DEEPER LUXURY
Celebrating Great Plains’ Mara Toto Treetop Camp and the Visionary Work of Beverly and Dereck Joubert
As President of HoteliersGuild, I have the privilege of experiencing and celebrating the very best our industry offers. Yet, every so often, a project transcends expectations, leaving an indelible mark not only on luxury hospitality but on the broader landscapes of art, conservation, and community. The Mara Toto Treetop Camp by Great Plains is precisely one of these remarkable achievements—a beacon of what deeper luxury truly represents.
Mara Toto, nestled in the enchanting canopy of Kenya's Maasai Mara, epitomizes a harmonious blend of elegance and ecological mindfulness. With its treetop suites that rise gracefully above the Ntiakitiak River, this camp feels less like a place to stay and more like a gateway to a dream—a sanctuary where guests can connect with the soul of Africa while enjoying the finest comforts. From the living walls of greenery to the breathtaking vistas of the wilderness, every detail speaks to a profound respect for the environment.
Of course, none of this would be possible without the tireless visionaries behind it, Beverly and Dereck Joubert, esteemed members of the HoteliersGuild Academy of Hospitality Arts and SIRIUSACADEMYAWARD laureates. Their names are synonymous with excellence in conservation, storytelling, and hospitality. Over the past 35 years, their journey as National Geographic explorers-in-residence and filmmakers has not only inspired millions but also driven tangible change in wildlife conservation. Their films, books, and documentaries weave compelling narratives, breathing life into Africa’s majestic creatures and their fragile habitats.
During a recent conversation, Beverly and Dereck shared an anecdote that resonated deeply with me. They spoke of following a young leopard for five years to craft their iconic film, Eye of the Leopard. They described not just the beauty of the leopard’s life but also the challenges it faced—challenges emblematic of the broader struggles of
wildlife across the continent. Their ability to humanize these animals, to make us care about their survival, is a testament to their extraordinary gift as storytellers.
Yet, their work extends far beyond the lens. Through Great Plains Conservation, they have created sanctuaries like Mara Toto Treetop Camp, proving that luxury hospitality can and should coexist with sustainability. This camp isn’t just a retreat for travelers; it’s an active participant in conserving wildlife and empowering local communities. The very revenue it generates supports critical conservation projects, ensuring that the land and its inhabitants thrive for generations to come.
As we celebrate this milestone, I want to take a moment to express my deepest admiration for Beverly and Dereck Joubert. Their unwavering commitment to conservation, their artistry, and their visionary approach to hospitality serve as a shining example to us all. They have shown that luxury is not about excess but about creating something meaningful—something that touches lives, protects nature, and inspires action.
At HoteliersGuild, we strive to uphold and champion values like these. It is a privilege to stand alongside the Jouberts, not only as supporters of their work but as avid believers in their mission. Their passion reminds us of why we do what we do: to craft experiences that matter, to build connections that last, and to leave the world better than we found it.
So, here’s to Mara Toto Treetop Camp—a masterpiece of deeper luxury—and to Beverly and Dereck Joubert, for their unparalleled contributions as artists, hoteliers, and conservationists. May their vision continue to inspire us all to dream bigger, act bolder, and care more deeply for this planet we call home.
With heartfelt congratulations, Frank M. Pfaller
President | HoteliersGuild
INTERVIEW
Dereck Joubert
DeeperLuxury with the visionaries behind Great sharing some of their inspirations and cherished
Exploring DeeperLuxury with Beverly and Dereck Joubert with the Visionaries Behind Plains Conservation
Frank M. Pfaller - Interviewer:
Beverly and Dereck, thank you both for joining me today. You’ve just launched the stunning Mara Toto Maasai Camp in the Maasai Mara, and I’d love to start by asking about the vision behind this project. inspired you to create this camp, and role does it play within Great Plains Conservation’s broader mission?
Beverly Joubert:
Thank you for having us! The vision behind Toto Tree Camp was to push the boundaries of what a safari experience can
be, while staying true to our core mission of conservation. We wanted to create a space that merges luxury and adventure, but with minimal environmental impact. The camp is tucked within a canopy of ebony trees along the Ntiakitiak River, which allows guests to feel a deep connection to the wilderness without disrupting the habitat.
Dereck Joubert:
Mara Toto represents the next level of what we’re trying to achieve in luxury ecotourism. It’s not just about giving guests a place to stay—it’s about immersing them in the landscape in a meaningful way. We want people to feel as though they are part of the ecosystem, not just observers. The architecture reflects that, with the camp
almost hidden within the trees, and elevated walkways that allow wildlife to move freely below.
The architecture of Mara Toto Tree Camp sounds fascinating. Could you talk more about the design concept and how it blends into the natural surroundings?
What was your approach to ensuring that the camp’s footprint remains minimal while still offering a luxurious experience?
Beverly Joubert:
The design is all about integration with the environment. From the beginning, we committed to building the camp without cutting down a single tree. The result is a truly unique structure where the tents and communal spaces are built around the
trees themselves, rather than the other way around. The use of light, natural materials—like wood from old sailing dhows— and local crafts allows the camp to blend seamlessly with the forest. From the beginning, we committed to building the camp without cutting down a single tree. The result is a truly unique structure where the tents and communal spaces are built around the trees themselves, rather than the other way around. The use of light, natural materials—like wood from old sailing dhows— and local crafts allows the camp to blend seamlessly with the forest.
Dereck Joubert:
"At Great Plains, we believe in creating spaces that not only offer unparalleled beauty and comfort but also serve as guardians of the natural world".
We also focused heavily on the concept of “bringing the outside in.” The tented suites are designed to catch the natural breezes and are light and airy, with expansive views of the river and forest. Our guests can see and hear the wildlife from their rooms, creating a sense of immersion. But we didn’t sacrifice luxury— each suite has en-suite bathrooms, large safari showers, and all the amenities one would expect from a highend lodge. We wanted to create a camp that feels luxurious without overwhelming the environment.
Speaking of luxury, how does Mara Toto Tree Camp cater to the guest experience? What unique services and activities can guests expect that set it apart from other safari camps?
Beverly Joubert:
At Mara Toto, we’ve created an experience that’s deeply personal and exclusive. The camp only accommodates eight adults at a time, which allows for a more intimate and tailored experience. Each guest has access to a private guide, and our safari drives are limited to four people per vehicle. This not only enhances the experience for photographers but also ensures that every guest feels connected to their surroundings.
Dereck Joubert:
One thing that sets Mara Toto apart is our commitment to photography. We’ve equipped each suite with professional Canon cameras and binoculars, so guests can capture high-quality images of the wildlife. For those interested, we o personalized photography lessons to help them make the most of their safari experience. Another standout activity is the option of a hot air balloon safari over the Mara—a breathtaking way to take in the landscape and see the wildlife from a different perspective.
That sounds incredible. How does Mara Toto Tree Camp reflect Great Plains’ broader philosophy on conservation and sustainability, particularly in its guest services and day-to-day operations?
part of their fee goes toward protecting critical habitats and species in the region.
Dereck Joubert:
We also see this camp as an opportunity to educate guests about the delicate balance that exists in the Maasai Mara. By staying at Mara Toto, they’re not only experiencing the beauty of the region but also learning about the importance of conservation. We hope that guests leave with a deeper understanding of the challenges the Mara faces, and with a desire to help protect it for future generations. Before we wrap up, one last question. What excites you the most about the future of Mara Toto Tree Camp and its place within the Great Plains portfolio?
Beverly Joubert:
For me, it’s the potential to continue pushing boundaries—both in terms of luxury and sustainability. Mara Toto is a blueprint for
what we hope the future of eco-luxury can look like. We’re excited to see how our guests engage with it and how it evolves as part of our broader conservation mission.
Dereck Joubert:
I’m excited about how Mara Toto allows us to tell a new story about Africa. This camp represents everything we’ve learned about creating meaningful, responsible travel experiences. We want to inspire people, not just to visit but to actively participate in conservation efforts. I believe Mara Toto will play a vital role in that vision.
Thank you both for sharing your insights. Mara Toto Tree Camp sounds like an extraordinary achievement, and I can’t wait to see how it continues to inspire and impact the world of luxury travel and conservation.
