Interesting things to do from your Naivasha, Elementaita and Nakuru hotel

Interesting things to do from your Naivasha, Elementaita and Nakuru hotel

Don’t just just sit idle at your hotel, you can enjoy the below short trips and Excursions from Naivasha, Elementaita and Nakuru hotel:

1. LAKE ELEMENTAITA SHORE - WALKING SAFARI, GUIDED (1 – 2 hours) Nature trail, view different species of trees and birds. From US$ 10 Per Person.


2. SLEEPING WARRIOR WALKING SAFARI (GUIDED CRATER WALK 3 – 4 HOURS: Climb the extinct volcano, walk half way around the crater rim, viewing different species of trees, birds and other wild animals. From US$ 20 (per person.


3. KILIMA HIKE (GUIDED 3 – 4 HOURS HIKING) START FROM THE LODGE: CLIMB up the hill up to the summit and enjoy a fantastic view of the Rift Valley and Lake Elementaita. From US$ 20 (per person).


4. LAKE NAIVASHA BOAT SAFARI -SELF-DRIVE – NO GUIDE FROM THE LODGE: Enjoy a boat safari with an experienced local guide, spot big families of hippos and a big diversity of flora and fauna (approx. 1 hour) From Approx. From US$ 40 – 50 per boat up to 7 persons.


5. CRESCENT ISLAND WALKING SAFARI -SELF-DRIVE – NO GUIDE FROM THE LODGE: Walk among wild animals (no predators) with a local guide. A part of the movie “Out of Africa” was filmed here. From E.A. Residents KES 1,000 Non-Residents US$ 30.


6. LAKE NAKURU NATIONAL PARK -SELF-DRIVE – NO GUIDE FROM THE LODGE: Known as the “bird watchers paradise”, visitors can enjoy the wide ecological diversity and varied habitats. Lots of black and white rhinos, buffalos, endangered Rothschild’s giraffe, flamingos and with some luck even lions and leopards can be seen! National Park Fees as per the KWS Tariffs.


7. SOYSAMBU CONSERVANCY -SELF-DRIVE – NO GUIDE FROM THE LODGE: Located on Lake Elementaita (neighboring Sunbird Lodge), Soysambu Conservancy is home to more than 450 bird species and 10,000 mammals of over 50 species including 90+ Rothschild's Giraffe (10% of the world's population of this endangered species). Conservancy Fees as per the Soysambu Tariffs.


8. HELLS GATE NATIONAL PARK (SELF-DRIVE – NO GUIDE FROM THE LODGE: Spectacular scenery including the towering cliffs, water-gouged gorges, stark rock towers etc. make it one of the most atmospheric Parks in Africa. Hell’s Gate is an ideal venue for a day trip from the Lodge. National Park Fees as per the KWS Tariffs.


9. LONGONOT HIKE -SELF-DRIVE – NO GUIDE FROM THE LODGE: A 3.1 km trail runs from the park entrance up to the crater rim, and continues in a 7.2 km loop encircling the crater. The whole tour (gatearound the rim-gate) of 13.5 km takes about 4 – 5 hours allowing for necessary rest breaks - parts of the trail are heavily eroded and very steep. The gate is around 2150 m and the peak at 2780 m. National Park Fees as per the KWS Tariffs.


10. EXCURSION TO ABERDARE NATIONAL PARK -SELF-DRIVE – NO LODGE GUIDE: Picturesque, steep forested ravines and open moorland characterize the Aberdare National Park. The park provides a habitat for elephants, black rhinos, leopards, spotted hyenas, olive baboons, black and white colobus monkeys, buffalos, warthogs and bushbucks among others. Visitors can indulge in picnics, trout fishing in the rivers and camping in the moorlands. Bird viewing is rewarding, with over 250 species of birds in the park. National Park Fees as per the KWS Tariffs.


11. CAMEL RIDES START WITH LUNCH AT SUNBIRD LODGE: Leave your car parked and ride into the Soysambu Conservancy for 2 nights with camels & camping and finish with lunch at Sunbird Lodge. From KES 27,100 (per person). Conservancy Fees as per the Soysambu Tariffs.


12. Also available is 1 – 2 hours Camel Ride. All Camel Ride fees payable direct to service providers. From KES 2,500 (per person).


13. Horse Riding (Flamingo Soysambu Horse Stables, self-drive – no guide from the Lodge) Enjoy a guided horseback riding along the shore of Lake Elementaita and view birds and other wild animals in a scenic landscape. From Adults: KES 3,500/hour Children: KES 1,750/hour.


14. Kariandusi Prehistoric Site and Museum (self-drive – no Lodge guide) Discover the remains of the early man (homo erectus), stone tools and enjoy a guided nature walk. National Museums of Kenya Tariff.


15. Hyrax Hill Prehistoric Site and Museum (self-drive – no Lodge guide) Located within Nakuru town, Hyrax Hill Museum depicts the lifestyle of seasonal settlement by prehistoric people at least 3,000 years old. A small museum was opened here where artifacts from the Hyrax Hill site and other sites in the Central Rift Valley are displayed. National Museums of Kenya Tariffs.


16. Menengai Crater (self-drive – no guide from the Lodge) A massive shield volcano with one of the biggest calderas in the world. It is the largest in Kenya and the second largest Africa. Farmland occupies its flanks. The volcano formed about 200,000 years ago.From Adults KES 600, Children KES 100.


17. Excursion to the Equator (near Subukia) On route to the equator have a short visit at a small tea and coffee plantation. Learn and discover, how tea is harvested and processed. At the equator experience the Coriolis force and if you wish you can purchase an equator certificate.   Tipp: combine with Thomson’s Falls. Self-drive No guide from the Lodge.


18. Excursion to Thomson’s Falls Thomson's Falls is a 74 m scenic waterfall, which drains from the Aberdare Mountain Range. It is situated two miles from the town of Nyahururu, at 2,360 m elevation. Self-drive No guide from the Lodge.


19. Excursion to Lake Bogoria Lake Bogoria is a saline, alkaline lake that lies in a volcanic region south of Lake Baringo, a bit north of the equator and is home at times to one of the world's largest populations of lesser flamingos. Self-drive No guide from the Lodge.


20. Excursion to Lake Baringo Lake Baringo is, after Lake Turkana, the most northern of the Kenyan Rift Valley lakes, with a surface area of about 130 square kilometers and an elevation of about 970 meters. The lake is fed by several rivers and has no obvious outlet. The waters are assumed to seep through lake sediments into the faulted volcanic bedrock. It is one of the two freshwater lakes in the Rift Valley, the other being Lake Naivasha. It lies off the beaten track in a hot and dusty setting and over 470 species of birds have been recorded there, occasionally including migrating flamingos. Self-drive No guide from the Lodge.


21. Lake Oloiden:This is one of the least popular tourist attraction sites around Naivasha, the most striking feature at Oloiden is its Flamingoes. Oloiden is also home to Kenya’s largest flower farms, tourist visiting this place can enjoy a boat ride and camp at OLoiden Camping Site a serene escape.


22. Crater Lake: The Crater Lake is a green soda lake at the bottom of an extinct volcano on the western side of Lake Naivasha and north of the village of Kongoni, it is located 10 kilometers from Naivasha town and about 90 km from Nairobi. This Lake lies within a private game sanctuary with spectacular green water. The lake attracts many flamingo, and the surrounding forests and plains have plenty of game (birds, giraffes, zebras, buffaloes and elands.). It is a good place to explore on foot as it has nature trails the vegetation around the crater.


23. Mount Longonot: About 90km from Kenya’s Capital Nairobi and 28km from Naivasha Town, Mount Longonot is one place you wouldn’t want to miss on your visit to Naivasha. Mt. Longonot is one of the places you see when driving into the Great Rift Valley as it rises from the floor of the Rift Valley and provides great views all the way to the famous Lake Naivasha. One unique feature about this mountain is the thick forest that lies within the crater of the Mountain. While here tourists can enjoy game viewing such as buffaloes, elands, lion, leopard, bushbucks, common zebra, giraffe and Grant’s gazelles.


24. Lake Elementaita: Elementaita is derived from the Maasai name “Muteita” meaning dusty place. This soda lake is located in Gilgil town between Lake Nakuru and Lake Naivasha. This lake is popular for its hot springs and birdlife, it is also home to a sizable population of flamingoes. The reed beds near the lake are fishing grounds for night herons and pelicans. A popular tourist destination near this lake is the kariandusi Museum.


25. Ol Karia: Olkaria is located to the south of Lake Naivasha in the Great Rift Valley right at the heart of Hell’s gate National Park. It is popular for its geothermal spa which offers recreational and therapeutic swimming with its Blue Lagoons with naturally heated water, the pools have water with temperatures ranging from 30°c to 40°c. It is the first of its kind in Africa. This is the ultimate destination for revelers, away from the hustle and bustles of the city. The breath-taking scenery creates a memorable experience.


26. Kigio Wildlife Conservancy. Kigio is wildlife conservancy center protected by the local community. It is located near Gilgil in the Great Rif Valley. This conservancy center contains diverse habitat of indigenous plant species, it is also home to over three hundred bird species including what is said to be the world’s largest population of grey-crested helmetshrikes. Besides the birds and plants, this is one place that hosts several wildlife including African buffalo, common eland, impala, waterbuck, hippopotamus, caracal, and other species of gazelle.


27. Sanctuary Horseback Safaris: This is a 500 acre spot located on the shores of the fresh water Lake Naivasha. Sanctuary Farm is the perfect place to use as a base for climbing Mt Longonot, rock climbing & gorge walking in Hell’s Gate, game viewing in Nakuru National Park. While at this farm tourist can relax around the beautiful swimming pool and watch game grazing. Activities such as horse riding, bird watching, and cycling are on site. It is a perfect getaway from the hustle and tassel of the city life.

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What is ecotourism?

According to The International Ecotourism Society, ecotourism is, ‘Responsible travel to natural areas that conserves the environment and improves the well-being of local people’ (TIES, 1990).
Ecotourism Australia defines the term as ‘Ecologically sustainable tourism with a primary focus on experiencing natural areas that fosters environmental and cultural understanding, appreciation and conservation’.

At Aloha Expeditions, we know Ecotourism as ‘the involvement of tourists in environmental conservation activities directly linked to addressing human development needs, and promotes equitable sharing of benefits accrued from tourism with local communities while supporting their nature conservation values’.

So what really is Ecotourism?
It is actually all of the above. The underlying words are ‘responsible tourism’ and ‘local cultures’. It brings together conservation, communities and tourism.

Ecotourism is NOT a type of tourism like other types of tourism e.g. Adventure, beach, culture-based, wildlife, sports, scenic, specialized etc.
• Not a comparison or alternative to mass tourism
• Not an exclusive way of doing tourism

BUT … a tourism business approach or strategy for achieving the goals of sustainable development. Hence, ecotourism principles are applicable to all types of tourism and tourism products

Models of Ecotourism
• Conservancies (nature, wildlife, shrines)
• Tourism enterprises (lodges, camps, treks, etc)
• Tourism sector-based Corporate Social
• Responsibility (CSR)
• Travellers’ philanthropy
• Tourism supply chain management
• Tourism investment – Private-Public Partnerships
• Direct capacity-building community development Programs

Principles governing ecotourism
1. Encourage travel to natural areas
2. Minimize impact of tourism activities on natural attractions
3. Recognize and build awareness about local conservation values and their importance to society
4. Provide direct benefits and empowerment for local people at destinations without retrogression on environmental, cultural or local living standards.
5. Respect local people, their customs and culture
6. Support sustainable development of local economies through direct involvement and participatory decision-making.

Ecotourism Kenya plays a vital role in promoting ecotourism in Kenya

 

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Voyager Beach Resort

Name of the facility	Voyager Beach Resort
Certification Achieved	Silver
Year opened	1996
Tourism region	Coast
County	Mombasa (County)
Address	34117-81000 Mombasa Map It
Telephone/Mobile	04141475114/5
Email	info@heritagehotels.co.ke
Website	heritage-eastafrica.com
Facility Notes	Voyager Beach Resort is located along Nyali Road in Nyali, Mombasa County. The camp is specifically located on Global Positioning System (GPS) Coordinates, Latitude: S 4 02.151 and Longitude E 39 43.018. It was opened in 1996 owned by Silver Holdings Limited and managed by Heritage Hotels. It has 236 guest rooms with a bed capacity of more than 400 guests and a total work force of 288 staff for its operations. Voyager Beach resort is located near important biodiversity conservation areas including Mombasa Marine National Park and Haller Park. Mombasa Marine National Park and Reserve is a marine park, and national reserve in Mombasa, Kenya. The park is 10 km² (2,500 acres) while the reserve measures 200 km² (49,400 acres). It was established as a Marine Park in 1986, and encloses part of the lagoon, back reef and reef crest habitats of the Bamburi-Nyali fringing reef. The park is home to a variety of marine life and is a popular snorkelling and diving location. Other spectacular attractions include the sand beach and coral gardens.Haller Park formerly Bamburi Nature Trail is located along the Mombasa /Malindi highway approximately two kilometers from Voyager Beach resort. Haller Park was formed as a result of Bamburi Cement Ltd efforts to convert barren landscape of unused limestone quarries into diverse ecosystem of forest, grasslands and wildlife. Currently, Haller Park plays host to a variety of wildlife including hippos, giraffes, buffalos, and antelopes as well as birdlife such as Weaver birds, Kingfisher, Storks, Herons, Egrets, Owls, Eagles, Kites, Cranes, Ibis, and Sandpipers. The Park consists of a Game Sanctuary, Reptile Park, demonstration Fish Farm area, Palm Garden, Crocodile pens and a giraffe viewing platform. The park is a haven for botanists due to its biodiversity including indigenous tree species such as mangroves and palms. (Ref: www.lafarge.co.ke Sustainable Development).
Energy management	Main source of power for the hotel comes from Kenya Power electricity grid. The power is metered and monitored on a monthly basis. The facility has a back-up generator with a power output capacity of 550 KvA. The facility is fitted with Energy saving bulbs and light emitting diodes - LED for energy conservation. Liquefied Petroleum gas (LPG) is used for guests and staff cooking. ‘Key cards’ are used to operate the air conditioners (AC’s) installed in the guest rooms to control energy use. The resort has an energy committee to spearhead energy conservation within the facility. The facility has conducted an energy audit to comply with section 6 of the Energy (Energy Management) Regulations, 2012. Visitors are briefed upon arrival on the need to conserve energy through switching off unnecessary lights.
Environmental management	Voyager Beach Resort is guided by comprehensive corporate environmental policy outlining commitment to sound environmental management, compliance with relevant regulations, pollution prevention, creating awareness and promoting social responsibility through sharing tourism benefits with local communities. The facility has an Environmental Management System (EMS) with management plans for water, energy and waste. The facility has carried out its annual Environmental Audit to comply with EMCA 1999 - Environmental (Impact assessment and Audit) regulations, of 2003.
Chemical use	Laundry chemicals are supplied by Diversy washing detergents. Material Safety Data Sheet records for the chemicals used within the facility are available. Liquefied Petroleum gas cylinders are well secured and signs fixed for safety purposes
Conservation Criteria
Community Criteria
Solid waste management	The waste is disposal through Kleen Cleaners – NEMA approved waste collector.The hotel uses 18 litres, water dispensers in the main departments such as kitchen and offices. Medical waste is packed in safety boxes and disposed off for incineration at Public health offices in Mombasa.
Water management	The facility’s main source of water is a well. The water is pumped from the well, filtered and then passed through a reverse osmosis system which purifies the water. The water is stored in a reservoir of 70,000 litres and later pumped to the premises .The water is metered at source. Meter readings are done on a daily basis. Visitors are encouraged on towel re-use program through use of card information – a measure aimed at water conservation. Guest rooms are fixed with water efficient equipment to reduce on water consumption such as low filter shower heads and lift taps. The laundry machines water uptake is automated. Laundry is weighed to ensure machines are run at their optimum weight for efficient water use Employees are sensitized on water usage during departmental meetings
Visitor communication & education	Visitors are briefed upon arrival on the facility’s operations and environmental values.The hotel has room information folders, equipped with brochures to sensitize the visitors on its activities and operations.
Pollution	The facility uses low light emitting bulbs to minimize light pollution at night.
Environmental conservation	The facility conducts regular beach cleanups in partnership with the KWS and the local community.The facility partners with dm AFRICA to raise money and awareness on the effects of Rhino poaching. Rhino moneybox is situated at the reception area for guests to donate,10% of money collected from money box goes to Save the Rhino International
Waste water management	Grey water from the kitchen flows through a grease trap then to septic tank. Black water throughout the facility is managed through a system of septic tanks Swimming pools are cleaned via sieving, vacuum cleaning and backwash system. PH levels (i.e. acidity and alkalinity levels) are checked on daily basis. Backwash is conducted for approximately 10 minutes after 3 days. The resort conducts regular water effluent sampling in compliance with Environmental Management and Coordination (Water Quality) Regulations of 2006.
Purchasing and supplies	Vegetables and fruits are packed in reusable crates while meat and dairy products are stored in freezers. Where possible dry goods are bought in bulk to reduce on the packaging.
Employment and remuneration/staff welfare	Employees are provided with health care, uniform, and basic amenities. The facility has established a staff reward scheme for recognizing the staff. The staff is under a staff union that handles staff welfare
Staff education, communication and awareness training	The hotel has a notice board for staff communication. Staff briefings are held at departmental level on daily basis for planning activities.Employees (departmental heads and kitchen staff) are often sent for refresher training at Utalii College
Cultural preservation and promotion/protection of local sites	The hotel contracts a local dance group to perform cultural dance. The facility is decorated with Swahili handicraft and antiquities
Benefits to local community/community empowerment	On a weekly basis, small local traders are allowed to sell curios and artifacts to the guest. The hotel also gives donations of food stuff, stationery, clothing bed sheets to Wema Centre and Nyumba ya Wazee. The hotel also supports Bombolulu Workshop by procuring leather bags. The facility participates in Cancer awareness walk. The hotel provides attachment opportunities to students from Wema Centre. The facility purchases its products including fruits and vegetables, staff meat from local suppliers in Mombasa Town. The facility employs staff primarily from the local area. Approximately 60% of the employees are locals.
Cultural Criteria
Health and safety	Fire fighting equipment, fire exits and fire assembly points have been clearly marked and strategically placed within the facility .Health inspection has been conducted and the hotel issued with a Health Inspection Certificate from the County department of Public Health. The facility has a fire safety policy as well as a fire safety plan in case of a fire occurrence. An adequate team of staff are trained on first aid and fire-fighting skills. Medical check-ups are conducted every six months to food and beverage handlers to comply with Food, Drugs, and Chemical substances Act. Cap 254.The hotel has a healthy and safety team who are trained on occupational health and safety. The team meets on quarterly basis and minutes for the meetings are available for verification. The facility provides protective gear / PPE (Personal Protective Equipment) such as boots, uniform, gloves, apron to the staff. The hotel has conducted a fire safety audit in compliance with the Fire Risk Reduction Rules 2007.Safety precautionary signage has been fitted throughout the premises. The swimming pools are properly marked for safety purposes.
Child labor, abuse and human rights	The hotel has a well-defined Human Resource policy that guides against employment of minors. Minimum employment age is 18years. The hotel also subscribe to child sex tourism charter
Business Practises Criteria
Entry Date	9th March 2018

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Turtle Bay Beach Club

Name of the facility	Turtle Bay Beach Club
Certification Achieved	Gold
Year opened	1972
Tourism region	Coast
County	Kilifi
Address	Watamu Map It
Telephone/Mobile	0721 830604/ 0734 601066
Email	special@turtlebay.co.ke
Website	turtlebay.co.ke
Facility Notes	Turtle Bay Beach Club is located is situated within a protected Marine park – Watamu Marine National park. The camp is specifically located on Global Positioning System (GPS) Coordinates, Latitude -3.36131 and Longitude 40.00326. It has 145 guest tents with a bed capacity of 300 visitors and a total work force of 170 employees. The facility is built on 10 acres (4.04686 ha) of land. Habitats in the Watamu Marine National Reserve include intertidal rock, sand and mud, fringing reefs and coral gardens, coral cliffs, sandy beaches and the Mida Creek mangrove forest. Marine life attractions include fish, turtles, dugongs and crabs. Other important biodiversity conservation areas near the facility include Mida Creek, Gede ruins and Arabuko-Sokoke Forest.
Energy management	Main source of power for the Hotel comes from the Kenya Power electricity grid; however, the hotel has a backup generator with an output capacity of 555 KvA. The generator servicing hours are closely monitored. Turtle Bay has metered its energy consumption at the main grid, per department or accommodation blocks and major consumption areas including the laundry. Data / records obtained are used to monitor consumption and calculate monthly costing. Consumption data and graphs are shared with the respective Heads of Departments on monthly basis. The hotel has an energy policy with emphasis on enhancing energy efficiency, investing on clean energy efficient technology and reducing its environmental impact from energy consumption. It has installed energy saving and Lighting Emitting Diodes (LED) bulbs throughout its premises. Energy efficient appliances such as water heater timers or thermostats and ‘Key cards’- a magnetically encoded plastic card used as a key in a door and to operate other electronic devices are installed in the guest rooms to control energy use. The facility has installed a solar heating boiler for its kitchen. The heater has a water capacity of 300 litres. LPG (liquefied petroleum gas) is used for cooking throughout the facility. Staff and guests are sensitized on energy conservation through departmental meetings, room information folders and visual signage such as “switch me off” signs are available around the premises
Environmental management	Turtle Bay has a comprehensive environmental policy with emphasis on compliance with relevant environmental and government legislations, pollution prevention, improving local peoples’ welfare, sustainable purchasing, and general minimizing of its operational impacts to the environment. The facility has an Eco-Policy Team which spearheads environmental initiatives and implementation of the environmental policy. This team meets once a week, and it constitutes heads of departments. In addition, there is also an Eco-Team made up of junior staff members.
Chemical use	Gas is bought and stored in two (2) tonnes cylinder. The storage area is well secured with precautionary signage put up. Fuel (diesel) for use is stored in twenty (20) liter containers in a well secured storage area and a safety signage is fixed. Turtle Bay uses Odex chemicals in its laundry. Material Safety Data Sheets for the Chemicals are available. Staff is trained on handling the use.
Conservation Criteria
Community Criteria
Solid waste management	Waste separation is conducted at the source, (staff kitchen and guest kitchen) the bins are clearly labelled. There are several waste holding bins in the facility main guests’ accommodation blocks. The bins are labelled. Organic waste is managed through chamber composting. The facility has four (4) chambers. Manure is used in the garden for planting lawns and trees. 18litre water dispensers are placed at the visitor’s accommodation blocks as an initiative to reduce on plastic waste. Waste paper collected from the facility is used for making charcoal briquettes. The briquettes are used within the facility for making barbeques. Tetra packs waste papers are used for seedlings germination. Plastics waste is sorted and donated to Watamu Marine Association. Weekly clean up exercise is carried out at the facility and close monitoring is done to ensure efficiency is attained on waste management.
Water management	The main source of water for the Hotel is from the Malindi Water & Sewerage Co Ltd (Watamu). The water is pumped into two (2) reservoirs; with a total capacity of approximately 100,000 litres. The water is fixed with two meters at the main inlet and outlet. Water monitoring is done at the facility and records analysed on bed capacity. The Hotel encourages its visitors to ‘re-use their towels’ through their room information sheets aimed at water conservation and reduced use of laundry chemicals. Water efficient appliances such as high pressure shower heads fitted with facets (tap flow reducers) have been installed in the guest rooms. The facility has also adjusted its single toilet cisterns reducing water consumed per single toilet flush by approximately 30% (from 15 – 10 litres). The guest washrooms (urinals) at the restaurant and reception areas are fixed with sensor flush appliances to minimize on water usage. Laundry machines are operated at their optimum load to conserve energy and water.
Visitor communication & education	The hotel has elaborate room information folders with information on hotel operations, nature conservation activities within and around Watamu area. Guests are also briefed upon arrival on the existing activities and environmental conservation such as energy and water management. Turtle Bay keeps an updated information notice board of the available activities or unique areas/spots to visit within Watamu / Kilifi region. This include; Watamu Marine Association, Gede Ruins, Mida Creek, Arabuko Sokoke Forest etc.
Pollution	The generator is stored in an acoustic body (sound proof room) and fitted with a muffler (sound reducing devices). The facility Lights are covered or shaded to reduce light pollution. The kitchen is properly ventilated with a kitchen hub and an AC system. Energy saving bulbs are used for lighting throughout the facility.
Environmental conservation	Turtle Bay supports Arocha Kenya through marketing or publicizing its initiatives to the guests. This is done through visitor briefing, and posting brochures or information materials on notice boards. The facility supports turtle conservation through Watamu Turtle Watch. The hotel conducts beach clean-ups through its staff on weekly basis depending on the amount of litter within the area. Turtle Bay Beach Club is a key partner and founding member of Watamu Marine Association, (WMA) a membership organization formed to benefit the local community, protect the environment and promote quality tourism. The hotel supports WMA by marketing its initiatives to the visitors at guests briefing, on notice boards and by creating a resource area for information distribution. Additionally, Turtle Bay donates all its plastic waste to WMA Plastic Recycling Centre. The plastics are shredded at the centre and sold to Mombasa Plastics Recycling Company. Others include membership fees, beach or roadsides clean ups. The hotel supports Mida Creek Conservation Community, by marketing the organizations conservation initiatives and activities. Mida Creek activities include mangrove plantings, beach clean-ups beekeeping, selling mangrove tree seedlings, crab farming and other aquaculture initiatives. The hotel rears and plants indigenous tree seedlings within its premises. The Hotel architectural design blends with the Coastal Swahili architectural designs surrounding
Waste water management	Swimming pool water is cleaned via vacuum cleaning and backwash system. The effluent (backwash) water is collected in an open tank for natural sun de-chlorination. The water is re-used within the pool. Approximately 3,000 litres of water is collected and re-used per week. Turtle Bay has a waste water treatment plant that caters for both Grey and Black effluent. Grey water from the kitchen passes through a grease trap. The grease trap is cleaned regularly to remove excess fats and oils.The effluent joins black and grey effluent from the guests’ area; it’s pumped into the treatment plant. The waste water treatment plant has five (5) main (enclosed) chambers with various stages of filtration, biological and enzymes treatment. Chlorination is done in the last chamber to purify the water. The effluent is used for irrigating the lawns, tree seedlings and aesthetic flowers
Purchasing and supplies	The hotel purchases its food products in sustainable ways to reduce on packaging. Fruits and vegetables are packed in re-usable (Kikapu) baskets and crates. Dry goods such as floor and sugar are bought in bulk. Meat is stored in cold rooms.
Employment and remuneration/staff welfare	Turtle Bay has a staff welfare works committee that represents employees’ issues to the management. The facility holds weekly staff welfare meetings. Staff issues are discussed during the meetings
Staff education, communication and awareness training	The facility has notice boards used for staff communication. Materials on the notice boards include the environmental policy and meetings schedules. Posters and signage are also used for staff communication.
Cultural preservation and promotion/protection of local sites	The hotel supports various entertainment groups within Watamu and Kilifi area. The groups performing at the hotel are paid a rate of Kshs. 20, 000 on monthly basis. Every Friday afternoon, Turtle Bay allows the local people who deal in curios to bring their merchandise and sell directly to the visitors at the hotel premises. All Makuti thatching within the facility are donated to suppliers within the facility. The hotel ensures its food is endowed with local Swahili dishes as way of promoting the local cuisines.
Benefits to local community/community empowerment	The Hotel purchases its products such as Fish, vegetables, honey, fruits and meat locally. Fruits are bought from Watamu while honey is obtained from the local Arabuko Sokoke Forest. Also, the hotel markets the sale of the honey to its visitors and staff. The Hotel also purchases in-house décor from the local dealers. Curios sold at the hotel are obtained from the local suppliers. Approximately 80% of the permanent employees at the facility are from the local Watamu and North Coast area; all the casuals are employed from the local Watamu town centre. Through its social corporate responsibility; Turtle Bay has invested in education, health care and Community well-being. This includes; • Education: the hotel offers sponsorships to students in primary and secondary school. The sponsorship program has 43 students. Some of the schools include Watamu primary, Kilifi Township, Kokoneni Girls, St, Joseph’s primary, Gede Future academy, Gede Secondary amongst others. Others include donations of learning materials such as text books, pens, and exercise books; offers internship trainings to excelling students from the local area. • Health: Turtle Bay supported establishment of Timboni Community dispensary. Recently, the hotel funded the expansion of the maternity wing for the clinic. A lab technician for the clinic is employed by the hotel on a salary of Ksh. 6000 per month. Additionally, the facility hosts volunteers from People and Places, who work at the clinic and conduct medical camps within the local villages. • Orphanage support: Turtle Bay supports a number of orphanage homes within Watamu area. Support is made through food and bedding donations. Some of the homes that have benefited from such initiatives include; God Our Father, Happy House and (SPK) Munyaka Children’s Home.
Cultural Criteria
Health and safety	The facility has an emergency evacuation plan or procedure pinned in the guest rooms. Medical checkups are conducted every six months to all kitchen staff (food and beverage handlers) in the facility. Turtle Bay has been inspected and issued with a Health Clearance Certificate under the Ministry of Public Health and Sanitation. The hotel has an in-house doctor to cater for staff and guest medical health care. First aid kits (boxes) are distributed in the main departments such as laundry and kitchen. Firefighting equipment such as fire hydrants, fire extinguishers, fire blanket, automatic fire suppression appliances are serviced and strategically placed within the facility. The Hotel provides PPE (Personal Protective Equipment) including boots, gloves, and aprons to its staff. Safety and precautionary signage are fixed in strategic areas such as “No Diving” signs at the swimming pool. “No smoking” and “highly flammable” signage at the gas storage area. The swimming pool attendant is regularly sensitized on proper monitoring and maintenance. There is a health and safety committee in place to spearhead health and safety issues at the hotel. Fire Safety Audit, Risk Assessment and Occupational Health and Safety Audit have been conducted at the facility. Health and safety meetings are held regularly to address on risk-assessments and safety within the work place.
Child labor, abuse and human rights	The facility does not employ any person below the legal working age of 18 years.
Business Practises Criteria
Entry Date	13th March 2018

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Tortilis Camp

Name of the facility	Tortilis Camp
Certification Achieved	Gold
Year opened	1995
Tourism region	Tsavo/Amboseli
County	Kajiado
Address	Kitirua Conservancy Map It
Telephone/Mobile	+254 730 127 000
Email	reservations@elewana.com
Website	elewanacollection.com
Facility Notes	Tortilis Camp is located within the Amboseli ecosystem in Kitirua Conservancy on global positioning system (GPS) Latitude 37M 0297973 and Longitude UTM 9703310. The camp was established in 1995 managed by Elewana Limited. It has eighteen guest tents with a total bed capacity of forty guests. The facility has a total work force of 70 employees for its operations. Kitirua Conservancy covers about 30,000 acres within the Amboseli ecosystem where it provides a critical wildlife dispersal corridor between Tanzania & Kenya. The conservancy is a partnership between Cheli and Peacock, and Kenya Wildlife Trust on one hand and the local Maasai land owners on the other hand to ensure professional management of the natural land resources, including wildlife for the benefit of land owners. This is achieved through activities such as ecological monitoring, security for wildlife and people, training and salaries for community rangers, habitat restoration in certain areas, facilitation of low-impact grazing program, and the implementation of the a Lion Guardians program.
Energy management	Tortilis Camp runs primarily on solar power. The power is channelled through a photovoltaic solar panels systems. The facility has a total of 110 solar panels. The system is also fitted with inverters and batteries for power storage. The solar power system is very closely monitored through a digitized system. The output of the system can even calculate the amount of Carbon (IV) Oxide emissions avoided. See section of solar power house below
Environmental management	Tortilis Camp has an environmental policy that forms an integral part of their business. The policy shows the camp’s commitment to best management of the environment as well as health and safety. The camp is guided by the Elewana baseline sustainability management plan. The plan also encompasses a working environmental management system for all the camps. The environmental management system (EMS) for the camp has clear action plans for solid waste management, water and energy conservation. The EMS includes monitoring actions for continued improvement. The camp undertakes its annual self-Environmental Audit (EA) as required by EMCA 1999 (Environmental Management and Co-ordination Act.)Ref No. NEMA/EA/5/2/3252
Chemical use	The camp uses biodegradable bathroom amenities from Cinabar Green in the guest tents. Biodegradable laundry detergents are also used at the camp, supplied by Odex Chemicals. Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) for the chemicals used within the facility are available. Swimming pool chemicals consumption records are properly kept to monitor chemical use. LPG is bought in bulk in a two tone tank. Diesel is stored in an underground tank with a capacity of 6,000 litres
Conservation Criteria
Community Criteria
Solid waste management	Sorting of waste is done at the waste holding area. Organic waste is composed at the compost pit. The pit is well secured to prevent any scavenging by wildlife. This is later reused as soil fertilizer in the kitchen garden. Other wastes such as plastics, metal, glass are transported to offsite for recycling or disposal. As a waste reduction measure, the facility provides guests with water from refillable glass bottles in the restaurant and guest rooms. As a waste reduction measure, the camp gives the guests souvenir aluminum bottles which can be refilled at the dispenser during their stay and even be used on the game drive. The camp keeps an inventory (weight) of waste (types and quantity) generated for efforts aimed at waste monitoring at source and to create waste reduction targets.
Water management	Main source of water for Tortilis Camp is a borehole. The water is pumped to the facility and stored in reservoirs with the capacity of 60,000 litres. The facility has installed a water meter at the borehole to monitor the abstraction of water. The camp has also sub-metered the water at the main consumption areas such as the guest area, garden and the staff quarters. To minimize water consumption, the garden is strictly watered in the evening hours. The facility has a filtration system which is able to purify water to a portable state. Guest rooms are fitted with dual flush toilet cisterns which reduce on the amount of water consumed per flush. The guests are also sensitized on minimum water use using signage and “towel talks” in the rooms to promote reuse of towels and linen.
Visitor communication & education	Visitors are briefed upon arrival on the facility’s operations and environmental values. The guest tents are equipped with room information folders to brief the visitors on environmental conservation and operations of Land and Life Foundation. In the evenings, each guest receives a welcome card with educational information. The card gives a brief overview of the Amboseli National park, the ecosystem and biodiversity, Eco-rating certification of the camp as well the activities that a guest can engage in during their stay. There is a strategically placed placard at the camp that subtly informs the guests some of the activities carried out by Land and life foundation in the area.
Pollution	The camp covers the lanterns at night to minimize light pollution.
Environmental conservation	The facility has put efforts to reclaim degraded areas within and around the camp. This had been achieved through planting Amboseli grass, indigenous species of succulents and aloes as well as over 450 Acacia Tortilis tress. There is currently a proposal to expand this restoration initiative in partnership with David Western. The aim of this expansion will be to restore biodiversity and serve as a visitor nature trail area. The camp is also starting out a bee project. This project is aimed at increasing the indigenous bees population in the area and enhance pollination and consequently increase biodiversity species variety in the area. The camp engages the staff in a monthly environmental clean-up activity within and around the camp’s premises. The camp contributes directly to conservation through the payment of conservancy management fees as well as bed night fees to the local land owners of Kitirua Conservancy. This has enabled the successful management of 30,000 acres of land as a conservation area.
Waste water management	The facility swimming pool is cleaned via sieving, backwash and vacuum cleaning. Records are kept on a daily basis. Grey water from the kitchen is passed through a grease trap for effective removal of oils and fats. The grease trap is cleaned on a daily basis. Grey and black water throughout the facility is managed through system of septic tanks and soak pits.EM1 is added to the septic tanks for effective sludge digestion
Purchasing and supplies	Vegetables and fruits are packed in reusable crates while meat and dairy products are stored in freezers. Where possible dry goods are bought in bulk to reduce on the packaging.
Employment and remuneration/staff welfare	Basic Staff benefits at the camp include food, uniform, entertainment, transport and accommodation. The staff members also have a welfare committee, health and safety committee as well as a works committee that help to deal with staff matters. The camp has a staff reward scheme for recognizing outstanding efforts and achievement by the staff. To this effect, the camp has a star notice board where they display the employee of the month who is awarded a double salary for their efforts. Recently the camp had engaged in a team building activity. The staff shared meals and participated in some team building activities at the nearby observation hill. This is an effort to foster team spirit and staff motivation.
Staff education, communication and awareness training	Staff have been trained on basic first Aid, fire fighting skills and use of firefighting equipment.The employees have regular briefing meetings.Notice boards are used to facilitate communication to the staff. The staff have scheduled in house per department training for skills enhancement. The facility also outsources training for sommeliers. This has been achieved through Wine Ambassador of the Year training provided by company known as Under the Influence hosted at Lewa Safari Camp. The guides undergo training at Joy’s Camp twice a year. This is facilitated by the Elewana properties guides training program. As part of the Elewana Group, Tortilis participates in the Guide apprenticeship program. In this program, the applicants are trained in all the Elewana camps in all departments; this is then followed through by a guide traineeship period. The trainees are awarded with an internationally recognized guiding certificate
Cultural preservation and promotion/protection of local sites	Tortilis Camp promotes local culture actively in various ways.  Some pieces of décor have blended contemporary designs with the local culture such as candle holders.  Each guest receives a handcrafted beaded bracelet on the night before the departure made by a local women’s group from Ole Nkao  The camp facilitates village visits by the guests to see the traditional Masai way of life.  A group of local dancers are also hired by the camp to entertain the guests and display the traditional dances of the people.  The camp facilitates traditional Masai cultural weddings for the guests upon request.  Staff from the local community are encouraged to actively interact with guests and chat about their culture.
Benefits to local community/community empowerment	The facility employs staff from the local area. Approximately 85% of the employees are locals. All casual work is also given to the locals. The camp makes some local purchases to support local enterprise. This includes some vegetables, staff meat and beadwork. The local community land owners of Olgulului Ololarashi Group Ranch on which Kitirua Conservancy sits on also benefit from payment of lease fees. Tortilis Camp supports the local community in various aspects through the Land and Life Foundation. The foundation works in different focus areas such as education, conservation and medical support. The ongoing projects include;  The Wildlife Warrior Program. Through this initiative the foundation has worked to increase the overall awareness on biodiversity conservation through environmental education  Provision of bursaries and full scholarships to the most promising students under the wildlife warrior Program. The scholarships run all through Secondary education. In Amboseli, the foundation works closely with Eseteti Primary School. Currently there are 60 students in the region under this program.  The Foundation has in January built two classrooms and a dormitory in the nearby Primary School. Land and life foundation has over the years raised a total of USD 13,500 for the refurbishment of the school.  To date, the Land and Life foundation has been able to set up volley ball and football pitches, purchase over 900 textbooks and 150 Kilos of stationery for the school.
Cultural Criteria
Health and safety	The staff undergo regular basic first Aid training. The staff members have been trained on Fire Safety. The Camp has also trained the staff on Occupational Safety and Health. Fire fighting equipment has been inspected and duly serviced by Trojan Fire Security. Food handlers have undergone medical tests in compliance with Food, Drugs, and Chemical substances Act. Cap 25.The facility has an emergency procedure and emergency contacts in place included in the room information folder within the guest rooms.The guest rooms are equipped with rechargeable torches that can be used during emergencies.Fire exits and assembly points are properly marked and displayed within the facility. The facility has conducted a health and safety audit and a Fire safety audit
Child labor, abuse and human rights	The management of Tortilis Camp strictly adheres to the minimum legal working age of 18 years.
Business Practises Criteria
Entry Date	13th March 2018

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The Sands at Nomad

Name of the facility	The Sands at Nomad
Certification Achieved	Silver
Year opened	2015
Tourism region	Coast
County	Kwale
Address	P.O. Box 5066 – 80401 diani Map It
Telephone/Mobile	+254733373888
Email	info@thesandsatnomad.com
Website	thesandsatnomad.com
Facility Notes	The Sands at Nomad is located within in the South Coast of Kenya, Off Diani road. The boutique hotel is set in a unique environment that offers a beach to bush experience. The hotel is situated with a forested area that forms part of the fragmented and Eastern Africa Coastal Forests. These Forests is a fragment of the coastal forest that extended from South of Somalia to Mozambique. Presently only a few remnant fragments of the forest are in existence. These areas have been recognized as biodiversity hotspots and have a high number of endemic species. Some of the fauna found in this area include; duikers, flying foxes, shrews and a variety of birds and insect species.
Energy management	The Sands at Nomad is connected to the National Power grid. The records are kept aptly. The facility also uses solar water heaters for heating water for the guest rooms. About 80% of the guest rooms are fitted with solar water heaters. A generator with an output of 45 KvA is used as back up for the facility. There are up to date records of the generator fuel consumption.
Environmental management	The Sands at Nomad is guided by its environmental policy that emphasizes on dedication to the practice of sound environmental stewardship, promotion of health and safety of guests and employees as well as integration of all sustainability concerns in their business operations. The facility undertakes its annual self-Environmental Audit (EA) as required by EMCA 1999 (Environmental Management and Co-ordination Act.)
Chemical use	The facility uses biodegradable bathroom amenities from Cinnabar Green in the guest rooms. The facility is already at a second phase of testing a natural cleaning product produced by a company called grounded. The products will be used for laundry and general cleaning within the facility.
Conservation Criteria
Community Criteria
Solid waste management	The facility has designated separated bins made from gunny bags, throughout the premises to encourage waste separation by guests. As a waste reduction measure, the facility provides guests with water from refillable glass bottles in the room. The resort has also completely eliminated the use of plastic water bottles. Guests are provided with refillable glass water bottles from the bar, sources from a company called Nature’s cool. In addition, the guest rooms all have water dispensers which are fitted with refillable 18 litre water bottles, as well as a glass bottle in the bathroom. The Sands at Nomad has a no plastic straws policy. This policy has gone a great way in reducing plastic waste from the resort. The facility also creatively reuses wine bottles in the facility for décor and as building material. The Sands at Nomad has also engaged in waste recycling on behalf of some facilities within Diani. Currently, the facility is collecting plastic water bottles that will be repurposed to form building material for a green house, which will then be used in the permaculture farm.
Water management	Main source of water for the resort is a nearby well. The water is pumped to the facility and stored in a 30,000 litre reservoir
Visitor communication & education	Visitors are briefed upon arrival on the facility’s operations and environmental values. The guests are provided with room information sheets upon arrival that clearly state the operations of the hotel. The Sands at Nomad has innovatively invested in a mobile application, The Nomad App- that has detailed information on the resort’s activities. This is aimed at engaging the guests on a digital platform. The resort has a resource centre for the guests that is furnished with a variety of literature that is especially targeted for recreational reading. The Sands at Nomad has a unique approach for guest interaction through a variety of plaques and notices that are placed at strategic points within the facility. The facility also uses social media to update its visitors and the general public the achievements, progress and activities within the resort. In this regard the Sands at Nomad has a social media campaign on facebook called “Thinking Green”.
Pollution	The facility uses low light emitting bulbs to minimize light pollution at night.
Environmental conservation	The resort is directly involved in forest conservation. The facility owns about 50 acres of forested land, which forms a part of the remaining Coastal forests of Eastern Africa. Within the forested area, the facility conducts alien species removal. Through this, the facility aims at eliminating the invasive neem tree species while encouraging other indigenous species to thrive. The Sands at Nomad has created an artificial pond which also serves as a water point and bird bath within the premises. This initiative makes use of water overflow from a tank from another property. This also serves as a diversification of ecosystems within the forested area which promotes species variety in the area. The facility has a proactive approaches for building support and involving guests in conservation of biodiversity. For example the resort is participating in the #PLASTICREVOLUTION flipflopi dhow initiative. In this project guests are encouraged to buy miniature gifts crated from recycled flip flops where the proceeds are dedicated raising awareness on marine pollution and beach cleanup activities which will be culminated by a rubber dhow expedition in sailing from Lamu to South Africa. http://www.theflipflopi.com/the-flipflopi-dhow/ The facility has a weekly environmental clean-up day, dabbed Takataka Tuesday. On this day, the facility conducts a beach clean-up both North and South of the Hotel’s location. Over 1000kgs of trash has been removed from the beach since April 2017. The facility also participates in other clean up initiatives in partnership with other stakeholders in the area. In September 2017, the facility participated in the International Coast Clean up Day, in which 1,200 Kgs of trash were collected between Tiwi and Galu. The resort in involved in turtle conservation partnership with Diani Turtle Watch. The facility has a hatchery known as the Nomad Hatchery which serves as a turtle nest relocation site.
Waste water management	The facility swimming pool is cleaned via sieving, backwash and vacuum cleaning. Records are kept on a daily basis. The facility conducts effluent tests on a quarterly basis and has a valid effluent discharge license. Grey water from the kitchen, laundry and bathrooms is managed through soak pits. Black water throughout the facility is managed through a system of septic tanks and soak pits
Purchasing and supplies	Vegetables and fruits are packed in reusable crates while meat and dairy products are stored in freezers. Where possible dry goods are bought in bulk to reduce on the packaging.
Employment and remuneration/staff welfare	Basic Staff benefits at the hotel include food and uniform. The staffs at the Sands at Nomad are under a staff union that handles staff welfare.
Staff education, communication and awareness training	Staffs have been trained on firefighting skills and use of fire-fighting equipment. Notice boards are used to facilitate communication to the staff. The employees are regularly trained per department for skills enhancement.
Cultural preservation and promotion/protection of local sites	The Sands at Nomad promotes the local culture actively in various ways. • The architecture of the facility depicts the local Mijikenda traditional huts with thatched roofs. • Various pieces of décor have blended contemporary designs with the local culture e.g. cushions, old dhow for holding towels etc. • Some staff member such as porters dress in traditional clothes to promote the local culture. • The hotel offers cultural visits to Kaya Kinondo for the guests to experience the local culture.
Benefits to local community/community empowerment	The facility employs staff primarily from the local area. Approximately 80% of the employees are locals. The Sands at Nomad supports the local community in various aspects related to conservation and enterprise and. They include; • Nomad Permaculture farm and community education centre. This project has just been started at the resort and is aimed at producing fresh herbs for the restaurant while educating the community to make their land more productive. This will help in providing an alternative source of income for the local people. • The facility has a weekly Maasai Market within their premises to allow local entrepreneurs to sell curios and artifacts directly to the guests. • The facility also supports a group of young local acrobats to entertain the guests at the beach front Nomad Restaurant. The hotel also gives donations of Chipped crockery, cups and reusable cooking oil, to a local children’s home called the Born Again Children’s Home.
Cultural Criteria
Health and safety	Firefighting equipment has been inspected and duly serviced by Kensil Limited. A number of employees have been trained on fire-fighting skills. Food handlers have undergone medical tests in August 2017 in compliance with Food, Drugs, and Chemical substances Act. Cap 25 The facility has an emergency procedure and emergency contacts in place included in the room information folder within the guest rooms. Fire exits and assembly points are properly marked and displayed within the facility.
Child labor, abuse and human rights	The management of The Sands at Nomad strictly adheres to the minimum legal working age of 18 years.
Business Practises Criteria
Entry Date	12th March 2018

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Tawi Lodge

Name of the facility	Tawi Lodge
Certification Achieved	Gold
Year opened	2010
Tourism region	Tsavo/Amboseli
County	Kajiado
Address	Head Office - Nairobi Map It
Telephone/Mobile	+254 20 2081747
Email	info@tawilodge.com
Website	tawilodge.com
Facility Notes	Tawi Lodge is located in Tawi-Kilotome Conservancy, approximately ten kilometers from Kimana Gate - the eastern entrance to Amboseli National Park. The facility sits on 6,000 acres of land which forms the Conservancy on a renewable lease period of 35 years. It is specifically located on GPS coordinates S02.43.531 and E037.24.855. The lodge has 13 cottages with a bed capacity of 24 guests, is open all year round and has 25 employees for its operations. Tawi-Kilitome Conservancy is the result of a joint partnership between the local community –100 individual land owners, African Wildlife Foundation (AWF) and Tawi Lodge. The initiative was established to ensure land and wildlife habitat conservation, retain the migratory corridor between Amboseli National Park and Tsavo West National Park, reduce land fragmentation and provide income to the local land owners. Bed night fees and conservancy fees are collected from every guest to support the Conservancy and which also directly supports the community. The conservancy borders the Amboseli National Park to the eastern side, and forms a critical wildlife dispersal area. Amboseli National Park is about 392 km2 in size located in the 8,000 km2 Amboseli ecosystem that straddles across the Kenya-Tanzania border. It was gazetted as a National Park in 1974 in order to protect the core of the ecosystem. Amboseli is home to a variety of wildlife and famous for elephant watching. Other common wildlife includes: Cape buffalo, impala, lion, cheetah, hyena, giraffe, zebra, and wildebeest. It is also a haven for birdlife with over 400 species recorded. Other attractions include opportunities to interact with the local Maasai community and spectacular views of Mount Kilimanjaro, the highest mountain in Africa.
Energy management	The main energy source of the lodge is solar which used in the running of the electronic appliances in the facility. Six (6) solar coils are used for heating the pool water and are contained using a metallic cage to secure it from wildlife interference. Solar power is also used for water heating in guest rooms, in compliance with the Solar Water Heating Regulations. The lodge has 17 solar water heaters with 250 litres reservoir capacity. Energy saving bulbs are installed in the guest tents to save on energy. Saw dust is also used as an insulator in order to reduce energy lost through radiation in an energy efficient cook stove. Liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) is used for cooking for guests. Guests are briefed on energy conservation upon arrival. Staffs on the other hand are also educated on energy conservation and efficiency through regular briefings. To cut down on energy consumption, the facility intends on hoisting its water tank so that supply to the main consumption areas is gravity enabled.
Environmental management	Tawi Lodge has an environmental policy which is committed to ensuring social and environmentally sustainable business practices, environmental protection, community involvement and compliance with all applicable environmental regulations. The lodge has a sustainability policy in place with management plans which guides on proper environmental conduct in the consumption of natural resources, waste management and health and safety practices.
Chemical use	The camp uses Teepol products in its laundry, the kitchen and cleaning public areas which are biodegradable. Material Safety Data Sheets for the chemicals are available; staff are equipped with knowledge on handling and proper use of these chemicals. Biodegradable bathing soaps and shampoos are used within the guest tents. Gas is bought in bulk in a five (5) tone cylinder, the storage area is caged, away from human dwellings and precautionary signage well fixed.
Conservation Criteria
Community Criteria
Solid waste management	Organic waste - food waste - is sorted at the source and stored at the waste management center. The organic waste is then composted in a wire mesh caged pit Waste is separated at source and the bins are colour coded instead of labling to aid in the process of separation.
Water management	The main source of water for the camp is a borehole which uses solar pump to supply the water round the facility. A water meter has been installed at source to monitor usage. Daily meter readings and recording is done. Visitors are sensitized on sustainable water consumption on arrival and towel talk well placed in every room. Proper communication on water conservation is placed in all key water consumption point. The facility maintains a watering hole which is filled daily for the wild animals of the conservancy to take water from when the need arises.
Visitor communication & education	Visitors are briefed upon arrival on the lodge’s operations and environmental values. The guest tents are equipped with information on notice boards on environmental conservation and operations of Lodge. The lodge conducts nature talks and game drives for the guest in the effort to enlighten them on major conservation issues.
Pollution	The pathways are lit using low wattage bulbs at night to reduce on light pollution. The facility makes use of camels and donkeys for transport around the facility to cut down on emissions.
Environmental conservation	Through Africa Wildlife Foundation (AWF), Tawi lodge partnered with 100 local land owners and established Tawi-Kilitome conservancy of 6,000 acres dedicated to conservation. The facility plays a major role in the conservation of elephants through the Amboseli Trust for Elephants which carries out ecological monitoring of the ecosystem, for the benefit of the largest land mammals Tawi Lodge carries out a reforestation project through seed-balls; the project ensures propagation of indigenous tree species by disposing off seeds wrapped in clay and compost. The seeds are dispersed during game drives and are allowed to germinate at their own time when all conditions are favorable. The lodge is part of a community owned conservancy called the Tawi Conservancy. The conservancy is a migratory corridor of wildlife from Chyulu to Tsavo hence making it an area of biological importance.
Waste water management	Effluent from the guest kitchen flows through a portable grease trap to filter out oils and grease before draining into a soak pit. The grease trap is cleaned daily for efficiency. Grey waste water from the laundry, guest rooms and staff quarters flows into a closed drainage system which comprises of septic tanks and soak pits. Black water within the facility, guest area, public areas and staff quarters is managed through a three chamber septic tank; which comprises of a sewer line, manholes, and septic tanks and soaks pits. It has three (3) septic tanks. Bio-enzymes are added to enhance in sludge digestion. The swimming pool is cleaned via scrubbing, brushing and the backwash system. PH (alkalinity and acidity) is checked twice a day. The pool water is cleaned through sand filtration and eco-salts added and the surplus water flows to a wetland with aquatic plants and fish.
Purchasing and supplies	Meat is bought and packed in cool boxes. Fruits and vegetables are packed in re-usable crates. The facility also obtains its vegetables from the local community.
Employment and remuneration/staff welfare	Employees are provided with, food, medical cover, uniform, entertainment center, transport and accommodation facilities. Staff accommodation is well maintained i.e. clean and well kept The staffs are paid in line with the minimum wage, are given letters of appointment, code of conduct and job descriptions upon employment.
Staff education, communication and awareness training	Notice boards are used to facilitate communication to the staff.
Cultural preservation and promotion/protection of local sites	The facility informs clients on the cultural information within the area using literature material.
Benefits to local community/community empowerment	The conservancy is 6,000 acres big with 100 land owners who have gained economically from the lease fees and bed occupancy fees paid by the lodge. 50% of employees at the lodge are from the community and obtains its milk, tomatoes, maize and melons from local vendors. The facility sponsors intelligent students from humble background to undertake their high school education. This program was started in 2016 and has since benefitted 2 children. The facility takes guests to Maasai villages where they pay 20USD. 12USD goes to Lemong’o cultural boma while 8USD goes to the conservancy. The lodge supplied the locals with 10 water filtering buckets. The buckets were supplied by Sandra Vaugan of Grant Circle Foundation from Tanzania. This was done in the effort to cut down on child mortality from consumption of dirty water. Maasai dancers come to the facility to entertain guests and are thereafter paid for the service rendered. The sandals utilized in the rooms are donated to the locals for their use instead of disposing off them. The facility has been supporting bee farming, community owned project since 2013.
Cultural Criteria
Health and safety	Fire-fighting equipment including fire extinguishers, fire hose rails, automatic fire extinguishers, and fire blanket in the kitchen are strategically placed and duly serviced. Servicing is conducted by KK Security company every six months. The facility has an elaborate fire-fighting system consisting of fire stations per tent complete with two portable extinguishers (foam and carbon dioxide), fire alarm and a hose reel. Fire drills are regularly conducted to enhance for emergency. The fire assembly point is stationed at an accessible point and well labeled. The facility provides protective gear / PPE (Personal Protective Equipment) such as boots, uniform, gloves, apron to the staff. A health and safety audit has been conducted in accordance with section 11 of Occupational Safety and Health Act 2007. The facility has conducted a fire safety audit to comply with Factories and other places of work (Fire Risk Reduction) Rules 2007.
Child labor, abuse and human rights	The camp has well defined Human Resource policy that guides against employment of minors. Minimum employment age is 18years.
Business Practises Criteria
Entry Date	10th November 2017

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