $10,000 immediately; since then, nearly $20,000 in additional funds have been donated.

Dental Teams from the U.S.

Inspired by their initial safari to Basecamp in 2018, (Jim and Jody Hardwick (’81) recruited a team of dentists and dental technicians who travel to the Mara each year and provide badly needed dental care. This team has returned every year (excepting the Covid years) and is establishing a permanent clinic.

Stunning Calendars

Alum Scott Johnson (83’ D) has used his artistry to create a 2025 calendar using exquisite photos of the Mara, many taken by alumni. The money raised from sales goes to Basecamp Foundation USA and supports a variety of programs.

Educational Scholarships

Alum Vicki Thomas Berg (’69-’76) heads the Maasai Scholarship Program for Basecamp. Kenyan students attend boarding school for six years, at a cost of $500 annually.

Up with People Alumni Forest

Many visitors to Basecamp help plant indigenous trees as part of a reforestation project. To date, more than 500,000 seedlings have been planted, often to honor or memorialize a family member, or to offset a carbon foot print. The current goal is for alums to sponsor 100 new trees and install an “Up with People Alumni Forest” sign.

Alumni Safaris to Basecamp

Each year, alumni groups and friends travel to Basecamp. Through these carefully planned trips, alumni enjoy not only an amazing safari experience, but also the chance for an in-depth look at Maasai communities and lifestyles. Coordinating the safaris are alums Mariam Keyser Johnson (‘74-89), Scott Johnson (’88) and Peter Carey (’65). The next available alumni safaris to Basecamp will be early 2026.

For more information about Basecamp, visit the website bcefusa.org. On Facebook, it’s Basecamp Explorer Foundation USA, or comment below and we will be in touch!