Dopoi Pledge
Our Collective Commitment To Responsible Tourism
Before You Arrive, We Ask That You:
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Sign the Dopoi Pledge.
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Learn about Maasailand and Dopoi Center through our Orientation Handbook linked below.
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Consider giving to our Scholarship Fund.
In those ways you are bringing your attention to our home in a positive way and sharing, as we do, with the children and youth of the community.
Dopoi Center Pledge
When you come to the Dopoi Center, you are stepping off of the beaten path of tourism in the Maasai Mara. Dopoi is not only located at the edge of the famous Maasai Mara Wildlife Reserve, but also in the heart of a community in rural Maasailand, in a neighborhood of villages, cows, grazing land and wildlife. By opening Dopoi to tourism, we are creating opportunities for visitors and community members to meet and learn from each other, and to move together beyond a more typical tourist experience for everyone. Tourism has historically been a missed opportunity for Maasai people, who have faced discrimination in hiring and land loss to parks and reserves built on a model of ‘fortress conservation.’ But the Maasai community sees tremendous possibility in tourism as well. Maasai people know the land and wildlife and are excited to teach the world about what they love and use tourism to enable cultural survival and continued life on this amazing land.
Before arriving at Dopoi, we ask that you think about how you plan to show up by taking this pledge:
I Pledge…
To bring my happiness, excitement, and curiosity, and to recognize ways to make my impacts and presence positive.
I Pledge…
To support local community owned businesses, especially through hiring Mara Guides Association guides and buying from women’s beading cooperatives. Dopoi happily coordinates these opportunities for you.
I pledge…
To extend patience and understanding while respecting the guidance of Dopoi Center Staff and Mara Guides Association (MGA) guides.
I Pledge…
To respect all wildlife and human communities.
I Pledge…
To commit time towards preparation and prior learning before visiting by reading our Orientation Handbook and exploring further resources for deeper learning.