Inside The Long Run East Africa AGM held at Sirikoi

The Long Run members at one of the sessions at Sirikoi during the AGM with a herd of elephants in the background.

There’s something incredibly meaningful about witnessing an organisation grow over the years — especially one so deeply committed to conservation, community, culture, and sustainable tourism. Attending The Long Run East Africa Regional AGM at Sirikoi felt exactly like that for me: both familiar and inspiring.

Set within the beautiful Lewa Wildlife Conservancy, Sirikoi hosted this year’s gathering of conservation and hospitality leaders from across East Africa. Over a few days, some of the region’s most respected safari brands came together to reflect, exchange ideas, and continue shaping the future of responsible tourism in Africa.

Among those present were Singita, Asilia Africa, Cottar’s Safaris, Saruni Basecamp, Collection in the Wild, and other members whose work continues to raise the bar for conservation-led hospitality across the continent.

For me personally, the gathering carried a deeper sense of connection because my journey with The Long Run goes back several years. During the Covid years of 2020–2021, I had the opportunity to work with The Long Run on creating its very first East Africa magazine — an experience that became unforgettable for so many reasons beyond the work itself.

Sunset at Sirikoi Hill at Lewa Wildlife Conservancy during The Long Run regional AGM with members unwinding.

At the time, the world was navigating uncertainty, travel restrictions, and an entirely new way of moving through spaces. Yet despite all of that, there was still a strong determination among conservation and tourism operators to keep going, protect livelihoods, and continue supporting the ecosystems and communities that depend on tourism.

Working on the magazine allowed me to travel across some of Kenya’s most remarkable conservation properties including Segera, Collection in the Wild, Borana Lodge, Lengishu House, and Kicheche Mara Camp. Through those visits, I gained a much deeper understanding of The Long Run’s 4Cs philosophy — Conservation, Community, Culture, and Commerce — and how its members were actively applying those principles on the ground.

A herd of elephants at Lewa Wildlife Conservancy during The Long Run AGM held at Sirikoi Lodge.

But those travels also came with memories that now feel like snapshots from a very unique moment in history.

I still remember taking Covid tests between camps and again at airports before flights, carrying paperwork everywhere, constantly wearing masks, sanitizing hands at every stop, and maintaining social distancing throughout the journey. Hospitality had changed overnight, yet despite the protocols and uncertainty, there was warmth everywhere I went. Camps and lodges had adapted with incredible care and resilience, finding ways to continue offering meaningful experiences while prioritising safety for both guests and staff.

In many ways, those experiences made the work feel even more personal. Behind every lodge or conservancy was a team working tirelessly to keep conservation efforts alive during one of tourism’s most difficult periods.

Returning now to cover the AGM at Sirikoi felt like coming full circle.

A plenary session at Sirikoi Lodge with members discussing sustainability anchored on The Long Run ethos of the 4Cs with a herd of elephants in the background.

What stood out throughout the gathering was not only how much The Long Run network has grown, but also how much stronger and more connected the East African conservation tourism community has become. The conversations were thoughtful, honest, and hopeful — focused on conservation, community impact, sustainability, and the future of purposeful travel in Africa.

There was also a real sense of appreciation in the room. Many of the people gathered had weathered incredibly difficult years during the pandemic, and seeing everyone together again — sharing ideas, reconnecting, and continuing the work — felt significant.

Game drive at Lewa Wildlife Conservancy with Sirikoi's game vehicle near a herd of elephants.

Sirikoi itself provided the perfect setting for those conversations. Surrounded by the wildlife and landscapes of Lewa Conservancy, it served as a reminder of why this work matters in the first place. The lodge’s own deep commitment to conservation and community reflects the values The Long Run continues to champion globally.

Having seen the organisation’s East Africa journey from those challenging Covid-era days to where it is today, it was genuinely lovely to witness the growth over the years. What once felt like a small but passionate network has evolved into a powerful community of conservation and hospitality leaders united by a shared vision for the future of tourism in Africa.

More than anything, the AGM reinforced something I have always believed: when tourism is done thoughtfully, it can become one of the strongest tools we have for protecting landscapes, supporting communities, and creating lasting positive impact.

And gatherings like this remind us that behind every conservation success story are people — resilient, passionate people — who continue showing up for these landscapes year after year.

Masai dancers dressed in their traditional costumes entertain The Long Run member's during their AGM held at Sirikoi Lodge, Lewa Wildlife Conservancy.