Chef Benson Group Head Chef Saruni Basecamp
From the sprawling plains of the Maasai Mara to the refined kitchens of Saruni Basecamp, Chef Benson Soit’s journey is a testament to the power of passion and resilience. Born into a large family of 38 siblings, Benson’s early life was marked by challenges. Financial constraints cut short his education, forcing him to shoulder the responsibilities of a young man long before his time.
A chance encounter at Saruni Basecamp ignited a spark within Benson. Initially hired as a security guard, his innate curiosity and drive led him to the kitchen. Here, surrounded by the unfamiliar, he discovered a world of flavours and possibilities. It was an unconventional path for a Maasai man, but Benson’s determination was as vast as the savannah itself. With each dish he crafted, his passion grew, propelling him from a kitchen novice to a culinary maestro.
With unwavering determination, Benson honed his skills, eventually rising from his humble beginnings, to becoming the Group Head Chef at Saruni Basecamp. Here his dishes are a harmonious blend of tradition and innovation. The kitchen is his living canvas, where the flavours of the Masai Mara are elevated to new heights. Every plate tells a story, a journey from the heart of the African wilderness to the guest’s palate.
Benson’s quest for excellence led him to the prestigious Kupperlrain restaurant in Zurich, where he immersed himself in the world of Michelin-starred cuisine. Inspired by the world-class standards he witnessed at Zurich’s Michelin-starred Kupperlrain, Benson returned to the Masai Mara with a vision. He established an organic garden at Saruni Basecamp, a living testament to his commitment to local, fresh ingredients. This garden, along with homemade dairy and honey, were infused into his dishes, creating a truly authentic culinary experience for guests’ gastronomic journey while staying at Saruni Basecamp properties.
Benson’s journey of growth has taken him to new heights. At one point he had an opportunity to take part in a life-changing exchange program that took him to Norway, broadening his horizons and refining his palate. Today, Chef Benson is not only a celebrated chef but also a community leader. Fueled by a desire to give back and uplift his community, he created the cookbook EAT THIS! first published in 2018. Through the sale of this cookbook, he has empowered young Maasai chefs by providing them with scholarships and a pathway to a brighter future. His story serves as a powerful inspiration, motivating countless individuals to pursue their dreams, regardless of their background.
So far, the cookbook’s scholarship initiative has benefitted at least six young Maasai’s, funding their 18-month course at the Karen Blixen Cooking School in Masai Mara. These talented chefs are now making their mark in various camps and lodges across the Maasai Mara. The scholarship program is structured so that upon completing their studies, the young chefs receive mentorship from Benson at Saruni Basecamp properties, where they are trained to become accomplished professionals. With the launch of the second edition of the cookbook, the scholarship program is poised for expansion, ensuring its lasting impact and continued success. Delve into a culinary adventure right from your kitchen by ordering your copy today for only $35 (excluding shipping) and immerse yourself in the heart and soul of the Masai Mara through Chef Benson’s inspiring recipes.
With the launch of the second edition of the cookbook, the scholarship program is poised for expansion, ensuring its lasting impact and continued success. Delve into a culinary adventure right from your kitchen by ordering your copy today for only $35 (excluding shipping) and immerse yourself in the heart and soul of the Masai Mara through Chef Benson’s inspiring recipes.
Chef Benson continues to bring a taste of the Maasai Mara to the world through his culinary creations. His cuisine not only celebrates his heritage but also showcases his resilience, offering a taste of Kenya’s extraordinary flavours.
You can place your order by sending an email to marketing@sarunibasecamp.com. Let us know how many cookbooks you would like to have and we will then reply to you with the payment details. After the payment is done we will ship the book to you.