The Land Smiles Back: A Samburu Story of Regreening
In Northern Kenya’s Westgate Community Conservancy (WCC), the Samburu people are turning drought-scarred rangelands into thriving landscapes - a story captured in the award-winning short film The Land Smiles Back, co-produced by The Safari Collection, Justdiggit and the Samburu community.
Between 2020 and 2023, the region faced its worst drought in 40 years, leaving wells dry and livestock and wildlife struggling to survive. The film showcases how the community revived ancient water-harvesting techniques, digging over 80,000 semi-circular “Earth Smile” bunds to capture rainwater, prevent soil erosion and stimulate native grasses. Local women manage grass seed banks, supporting both pastoral livelihoods and biodiversity. Collaborative training and digging events fostered community unity while strengthening climate resilience.
Sasaab, a GER® certified property, has supported these initiatives, deepening The Safari Collection’s long-standing partnership with the local community. The Land Smiles Back won first place at the 2025 Water Film Prize, out of 131 submissions from 45 countries, celebrating this inspiring story of sustainable land stewardship.
For adventurous travellers, it’s a reminder that safari experiences can connect guests not only with wildlife, but with the people and practices protecting the landscapes they explore.
