ah well, there we go...

the camp advised them to go jogging in the bush

What I don't understand:
She lived in Kenya for 4 years and decides to jog in the bush?
She expects a guard to jog next to her with a rifle?
She realizes that it is not safe because there is no guard but continues anyway?
She realizes that it is not safe but compares sizes of their footprints instead of looking around or at least ahead?

I don't blame her for hiding under a bush. Although this is of course fatal, we can not predict how we act in panic. All you can do in such a case is run, but this is sometimes easier said then done.

In my opinion the conservancy should definitely be held responsible but I believe she should address the Government. The Government can then sue the conservancy. However, the gov should then also consider the community affected by such a measure. The gov can compensate the gap that is necessary to keep the conservation project alive that provides an alternative income for the community.

Why however there should be gap, is another question. I do not understand how she can sue them for such a high amount when there are fixed figures for compensation of wildlife damage. I guess, because she is sueing the conservancy, which in the end is more or less a business, and not the government.

Very heart-touchingly written, however. An innocent mother that puts her faith in the hands of a totally client-centered luxury camp with a manager that is always on hand to tailor make a personal program and now suffers the consequences

Carsten:

I agree with you completely.

However, perhaps several good things can come of this.

Lodges and camps MAY now realize that the paper they make the tourists sign means nothing in the hands of a savy lawyer. They can no longer take the tourists big bucks without assuming some responsibility for seeing the area is as safe as can be.

They may also realize that just plunking a sign "do not go beyond this point" is not enough nor is a 2 strand wire fence enough to protect people from themselves. They need to have smart employees to shepherd the tourists away from harms way.

Many travelers, as you know, are very stupid. They think a fence will keep the aimals out and feel they are safe walking right up to it to get pictures. They think they can ignore the ruling that you must have an askari with you after dark to walk to dinner because there are lions in the area. I've seen people jogging along just inside the fence in Amboseli. If a lion were in the grass on the other side that jogger would be gone in no time - fence or not.

There is a lot that cannot be controlled in wildlife areas. However, if the lodges/camps understand they are dealing with wildlife uneducated people as guests, perhaps they will put more protections in place.