Welcome to MARA Lodge, where we are more than just a safari lodge - we are part of the community. Our roots were enacted in the Kidepo wilderness with the purchase of Ik tribal land. By establishing the lodge on their ancestral land, we unequivocally motion to the Ik our pledge to stay long-term - to contribute to the social and economic development of the community.

At MARA, community means demonstrating in action Lao Tzu’s maxim: “Go to the people. Live with them. Learn from them. Love them. Start with what they know. Build with what they have. But with the best leaders, when the work is done, the task accomplished, the people will say ‘We have done this ourselves.’”

We embrace humanity by recognizing the human rights and vulnerability of the Ik, creating economic and social opportunities for them, and giving back through offering financial resources, knowledge, skills, and experiences that improve their well-being.

Our business moniker ‘MARA’ is derived from the first four letters of the Ik word ‘Marang,’ which means ‘good.’ It is a baptism into the Ik culture and community.

Our objective is for the Ik to thrive economically and socially in peaceful coexistence with the environment. We believe that education is a fundamental right and that every child deserves access to quality education. That’s why we’re committed to providing scholarships for out-of-school youth in the area.

Join us at MARA Lodge and be part of a community that’s committed to making a positive impact on society!