Article From: Basecamp Explorer
Besides creating unforgettable safari experiences for our guests, Basecamp is deeply committed to transforming lives through tourism. Since the beginning, we have partnered with the Maasai to put in place different programs that improve the well-being of the community. Most sources of water in the Maasai Mara have high fluoride levels well beyond those fit-for-consumption guidelines, whereas low fluoride doses strengthen and protect the tooth enamel, it is important to note that excessive fluoride levels can cause health issues such as fluorosis which causes discoloration of the teeth, the formation of white marks on the teeth, a mottled enamel, and low mineralization which is the case for many in this community.
To mitigate this, since 2019 Basecamp Explorer Kenya in collaboration with the Hardwick Dental Team from the United States of America have hosted free dental clinics to provide treatment in Masai Mara to bring healthy, beautiful, and confident smiles to the local people in Talek. Hardwick Dental teams managed to raise funds for equipment and supplies to set up an entire dental clinic at the Enjolata Centre located in Basecamp Masai Mara. Over a period of 4 days, the doctors rendered their services providing a range of dental treatments including routine check-ups, dental surgery, tooth removal, fillings, and dental cleaning.
The clinic was a huge success, with a significant number of people attending and receiving the necessary treatments, a total of 261 patients both young and old were attended to and 979 procedures including x-rays, extractions, fillings, pulp caps, hygiene cleaning, and silver diamine to arrest tooth decays were conducted. These were more than just numbers, seeing the smiles from the patients was priceless.
“The most rewarding part of the trip was helping the sweet people of the Mara,” says Dr. Bhatt a member of the dental team. “Very few people had cars, and some had walked or biked for hours to get the dental care they so desperately needed. There were so many people living with pain and suffering and just seeing their smiles after we had helped, the reward was immeasurable.”
Since its inception in 1998 Basecamp has continuously operated to make a difference. We are committed to delivering something beyond incredible safari experiences and leaving positive footprints in our areas of operations. We continue to seek and conceptualize projects that would allow for more members of the community to benefit from such partnerships that empower and improve people’s lives.
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