Exploreans Mara Rianta Camp

Name of the facility	Exploreans Mara Rianta Camp
Certification Achieved	Silver
Year opened	2011
Tourism region	Masai Mara/South Rift
County	Narok
Address	Narok Map It
Telephone/Mobile	Tel: + 254 788 262 666
Email	info.mara@exploreans.com
Website	exploreans.com
Facility Notes	Exploreans Mara Rianta Camp is located in Mara North Conservancy situated within the Mara-Serengeti Ecosystem. The camp was established in 2011 and is managed by Neptune Hotels. It has twenty (20) tents with a maximum bed capacity of 46. The camp is open all year round and has 49 permanent staff for its operations. It is designed to have a low impact on the environment. The canvas tents are beige in color, and blend in with the natural surroundings. They are raised from the ground on wooden platforms, leaving the natural vegetation relatively undisturbed. Mara North Conservancy covers an area of approximately 74000 acres (30,000 hectares) of land, bordering Masai Mara National Reserve to the north therefore forming a critical part of the Masai Mara ecosystem. The conservancy is a partnership between 12 member camps (tourism operators) and over 800 land owners; where land has been leased from individual Masai land owners. The aim of this conservancy is to create a best practice, world class conservancy with long term commitment to the environment, wildlife and local communities. The conservancy supports the one bed per 700 acres policy so as to minimize impact on the environment. It is managed by a board of directors elected by the camp owners, which works in partnership with Masai Land Owners Committee to meet long and short term conservation objectives for the future. Together the conservancy and the Masai community are implementing sound land management policies which include; controlled grazing, holistic management practices, low volume and low impact tourism and community land use plans. Common wildlife within the conservancy include zebra, Thompson’s gazelle, impala, elephants, hyenas, wild dogs as well as big cats-lions, cheetah and leopards. The conservancy is also a haven for birdlife.
Energy management	The main source of power at the camp is solar fixed with power inverter battery system. The energy is used for lighting and running electrical appliances. Back-up power is provided by two generators with an output of 100KvA and 250Kva respectively which are only used for running the cold room and freezers. Diesel consumption for the generator is well monitored. Water heating for the camp is conducted through solar water heaters. The camp has (26) twenty six solar heaters with a capacity of 300 litres each. Liquefied Petroleum gas (LPG) is used for guests cooking. The staff is sensitized on energy conservation through departmental briefings whereas visitors are sensitized on arrival briefings. Also, guest tents are fitted with room information sensitizing visitors on energy conservation. The guest tents are fixed with main switches and the night guards are sensitized to switch off unnecessary lights. Also, Energy saving bulbs is installed throughout for energy conservation
Environmental management	Exploreans Mara Rainta has an environmental policy that guides the camp operations.
Chemical use	The camp uses biodegradable shower and laundry soaps and chemicals. Fuel (diesel) is stored in a tank with a capacity of 4000 liters.
Conservation Criteria
Community Criteria
Solid waste management	Waste separation at the facility is conducted at source. The bins are colour coded and the staff sensitized on waste separation and management at source. The waste is put in holding area for further sorting before disposal via Neptune Hotels and Aitong for recycling. Organic waste is composted in a compost pit which is well secured and fitted with a cage to keep off scavengers.
Water management	Main source of water for the camp is obtained from a borehole within the premises. The water is solar pumped and collected in a reservoir with a capacity of 60,000 liters and two feeder tanks of 10,000 liters each. It then flows via gravity to the entire facility. The water is metered at the extraction point and recording done on a regular basis for monitoring purposes. The camp has installed a reverse osmosis water treatment/filtration plant for purifying drinking water. This has reduced on need to buy bottled water consequently reducing on plastic waste generation. Other initiatives aimed at efficient water use include; installing low shower filter heads and lift taps to reduce and monitor water use and dual flush toilet cisterns in the guest tents to reduce on the amount of water consumed per flush. Guests are sensitized on water conservation efforts by the camp manager upon arrival and through tent information folders. There are also “towel talk” signs in the guest tents encouraging guests to re-use their towels to reduce on water usage.
Visitor communication & education	Exploreans Mara Rianta Camp has a visitors’ resource area (located at the main tent) equipped with reading materials including environmental publications, wildlife and travel magazines, and nature conservation magazines such as Africa Geographic, Books on Kenya, Birds of Kenya. Mammals and bird list to sensitize visitors on the environmental values, and conservancy operations and activities. Guests are briefed upon arrival on the values of the camp, camp operations and the Conservancy while booklets and room information folders are available at the resource information section and guest tents respectively. Trees planted within the camp and guest tents have local names included
Pollution	Low wattage bulbs are used to light the pathways at night which greatly reduces light pollution while the fuel store is well enclosed in a concrete area to contain spills.
Environmental conservation	Exploreans Mara Rianta is built to have a low environmental footprint and blends in with the local surrounding. The guest tents are made of beige canvas raised on wooden platforms and the surrounding indigenous vegetation is left intact. The camp encourages tree planting for guests and staff all-round the facility aimed at promoting environmental conservation. The camp is located within Mara North Conservancy and plays a significant role in the conservancy operations by paying monthly conservancy and bed night fees. It assists the conservancy rangers in wildlife monitoring and report on any incidences to the conservancy. Occasionally, the facility hosts a research team from the conservancy who give lectures to guests on conservation and wildlife monitoring issues within the conservancy to create awareness.
Waste water management	Effluent from the guest kitchen flows through a grease trap to filter out oils and grease before draining into a three compartment septic tank. Effluent from the guest tents and staff quarters is managed through the septic tank. The facility has a swimming pool which is cleaned via vacuum cleaning and backwash systems and water pumped back to the pool. PH and chlorine levels are checked daily. Backwash is done once a week depending on guest occupancy. Black water within the facility, guest area, public areas and staff quarters is managed through a septic tank system. Biological enzymes are added to enhance sludge digestion. Effluent undergoes different stages of treatment and ends up in a nearby soak pit filled with coarse rocks and gravel to enhance the effluent filtration.
Purchasing and supplies	Staff food is bought in bulk to reduce on packaging while guest food is purchased on demand. Fruits and vegetables are packed in re-usable crates whereas meat is stored in a cold room. Some fresh vegetables are picked from the vegetable garden reducing the need for packaging.
Employment and remuneration/staff welfare	There is a staff welfare committee which handles and addresses staff issues to the management. The employees are registered under KUDHEIHA (Kenya Union of Domestic, Hotels, Education Institutions, Hospitals and Allied Workers).
Staff education, communication and awareness training	The camp has notice boards fixed within for staff communication while further sensitization is done through departmental briefings/meetings.
Cultural preservation and promotion/protection of local sites	The facility offers village visits to guests for cultural experiences, where they are sensitized on the local Maasai culture. Guests are charged $25 per person for the visits which directly goes to the community. The guides at the camp are from the local Masai community who act as interpreters and expound on the local culture to the visitors. During high season, students from the local primary school (Mara Rianta) are invited to entertain guests through cultural dances.
Benefits to local community/community empowerment	The camp purchases from the locals where possible. Products such as beads and meat for staff, is obtained locally. Also, the facility employs from the local community. Approximately 50% of the staff are from the local Masai community. The conservancy pools together the bed night fees, leases fees and conservancy fees which are paid for conservancy management and operations, and specifically to individual land owners. Major projects such as education, healthcare and community development are implemented through conservancy initiatives. The camp supports a local community women group by providing space to sell their cultural artifacts and curios directly to guests on demand basis. The women also have the chance to teach beadwork to the guests. Further, the facility through guest contributions support Mara Rianta primary school through donations such as text books, shoes, stationery and sports equipment. Staff benefits include food, medical cover, uniform, entertainment, transport and accommodation.
Cultural Criteria
Health and safety	The camp has a core team of staff trained on Occupational Health and Safety. In addition it has an occupational health and safety team as required by Legal Notice No 31 of 2004. There is a clinic within the camp and a clinical officer who comes thrice a week. Medical emergencies are referred to Mara Rianta. In addition, the facility is subscribed to AMREF Flying doctors for Emergency services. The camp provides a medical cover for staff. Medical check-ups have been conducted for food and beverage handlers dated October 2014- to ascertain their health fitness in compliance with Food, Drugs, and Chemical substances Act. Cap 254. The camp has a team of staff trained on first aid and fire-fighting skills. A first aid kit is available at the camp clinic. Guest tents are provided with torches and an electric switch for emergency response. There are folders for guests with information on safety while at the facility and emergency contacts. Safety and precautionary signage has been installed at the fuel storage area, workshop and generator room for safety purposes The facility has conducted a health and safety audit in compliance with section 11 of Occupational Safety and Health Act 2007. Fire assembly points are properly marked and displayed within the camp. Staff are also provided with PPE (Personal Protective Equipment) such as overall, gloves and boots.
Child labor, abuse and human rights	The facility does not employ any person below the legal working age of 18 year
Business Practises Criteria
Entry Date	12th March 2018

Read More

Encounter Mara Camp

Name of the facility	Encounter Mara Camp
Certification Achieved	Gold
Year opened	2011
Tourism region	Masai Mara/South Rift
County	Narok
Address	Mara Naboisho Conservancy. Map It
Telephone/Mobile	+254 736 479550, +254 715 479550
Email	reservations@asiliaafrica.com
Website	encountermara.com
Facility Notes	The Mara Naboisho Conservancy is a 50,000-acre piece of land within the Mara-Serengeti ecosystem. The conservancy was established in 2010. Naboisho Conservancy is an integral part of the Mara-Serengeti ecosystem, providing critical wildlife dispersal area for migratory wildlife, including the wildebeest. The Mara portion of the ecosystem supports approximately 92 species of mammals and about 400 species of local birds. It is the largest high-altitude grassland in East Africa and hosts the largest population of the migratory Caspian Plover. The conservancy supports wildlife conservation through undertaking applied research studies to improve human-wildlife interactions. There are on-going study programs on lions and elephants.
Energy management	The camp is 100% run on solar power. Solar power is connected to an inverter battery. It also has a back-up generator with an output of 12.5KvA up. The generator runs for one hour a day. Water heating for the Camp is conducted through solar heaters. In addition, there are two back up kuni boilers, firewood used in the kuni boilers is sourced from Mara Beef. Energy consumption records are analysed based on bed capacity and progress attained shared with staff to sensitize and create motivation on the efforts achieved. LPG is used for cooking both at the guests and staff quarters. Energy saving jikos are also used in the staff kitchen. Energy saving bulbs and light emitting diodes (LED)are installed throughout the camp for energy use efficiency. Guests and staff are sensitized on energy conservation and efficiency through posters.
Environmental management	Encounter Mara Camp is guided by parent company -Asilia Africa policy which puts emphasis on commitment to responsible tourism, environmental protection, resources conservation, compliance to relevant legislations, support to local communities and sustainability in areas of operations. The camp undertakes its annual self-Environmental Audit (EA) as required by EMCA 1999 (Environmental Management and Co-ordination Act.) NEMA/EA/5/2/12395The facility has an environmental management system in place with management plans in water, energy, waste as well as Health and safety
Chemical use	Biodegradable bathing soaps are used within the camp. Shower products are supplied by Cinnabar green limited while laundry chemicals are supplied by Odex Chemical. Material Safety Data Sheet records for the chemicals used within the facility are available. Fuel (diesel) is stored in a tank with a capacity of 3000 liters. Petrol and kerosene are stored in metal cans while LPG gas are well secured
Conservation Criteria
Community Criteria
Solid waste management	Waste is separated at the source in each department. The bins are clearly labelled. Additionally, the waste is put in a waste management centre –for further segregation before transporting to Mara Bush House. Staff are actively involved in segregation of the waste. Organic waste is managed through a compost pit which is well enclosed to keep off scavengers. The facility uses refillable 10 litres water dispensers in the effort to reduce plastic waste. Guests going on game drive are issued will a personal refillable aluminium bottle which they take with them after their stay at the camp. Drinking water within the guest rooms is served using glass bottles.
Water management	Main source of water for Encounter Mara Camp is obtained from the conservancy borehole. The water is then pumped to a water reservoir with a capacity of 10000litres.An outer meter is provided at the water reservoir. The meter is read on a daily basis to monitor the amount of water consumed by the camp. Water usage records are analyzed based on bed occupancy for monitoring purposes. The result obtained are clearly communicated to the staff and used to formulate conservation targets. Water saving signage has been placed in different locations to sensitise staff and guest on the importance of water conservation. Showers faucets have been installed at the guest rooms for water use efficiency. Guest tents are fitted with dual flush toilet cisterns which reduce on the amount of water consumed per flush .There are also “towel talk” signs in the guest tents encouraging visitors to re-use their towels aimed at reduction on water usage at the laundry. Sprinkler irrigation is used to irrigate the kitchen garden. Irrigation is conducted in the evening with an aim to reduce on water loss. The camp has installed Rain water harvesting to supplement the water demand. The camp is fitted with 20 liters bucket shower system to reduce water use
Visitor communication & education	Encounter Mara Camp has a visitors’ resource area (located in the pubic area) equipped with reading materials including environmental publications, wildlife and travel magazines, and nature conservation magazines. Room information folders are provided in the guest rooms with detailed information on camp environmental conservation and activities. Guests are further briefed upon arrival on the values of the camp and camp operations
Pollution	Generator has a sound proof casing to keep noise level to a safe level.
Environmental conservation	Twice every month the facility participates in environmental clean-ups within the region. The camp supports the Mara Predator Conservation, a conservation program that aims to conserve lions and Cheetah in the Maasai Mara Ecosystem. The project involves guides and visitors identifying lions and cheetah and reporting on their sightings. The Camp has a mentorship program at Mbitin primary school. Pupils are offered game drives and lectures on wildlife and nature conservation issues
Waste water management	The facility has developed a drainage plan to enhance proper monitoring of the waste water management system. Grey water from the guest and staff kitchen flows through a three (3) compartment grease trap to filter fats and oils before draining into a septic tank. Grease traps are cleaned after every 4 days to ensure grease, fats and oils are removed. Grey effluent from the guest tents and staff quarters is managed through the septic tank and later drains into soak pits. Black water from the guest tents is managed through septic tank then into a soak pit. Water effluent sample tests are conducted quarterly to comply with NEMA- Environmental Management and Coordination (Water Quality) Regulations of 2006.Ref No. NEMA/WQ/EDA/580.
Purchasing and supplies	The facility purchases its products in bulk to reduce on packaging. Vegetables and fruits are packed in re-usable crates and cool boxes for meat.
Employment and remuneration/staff welfare	Employees are provided with, food, medical cover, uniform, entertainment centre, 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. The employees are given letters of appointment, code of conduct and job descriptions upon employment.
Staff education, communication and awareness training	Employees have a staff welfare committee which handles and addresses staff issues. Notice boards are used to facilitate communication to the staff. Staff have been trained on firefighting skills and use of firefighting equipment by Regency Fire and Safety Services Limited. The camp has a Lobster Ink training program for its staff. The camp has an in-house staff training program where employees are trained on fire safety, health and safety, sustainability awareness,
Cultural preservation and promotion/protection of local sites	The camp has a designate section where local Maasai women can sell authentic and local beadwork. Curio supplies are purchased from the Maa Trust. The camp invites local dancers to perform Maasai dances at the facility this serves to promote the culture and heritage of the local people. The facility offers village visits village where guest learn about the Maasai culture. The facility has pieces of décor with designs that portray the local culture e.g. beaded glass bottles. Kids are taught how to throw spears, arrows and make fire by the guides. While conducting game drives, guides educate the guest on the Masai culture
Benefits to local community/community empowerment	Mara Naboisho Conservancy collects bed night fees, leases fees and conservancy fees. The fees are used for conservancy management and operations and paid to individual land owners. The camp provides employment opportunities to the locals. Approximately 95% of the permanent employees are from the local community. Encounter Mara through its Asilia management supports several Community Programs they include;Justice ole Keiwua wildlife scholarship: The program provides students with university scholarships in the tourism and wildlife management fields. Maa trust youth empowerment:The program helps young people in the local community to identify their desired careers. The program work with local camps in the conservancy to provide internships opportunities.Maa trust honey project: The project enables women to earn an income. The hives are owned by women groups, honey harvested are sold to camp across the Mara.Maa trust FGM education: The trust train and coordinates anti FGM ambassadors within the community. The camp also supports Mbitin primary school through bursaries and learning material.
Cultural Criteria
Health and safety	The camp has a health &safety policy which shows commitment to; compliance with legal requirements, ensuring a safe and healthy work environment for staff and guests and hazard awareness and control. The facility has an emergency plan with clear spelt out procedures on fire, medical care and evacuation. The guest rooms are equipped with a whistle, for emergency response and fire extinguisher in case of fire. The camp is linked to SATIB Flying Doctors services for emergency response. Adequately stocked first aid kits are located at the main office. A fire safety audit has been conducted in compliance with Fire Risk Reduction Rules, 2007. Latest was done on 20th July 2017All employees are trained on fire fighting the latest refresher training was conducted by Regency Fire and Safety Services Limited on 5thJuly 2017.Firefighting equipment including, fire extinguishers, fire electric alarm, are strategically placed within the facility. A health and safety audit has been conducted in accordance with section 11 of Occupational Safety and Health Act 2007. Latest was done on 20th July2017.The facility provides protective gear / PPE (Personal Protective Equipment) such as ear muffs, boots, uniform, gloves, and apron to the staff. Fire assembly point is properly marked and displayed within the facility The camp has been inspected and issued with a health clearance certificate
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	9th March 2018

Read More

Elsa’s Kopje

Name of the facility	Elsa’s Kopje
Certification Achieved	Gold
Year opened	2002
Tourism region	North Rift
County	Meru
Address	Meru National Park Map It
Telephone/Mobile	0722 509387/0710 740020 254
Email	manager.elsaskopje@elewana.com
Website	elsaskopje.com
Facility Notes	Elsa’s Kopje is located In Meru National Park which form part of the Meru Conservation Area (MCA) along with Bisanadi National Reserve and Kora National Park. The region has acquisitive rocky outcrops known as kopjes. It has more than 13 perennial rivers fed from Nyambene Mountain Ranges, northwest of Mount Kenya. The lodge is specifically located on Global Positioning System (GPS) Coordinates (Latitude 0.1016449 and Longitude 38.204870). The Meru Conservation Area is famously known for hosting the enthusiastic world-renowned conservationists George and Joy Adamson, who lived with orphaned lions and rehabilitated other large predators back into the wild and documented their exhilarating experiences in books such as, Born Free. The lodge is open throughout the year and has fifteen (12) guest tents with a bed capacity of 28 visitors and a total work force of 48 employees
Energy management	Solar is the main source of energy for the lodge. The energy is supplemented by two (2) backup generators with an output capacity of 40KvA each. The system is fixed with three (3) main power inverters. Water heating for the camp is conducted through solar water heaters. The facility has installed twelve (12) solar water heaters with a capacity 300 litres each for water heating. Liquefied Petroleum gas (LPG) is used for guests cooking. The facility runs on LED (Light Emitting Diodes) and energy saving bulbs only. In addition, the facility has a charcoal fridge for storing fruits and vegetables. The staff is also sensitized on energy conservation through departmental briefings as are visitors who are briefed on arrival and room information pamphlets.
Environmental management	Elsa’s Kopje has a clear environmental policy to guide in its operation. The policy is committed to best management of the environmental, health and safety aspects as an integrated part of their business; and it is aimed at protecting the fragile Meru ecosystem. It has specific principles based on compliance, relevant government legislation, stakeholder communication, environmental management and monitoring for continued improvement.
Chemical use	The facility uses biodegradable shower products from Cinnabar Green. There is an organized operating procedure for the swimming pool chemical handling Material Safety Data Sheets – MSDS for the chemicals are available.
Conservation Criteria
Community Criteria
Solid waste management	Waste separation at the facility is conducted at source. The bins are clearly labelled and strategically placed for waste separation and management at source. Additionally, the waste is put in a waste management centre – separation chambers for further segregation before transporting via the management company’s central stores for recycling in Nairobi. Organic waste is given away to a local pig farm in Kiotene just outside the park. The lodge has made efforts to reduce plastic wastes by offering guests reusable aluminium water bottles which they can also keep as souvenirs.
Water management	Main source of water for the facility is a borehole located within the premises. The water is pumped using solar power and distributed via gravity to the entire lodge. The lodge has installed a reverse osmosis water treatment/filtration plant for purifying drinking water. The lodge sensitizes its staff during daily meetings and guests during briefings on water conservation. Guests are also encouraged to re-use their towels and linen through room information sheets
Visitor communication & education	Visitors are briefed upon arrival. Room information sheets are provided in the guest rooms with detailed information on Elsa’s Kopje Lodge environmental conservation and activities and the Meru National Park ecosystem. The lodge is equipped with a reading resource area located at the restaurant with information materials on biodiversity of Meru National Park. Nature walks and Game drives are offered as awareness creation /education platforms to the guests with the help of the guides.
Pollution	For the purpose of minimizing light and noise pollution, lanterns are used to illuminate paths at night and the generator is also well serviced, insulated and uses a muffler system.
Environmental conservation	The facility contributes to environmental conservation through a tree nursery project implemented at the lodge and at one of the schools supported by the lodge-Ura primary school. So far approximately 500 seedlings have been planted with a 90% success rate.The lodge also participates in local conservation efforts by supporting the local authorities (KWS) in projects such as the carnivore census. The facility is also involved in the Grevy Zebra Project- a privately funded project aimed at improving the potential for the threatened Grevy Zebra in Meru National Park.
Waste water management	Effluent from the guest kitchen flows through a grease trap to filter out oils and grease before draining into a soak pit. Grey waste water from the laundry, guest rooms and staff quarters is managed via soak pits. Black water within the facility, guest area, public areas and staff quarters is managed through septic tanks; the facility has a total of twelve (10) septic tanks.
Purchasing and supplies	Purchasing of supplies is done in an environmentally friendly way, re-usable packaging material is utilized and bulk purchase done where possible. Some fresh vegetables are picked from the kitchen garden reducing the need for packaging.
Employment and remuneration/staff welfare	The facility has a staff welfare committee that meets regularly to deal with staff issues with the management.
Staff education, communication and awareness training	The lodge has in house training per department on skills development, conservation issues and health and safety. There is a notice board in place for staff communication on policies, fire safety and emergency procedures. The facility through its parent company established a staff reward scheme i.e. ‘employee of the month’ aimed at recognizing outstanding efforts achieved by staff. This initiative is aimed at motivating the staff.
Cultural preservation and promotion/protection of local sites	The guests are sensitized on the local culture by the lodge guides. There is adequate information regarding local culture and cultural sites included in the room information folders aimed at raising guest awareness.
Benefits to local community/community empowerment	The lodge supports various schools through a scholarship program where two students are granted bursaries to cover their entire secondary education annually. The basis of this scholarship is based on academic abilities and an ability of the students engaging in the facility’s Wildlife Warrior Scheme. Other projects in the local schools include creating awareness on conservation, reequipping the nursery school and rehabilitating classrooms. About 50% of the employees are from the local area, however, all casual work job opportunities are given to the locals. Staff benefits include; sponsored training, health care, insurance covers, uniform, food, entertainment, accommodation and transport
Cultural Criteria
Health and safety	Guest cottages are equipped with fire evacuation plan – facility plan - and emergency response equipment such as a radio call, rechargeable torch and whistle. In addition, first aid kits are available.The lodge has a detailed and clearly communicated Health and Safety Policy in place which acts as a comprehensive guide on safety procedures at the facility. In addition, the facility has an environment, health and safety Committee that spearheads environmental, health and safety issues
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

Read More

Elephant Pepper Camp

Name of the facility	Elephant Pepper Camp
Certification Achieved	Gold
Year opened	1985
Tourism region	Masai Mara/South Rift
County	Narok
Address	Head Office - Nairobi Map It
Telephone/Mobile	+254 730 127000
Email	manager.elephantpepper@elewana.com
Website	elephantpeppercamp.com
Facility Notes	Elephant Pepper Camp is located within the Masai Mara ecosystem in Mara North Conservancy on global positioning system (GPS) latitude 36M 0737128 and longitude UTM 9867417. The camp was established in 2005 owned and managed by the Elewana Collection. It has nine (9) guest tents with a total bed capacity of eighteen (18) guests. The facility has a total work force of 27 permanent employees for its operations. Mara North Conservancy is a non-profit company established in 2009. It was formed between 12 member camps (tourism operators) and over 800 Maasai individual landowners who signed lease contracts for a period of 5-15 years. The conservancy measures approximately 74,000 acres (30,000 hectares). It forms the north-western zone, a vital part of the Masai Mara – Serengeti ecosystem. The main reason for the formation of the conservancy is to create a best practice, long-term commitments to the environment, wildlife, local communities, and promote low volume / low impact tourism. Mara North Conservancy is managed by a board of directors, elected by the camp owners. The 12 member camps collectively pay US$ 87,000 per month in fixed payments amounting to over US$ 1.004 million per year to the conservancy. Around 80% of the amount is paid directly to the individual landowners in lease fees, while the remainder is allocated to conservation management. The Conservancy is a critical wildlife dispersal area for migratory wildlife in the Mara-Serengeti ecosystem. Common animals include Burch ell’s Zebra, Thompson’s gazelle, Impala, elephants, Giraffes, Hippopotamus, spotted Hyenas, Jackals, Africa Civet, Genet, Banded Mongoose, Warthog, Tree Hyrax and Porcupine. Big cats include Leopards, Cheetah and Lion. The conservancy is also a haven for birdlife.
Energy management	Elephant Pepper Camp is powered by solar power fixed with an inverter system with total power output of 30 kilowatts. In addition is a 10 KvA backup generator. Energy monitoring for the invertors system and generator is carried out and recording done. Energy saving bulbs and light emitting diodes are installed throughout the facility for power conservation. In addition, a centralized charging point – no sockets in the guest tent - has been installed to control power. The camp uses firewood obtained from Kakuzi Limited for water heating at the guest area. Three (3) efficient water heating kuni boilers installed by Warm Stem Heat Transfer Limited are used within the facility. Charcoal briquettes sourced from Chardust limited are used for oven baking. The kitchen oven is modified to bake and heat water for kitchen use at the same time. Liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) is used for cooking at the guest kitchen. The camp has also invested in a charcoal fridge for storing its vegetables. Drip irrigation is used to water the fridge – an initiative meant to ensure water conservation. Guests are briefed on energy conservation on arrival and through information folders in the guest tents while staff is sensitized through staff meetings and departmental briefings.
Environmental management	Environmental management Elephant Pepper Camp has a comprehensive Environmental policy. The policy emphasizes on environmental management, health and safety, resources conservation through responsible and sustainable tourism, local community benefits and environmental resources (water, energy and waste) management. Additionally, the camp has an environmental management system with monitoring action plans in resource use (water, and waste).
Chemical use	Fuel (diesel, and Petrol) storage area is properly contained to prevent accidental spillage to the environment. The fuel is stored in a 200 liter drums which are clearly labeled for distinction purposes. The camp uses biodegradable bathroom amenities in the guest tents. The chemicals are accompanied by Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) records.
Conservation Criteria
Community Criteria
Solid waste management	Waste separation (paper, plastics, metals glass and organic) is conducted at source and the bins are clearly labeled. The waste is later put in a waste collection center for further segregation before final disposal via Elewana offices to recycling companies in Nairobi. Organic waste is composted within the facility. Compost pit is properly covered to keep off wildlife scavenging and rain water. In plastic waste reduction, the camp has adopted the following waste reduction measures; • Invested in a reverse osmosis drinking water filtration system. The water is later served in 18 litre dispensers both to staff and guest. Drinking water for clients is served in 18 litre dispensers at the main restaurant. • Water in the guest tents is served in glass jugs which are refilled from the dispensers. In addition guests are issued with a -500 litres vapour anti bottles – a foldable re-usable water bottle for use during their stay aimed at plastic waste minimization
Water management	Main source of water for the camp is from borehole located in Aitong area. (The borehole was dug through a partnership with the facility which also serves the local community). The water is collected from the borehole by use of a water bowser of 600 litres – approximately 3trips are made in a day. It is stored in three (3) reservoir tanks with an average capacity of 20,000 litres. A water meter has been installed to monitor the water consumption. Additionally, the facility has 5 tanks with an average capacity of 24,600 litres for rain water harvesting. Water use recording for the rain water is done. Guests are sensitized about water conservation upon arrival. They are encouraged to re-use their towels through “towel-talks” and also limited to using ‘safari showers’ - 20 litres refillable buckets showers - aimed at water conservation. Staff is sensitized during regular briefings. Drip watering is used on the charcoal fridge roof as a measure to conserve water.
Visitor communication & education	Visitors are briefed upon arrival on the camp’s operations, and environmental values. Additional information is provided through booklets and room information folders which are available at the restaurant section and guest tents respectively. Publications such as Africa Geographic magazines, Books on Kenya, Masai Mara National Reserve and its ecosystem, Birds of Kenya, mammals and bird list are availed at the section. Room information sheets and flyers are strategically put at the guest tents for sensitization / communication purposes e.g. environmental conservation activities and initiatives. Guests engage in activities which include; game drives, village visits, bird watching and nature walk safaris – walking safaris are also aimed at reducing the carbon footprint of the facility.
Pollution	The camp uses lanterns for lighting at night, around the facility as a measure to reduce on light pollution.
Environmental conservation	Elephant Pepper Camp is built on low environmental footprint; it blends well with the local surroundings. The tents are semi-permanent made of brown canvas tents and erected on wooden platforms. The facility is unfenced which allows wildlife to wander freely. The natural vegetation is relatively undisturbed with pathways filled with soil to demarcate the way. Elephant pepper camp was core in the formulation of Mara North Conservancy and is part of the conservancy management playing a significant role in the conservancy operations. In addition the camp contributes the perquisite conservancy fees, lease fees and bed night fee. The camp supports and partners with wildlife conservation initiatives such as the Mara Lion Project– an initiative to build an identification database of lions in and around the conservancies north of the Masai Mara National Reserve through tracking individuals, effective conservation techniques and the Mara Cheetah Project – a research initiative to identify the behavioral adaptations and assessment of impact of social structure on reproductive success and survival of the cheetah in the protected areas. Support and partnership is implemented through creating awareness of the projects to clients and involvement of facility guides in reporting sightings.The facility sensitizes and car-pools its clients during transfers and game drives as a measure to reduce on its carbon foot print.
Waste water management	Waste water management Grey water from the guest kitchen is managed through a grease trap to filter fats and oils before draining into a two chamber wetland (filled with sand) ending up in a soak away system. The grease trap is cleaned at least once every two weeks. Grey waste water for the staff quarters, guest tents and public areas is managed through soak pits. Black effluent from the guest tents, staff quarters and public areas is managed through septic tanks. Effective Micro -organisms EM-1 is used in the septic tanks to enhance sludge digestion. The facility has five (5) septic tanks.
Purchasing and supplies	Purchases for the facility are done centrally and bought in bulk to reduce on packaging while guest food is bought on demand.
Employment and remuneration/staff welfare	About 50% of the employees are from the local area. The employees were sought from the local community and trained on hospitality skills. The staff is provided with accommodation facilities, food, heath care and staff uniform.
Staff education, communication and awareness training	The environmental policy is clearly communicated to the staff through strategically fixed signage, daily briefing from the management and in house sensitization. The facility has staff committee which represents staff issues to the management. Weekly staff meetings are held for staff sensitization. Furthermore, the camp has a staff welfare committee which handles and addresses employees’ issues. Elephant Pepper Camp has an in-house staff training program where employees are sensitized on fire safety, health and safety, sustainability awareness, hygiene and housekeeping lessons.
Cultural preservation and promotion/protection of local sites	Elephant Pepper camp has detailed room information folders with materials concerning the Masai Mara region and ecosystem, people and culture. The guests are further sensitized on the local Maasai culture and engage in traditional activities such as arrow and spear throwing. Clients willing to visit the local villages are charged 25 USD. 5 USD is directed towards Cheli and Peacock Community Trust whereas the rest is paid on monthly basis to the local villages.
Benefits to local community/community empowerment	Elephant Pepper Camp purchases from the locals where feasible, milk and goat meat for staff meals is obtained from the staffs who happen to be the locals. At least two (2) goats are bought from the community on weekly basis. Formal agreements are signed in milk supply. Water bottles are issued free to all visitors; however, visitors are also encouraged to purchase more, proceeds from the sales are directed towards the community trust. About 50% of the employees are from the local area. The employees were sought from the local community and trained on hospitality skills. Through its corporate social responsibility (CSR), and the Cheli and Peacock Community Trust, Elephant Pepper Camp has the following initiatives;• Education: the camp promotes learning by supporting a number of schools namely, Aitong Primary, Ololomei Primary and Aitong Secondary. Through, thee Bright Green Project – Cheli & Peacock facilitated the award of a US$1 million grant from the Obel Family Foundation for an initiative to improve education for Maasai children and youth, establish wildlife eco-clubs promoting conservation awareness, for communities living in the Mara ecosystem. Through the initiative, the trust has managed to renovate classrooms at Aitong Primary School, install a rain water harvesting system, and build an extension of the dining room a new kitchen and purchase chairs and tables. Additionally, the facility has constructed a boy’s dormitory for the school. In Ololomei Primary, the camp renders its support to the School through donations such as, over 200 text books, exercise books, and stationary. In 2014, the school received donations worth Kshs. 659,334.95• Health: In a partnership with Kenya Red Cross, the camp launched a bi-annual Medical Camp at Aitong where they provide the Community with medical supplies and peer education sessions touching on HIV/AIDS awareness. An initial medical camp at the clinic was arranged from 16 – 18 November 2012, during which a team of five trained Red Cross personnel provided free medical advice, treatment and prescriptions to 300 patients. In June 2013, two doctors visited the clinic to offer medical care and developed an operational work plan for the coming year(2014), to look into maternal-child health camp in October (focussing on fistula awareness and the benefits of clinic delivery). In 2014, Kshs. 268,038 was raised through the initiative. In 2015, a medical outreach aimed at training clinicians on advanced life support in Obstetrics’ was held on 6th and 7th June at Mara Discovery Centre. The event was held in conjunction with Kicheche Mara Camp. • Wildlife Warrior Programme: An efforts to educate and sensitize school going pupils on conservation while at the same time linking between wildlife tourism and community benefits. Over 380 Wildlife Warriors of Ololomei Primary School take part in the initiative. • Wildlife Warrior Scholarship Program; Designed to encourage best pupils under the wildlife warrior program. Currently it has 2 pupils in Ololomei primary school (full scholarship) Elephant Pepper camp ensures payment of requisite fees (financial obligations) as follows; • Land Lease / Rent: At least Kshs.680, 000 is paid on annul basis to the land owner • Conservancy fee: at least Kshs. 3, 000 is paid per bed on monthly basis to the conservancy • Bed night fee & Park Fee this is paid to the conservancy at the rates of Kshs. 1300 & 600 for every adult & child.
Cultural Criteria
Health and safety	The facility has a health and safety policy in place which ensures safety procedures are maintained. In addition is a fire safety policy which outlines safety procedures in case of fire. For emergency purposes, the camp is linked to Flying Doctors service for emergency evacuations and a doctor on call for medical emergency. There is also an adequate team of 10 employees, heads of departments, the camp manager and guides trained on first aid. Well-equipped first aid kits are available at the main office, and game drive vehicles. Emergency contacts and documented procedures are strategically put at the manager’s office for safety preparedness at the camp. Guest tents are equipped with radio calls for emergency purposes. LPG (50 kg) is well secured in a cage for safety purposes. The camp has also undergone Health Inspection and issued with a Health Inspection Certificate. Firefighting equipment such as fire extinguishers and fire blankets are strategically located and serviced. Supplementary sand buckets are also availed to boost firefighting equipment. Elephant Pepper camp has an adequate team trained on fire safety. A fire assembly point is properly marked and displayed within the facility. A fire alarm is also available. The camp provides PPE (Personal Protective Equipment) such as overall, gloves and boots to the repairs and maintenance staff.
Child labor, abuse and human rights	The camp has a well-defined Human Resource policy that guides against employment of minors. Minimum employment age is 18years.
Business Practises Criteria
Entry Date	10th November 2017

Read More

El Karama Eco Lodge

Name of the facility	El Karama Eco Lodge
Certification Achieved	Silver
Year opened	2006
Tourism region	Laikipia/Samburu
County	Laikipia
Address	El Karama Ranch Map It
Telephone/Mobile	+254 702 996 902
Email	elkaramalodge@gmail.com
Website	laikipiasafaris.com
Facility Notes	El Karama Lodge is a private enterprise located in El Karama Ranch approximately 42 kilometres from Nanyuki town. The ranch is about 15,000 acres in size. The lodge is specifically located on Global Positioning System (GPS) Coordinates, Latitude: 0.20609 N and Longitude: 36.904060E. It has 6 guest tents with a bed capacity of 12 visitors and a total work force of 14 employees. El Karama Ranch has a wide array of wildlife which includes: lions, elephants, buffalo and leopards. Healthy populations of reticulated giraffe, common zebra, eland, hyenas, aardvark the endangered Grevy’s zebra, wild dogs and hartebeest thrive on the ranch. The ranch is also a haven for birds with over 380 bird species.
Energy management	The lodge runs on 100% solar power. There are 22 solar panels connected to a battery system. The power is used for lighting the lodge, pumping water, swimming pool maintenance and running an electric fence. In addition, all water within the facility is heated through solar powered water boilers system. Energy consumption is monitored through an energy meter. Energy saving bulbs and LED’s have been installed throughout the facility to minimize on energy consumption. Path lights are lit through the use of LED bulbs. The lodge also has an energy rationing schedule. Visitors are encouraged to conserve energy by switching off unnecessary lights. The cottages are fixed with main switches for easier lights switch- off. In addition, there is information in the room folders to sensitize guests. Employees are sensitized through staff briefings. The lodge uses LPG gas for the guest kitchen and fuel wood for the staff kitchen. The wood is sustainably collected from the ranch guided by the ranch management. The stove used is also energy efficient. There are plans in place to install biogas.
Environmental management	El Karama Lodge has an environmental policy mission which states commitment to environmentally low impact operations, contributing positively to sustainable preservation of the habitat and ecosystem of El Karama Ranch. Ecotourism practices guides in implementation of the policy. The facility conducts its annual environmental audit as required by Environmental (Impact assessment and Audit) Regulations, of 2003.
Chemical use	The lodge uses biodegradable natural washing soaps/solutions in the guest rooms from Cinnabar Green.
Conservation Criteria
Community Criteria
Solid waste management	Waste separation is done at source and the bins are color- coded and labeled. Organic waste is composted and the manure used in the organic garden within the ranch. Glass waste e.g. wine bottles are beaded, sanitized and reused for serving drinking water at the guest tents. This has greatly reduced plastic waste at the facility. Tins and tetra packs are also re-used within the camp e.g. for planting tree seedlings.
Water management	The main source of water for the lodge is a borehole located within the ranch; it’s pumped into three reservoir tanks, treated through chlorination and later distributed through gravitational force throughout the facility. A meter is installed at the main inlet to monitor water usage. In addition, the lodge conducts rain water harvesting which is stored in reservoirs of approximately 100,000 liters. The water is later filtered; boiled and used for staff and guests consumption (the lodge does not buy plastic bottled water). Guest room toilets are fixed with dual cistern water flushing system and low filter shower heads for water efficiency. The lodge sensitizes its staff during meetings and guests during briefings to ensure water conservation. There are “towel talks” in the guest rooms encouraging visitors on water conservation.
Visitor communication & education	The guest rooms have detailed room information folders tacked with history of El Karama Ranch, activities within the Ranch and environmental information. Besides all the visitors are briefed upon arrival. The lodge management has established a mini natural history museum used for visitor education, and in particular children’s training and activities. This section has relevant information on wildlife and the environment. The lodges’ guides, and staff during game-drives and nature walks, educate the guests on nature, its conservation and local culture. There is a visitors’ resource area which is equipped with reading information materials including environmental publications, travel magazines and nature conservation magazines.
Pollution	Low Emitting light bulbs/ Diodes and lanterns are used for lighting the path ways at night
Environmental conservation	The facility’s architectural design blends with the existing natural environment. It is built using local materials. The cottages are built using dry driftwood and stones boulders collected locally from river beds. The roofing is made of grass thatch. The walls are adorned by frames of artistic painting and stone art made by various Laikipia crafts-people and community groups. The lodge keeps a minimal number of tourism vehicles to reduce wildlife disturbance. The lodge is a corporate member of Laikipia Wildlife Forum– a membership led conservation organization supporting, co-coordinating and facilitating conservation and natural resource management within Laikipia region. The lodge submits conservancy fees to El Karama Ranch which goes into conservation and community development initiatives which include; rangers’ salaries, infrastructure development in the ranch, wildlife monitoring activities, etc. The conservancy fee is 60 USD per guest per night or KSh. 1800 for local residents. Guests are encouraged to participate in low impact activities such as guided walks, game drives and bird watching.
Waste water management	Grey water from the kitchen and laundry is managed through soak pits whereas grey water from the guest rooms is managed through septic tanks. The facility has installed the Eco-Smarte natural swimming pool- a chemical free, non-chlorine, non-salt pool water system, which uses de-ionizing cleaning technology. This type of technology is easier to use and more friendly to the environment. After cleaning the water is re-used to irrigate the lawns. Water effluent tests are conducted in compliance with Environmental Management and Coordination (Water Quality) Regulations of 2006. Black water from the guests’ tents and public areas is managed through septic tanks. The facility has seven (7), two-compartment septic tanks for all the guest tents. Pit latrines are used at the staff quarters.
Purchasing and supplies	Dry goods such as flour are bought in bulk to reduce on packaging waste. Fruits and vegetables are packed in reusable crates which reduce on general waste produced, while meat and dairy products are stored in freezers.
Employment and remuneration/staff welfare	Staff are rewarded with; training opportunities when need arises to improve on their technical skills.
Staff education, communication and awareness training	Notice boards and meetings are used to facilitate communication to the staff. The lodge supports four (4) members of its staff in training under KPSGA (Kenya Professional Safari Guides Association).
Cultural preservation and promotion/protection of local sites	The lodge has elaborate reading materials on the history of the ranch, Laikipia conservation area and the local people, etc.
Benefits to local community/community empowerment	The lodge purchases its staff meat, vegetables and fruits from contracted local suppliers within the Nanyuki region. For instance, most of the interior décor items and upholstery are obtained from Nanyuki spinners and weavers, and Mitumba Art which comprises of local women groups. On ad hoc basis, the lodge supports Daraja primary school through support from guest donations. Currently, the lodge is carrying out a reward scheme to the best performing students who get a tour of the conservancy and the lodge. In the past one year, approximately KSh. 500,000 has been used in support on social enterprises, trainings and community initiatives, which are guided by the lodge’s CSR policy. About 40% of the employees are from the local area, however, all casual work job opportunities are given to the locals.
Cultural Criteria
Health and safety	The lodge has a health and safety policy with clear procedures on fire safety and emergency response. The lodge has a Health Inspection Certificate from the Ministry of Public Health. Medical check-ups are conducted for food and beverage handlers in compliance with Food, Drugs, and Chemical substances Act. Cap 254. There are designated smoking zones within the facility aimed at enhancing fire safety. The facility does not have a clinic; however, it ensures there is always a vehicle on standby; all medical referrals for the staff and guests are made to Nanyuki Cottage Hospital. The facility is also linked to Flying Doctors for emergency evacuations. Emergency contacts are well displayed within the facility. There is a first aid kit within the facility and the staff are trained on first aid and fire-fighting skills. Training conducted by Red Cross. Sand-buckets are available for fire- fighting. There is a ‘kitchen safety and fire prevention’ procedure in place. The staff are provided with PPE (Personal Protective Equipment.) e.g. gloves, working aprons, boots etc.
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	9th March 2018

Read More

Ekorian’s Mugie Camp

Name of the facility	Ekorian’s Mugie Camp
Certification Achieved	Silver
Year opened	2012
Tourism region	North Rift
County	Laikipia
Address	Mugie Ranch Map It
Telephone/Mobile	: +254(0)722385727/(0)722692708
Email	mugiecamp@ekorian.com
Website	ekorian.com
Facility Notes	Ekorian’s Mugie Camp is located on 10 acres parcel of land leased for 5years from Mugie Ranch. The facility has a total of 6 rooms with a bed capacity of 12. The camp has employed 13 staff and is open 11 months a year. Mugie Ranch is 46,000 acres inclusive of 22,000 acres for Mugie Wildlife Sanctuary. The Sanctuary is home to around seventy species of mammals including lion, cheetah, leopard, buffalo, elephant, eland and hyena. The ranch is a haven for birdlife with over 280 species recorded. Mugie dam, located in the sanctuary occupies approximately 156 acres of land with a water holding capacity of 1.3 billion litres. The dam is a vital source of water for the wildlife throughout the year and is an attraction for migratory birds. Mugie ranch is one of the core study areas of the “Laikipia Predator Project”, a research study aimed at improving the conservation of large carnivores throughout Africa which are under threat from livestock and human-wildlife conflicts.
Energy management	The facility’s main source of electrical energy is solar which is used for lighting and running all the refrigerators. The power source consists of 14 solar panels connected to a power inverter battery system. The power inverter system is automated to allow easier energy consumption monitoring. The other source of energy is Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) which is used for cooking both at the guests and staff quarters. The camp has adopted the following practices to conserve energy; • Use of energy saving LED and energy saving bulbs for lighting throughout the camp • Briefing of guests and staff on energy conservation and efficiency • Main switches are installed for all the lights as you exit the tents to ensure guests switch off lights as they leave the tent. • Solar power rechargeable flash light torches are used by, guests and security officers within the camp
Environmental management	Ekorian’s Mugie Camp is established on ecotourism principles with an aim for promoting responsible tourism. The facility has a comprehensive environmental management system with clear action / management plans for water, energy and solid & waste water management. Its environmental policy is based on the values of conserving the environment for future generations. The camp has also undertaken its annual self-Environmental Audit (EA) as required by EMCA 1999 (Environmental Management and Co-ordination Act.)
Chemical use	The camp uses biodegradable bathing soaps and solvents. Shower products are supplied by Cinnabar Green. LPG (Liquefied Petroleum gas), used for guest cooking, is packed in 25 and 50 kg gas cylinders. Fuel (Petrol) is stored in 20 litre Jerry cans whereas paraffin is bought in 20litre containers
Conservation Criteria
Community Criteria
Solid waste management	Ekorian’s Mugie camp separates its solid waste at source and the waste bins clearly labelled for this purpose. The camp has put into place the following practices in an effort to reduce its waste; • Waste produced is tracked and recorded (types, weight and quantity) for monitoring purposes to assist in creating waste reduction targets. • Use of rechargeable solar torches as a measure to avoid cell-battery waste generation • Serving drinking water to guests in glass jugs to reduce on plastic water bottles waste. • Harvesting rain water and taking it through a filtration system and then served to guests via use of re-usable water bottles. This is an initiative established in line with “Throttle The Bottle” - a campaign dedicated to reducing the use of throwaway plastic water bottles from tourism accommodation facilities in East Africa • Vehicles are fitted with water canisters where guests can re-fill their bottles. • Inside the guest tents, the camp serves water in re-used and decorated wine bottles. Any excess plastic, glass and metallic waste is later disposed via Nanyuki to recycling companies.
Water management	Ekorian’s Mugie Camp main source of water is a borehole located within the premises. The water is solar pumped and stored in reservoirs with an average capacity of 30,000 litres. A meter has been installed to monitor usage. Guests are sensitized on water conservation efforts by the camp manager upon arrival and through tent information folders. Signage has also been placed on major water user points such as guests and staff washing area and kitchen.
Visitor communication & education	The facility briefs its guests upon arrival on the camp and its activities. More information is made available to guest in room information sheets which are provided in the guest tents. The room information folder has information on Mugie Ranch conservation values aimed at informing and raising visitors’ environmental awareness as well as their general experience. Also available for guests within the facility is a reading resource area which is located at the restaurant. The resource area is supplied with materials that have information on birds and mammals. In addition, Nature walks, Game drives, fly camping, camel rides, kayaking, and bird watching activities are offered as environmental awareness creation / education platforms to the guests.
Pollution	Dlight solar lamps are used to light the paths at night with an aim to reduce light pollution.
Environmental conservation	Ekoria’s Mugie Camp is built on low environmental footprint and blends in with the local surrounding. The guest tents are made of a beige canvas raised on wooden platforms with timber obtained from Kakuzi Limited while the tent sheds are made from reeds (Cladium mariscus) harvested from a wetland in Rumuruti Township. The tent design and the reed roof thatching blends well with the natural surrounding environment. The camp has further established an environmental team to spearhead environmental issues / initiatives within the facility. The camp supports conservation by paying a conservation fee of USD105 to Mugie Ranch per guest per night. Guests are also encouraged to engage in in low impact activities such as village visits for local cultural experience, bird watching, nature walks and Kayaking at Mugie Dam. Additionally, the facility’s guides assist Mugie ranch in wildlife monitoring and report on any incidences to the ranch and Kenya Wildlife Service. Ekorian’s Mugie Camp also supports the conservation of Cheetahs through the Northern Rangelands Trust. This is done through creating guests awareness by provision of room pamphlets on the research initiative.
Waste water management	Ekorian’s Mugie Camp has constructed a soak pit to manage grey effluents from the kitchen and laundry. The effluent from the guest and staff kitchen flows through a grease trap to filter out oils and grease before draining into the soak pit. Black water within the facility is managed by use of Roto septic tanks and overflow maintained through soak pits. The system is fixed with access maintenance manholes and EM 1 (Bio-Clean) effective microorganism is added in the septic tanks, 5 in total, to facilitate sludge digestion.
Purchasing and supplies	Food for staff and guests is bought in bulk to reduce on packaging. Fruits and vegetables are packed in re-usable crates
Employment and remuneration/staff welfare	The facility has a staff welfare committee that meets regularly to deal with staff issues with the managemen
Staff education, communication and awareness training	The camp has notice boards fixed within for staff communication. Employees are sensitized and briefed during departmental/daily meetings.
Cultural preservation and promotion/protection of local sites	The facility has a curio shop where stock such as beadwork is obtained from the local women in Suguta Marmar. The selling prices are determined by the owners. The visitors can also be taken to the local village -Suguta Marmar and to Samburu and Pokot markets, to experience the local culture.
Benefits to local community/community empowerment	Ekorian’s Mugie Camp has sourced 80% of its staff from the local community and where possible, purchases its products from the local Nyahururu and Sosian towns. Products such as staff food including flour, sugar, vegetables and fruits are also bought locally. The camp also offers school visits to the local Mugie School where clients’ donation such as sports equipment, text books etc are made
Cultural Criteria
Health and safety	The camp has conducted medical checkups for food and beverage handlers to ascertain their health fitness in compliance with Food, Drugs, and Chemical substances Act. Cap 254. A team of staff has been trained on first aid skills and the facility equipped with a medical first aid kit. All the guide vehicles are equipped with first aid boxes. In addition, the facility has a doctor - on - call from Nanyuki Cottage to attend to visitors or emergency services. Medical referrals for the staff are made to nearby clinics at Mugie Ranch. The Camp has also subscribed to ‘Flying doctors’ evacuation services. The camp’s swimming pool is well-marked and safety signage put in placeEkorian’s Mugie Camp has installed firefighting equipment including sand buckets which are strategically placed throughout the entire facility. The camp has further marked a fire assembly point and fixed an alarm. Apart from this, a rock wall for security and also as a fire break has been erected within the periphery of the facility to manage fires. Precautionary and safety signage such as ‘highly flammable’ ‘Hatari’ have also been placed in strategic sections of the facility e.g. Fuel section, Gas etc. The facility provides protective gear / PPE (Personal Protective Equipment) to the repairs and maintenance staff.
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	12th March 2018

Read More

Eagle View Camp

Name of the facility	Eagle View Camp
Certification Achieved	Silver
Year opened	2012
Tourism region	Masai Mara/South Rift
County	Narok
Address	Naboisho Conservancy Map It
Telephone/Mobile	+254 733 333909
Email	kenya@basecampexplorer.com
Website	basecampexplorer.com
Facility Notes	Eagle View Camp is located in Naboisho Conservancy situated within the Mara-Serengeti Ecosystem. The facility was established in 2012 owned and managed by Basecamp Explorer Kenya. It has twelve (12) tents with a maximum bed capacity of 24. The camp is open all year round and has 32 permanent staff for its operations. It is designed to have a low impact on the environment. The canvas tents are beige in color, and blend in with the natural surroundings. They are raised from the ground on wooden platforms, leaving the natural vegetation relatively undisturbed. Mara Naboisho Conservancy measures approximately 50,000 acres within the Mara-Serengeti ecosystem. The conservancy was established in 2010. The term Naboisho is a ‘Maa’ word that means "coming together". About 500 local Maasai landowners agreed to lease their lands for 15 years for creating Naboisho Conservancy in conjunction with Basecamp Limited. The aim was to conserve the land and wildlife, whilst simultaneously creating wealth for the landowners through tourism enterprises. The Conservancy is an integral part of the Mara-Serengeti ecosystem providing critical wildlife dispersal area for migratory wildlife, including the wildebeest. The Mara portion of the ecosystem supports approximately 92 species of mammals and about 400 species of local birds. It is the largest high altitude grassland in East Africa and hosts the largest population of the migratory Caspian Plover. The conservancy supports wildlife conservation through undertaking applied research studies to improve human-wildlife interactions. There are on-going study programs on lions, cheetahs and elephants.
Energy management	The facility’s main source of power is solar energy fixed with power inverter battery system. The system provides power for lighting and running all the refrigerators. In addition is a backup generator - rarely used - with power output of 45 KVA. The solar power inverter system is metered and installed with main switches for major outlets which enable easier energy monitoring. The energy is shared between Koiyaki Guiding School and Eagle View each fixed with its own meter. (The solar installation is an initiative between Basecamp Foundation and Donors). Energy saving LED and energy saving bulbs are fitted for lighting throughout the camp. Solar power rechargeable flash light torches are also used by, guests and security officers within the camp. The guest tents are each fixed with a 300 litre sola water heating system. The camp has also installed three (3) energy efficient kuni boilers used within the staff quarters. The kuni boilers use off-cuts and Chardust. Liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) is used for cooking both at the guests and staff quarters. The staff kitchen also uses fire wood and charcoal for cooking. The fire wood is collected from dead wood within the camp. Guests and staff are briefed on energy conservation and efficiency through guests’ arrival briefings.
Environmental management	Eagle View Camp is guided by the mother company (Basecamp Explorer) Environmental policy. The policy lays emphasis on contribution to conservation, social and local cultural issues whilst enhancing education and awareness amongst the staff and guests. The facility in assisting has a comprehensive environmental management system with clear action / management plans for water, energy and waste management.
Chemical use	Biodegradable bathing soaps and solutions are used within the camp. LPG (Liquefied Petroleum gas) is packed in 25 kg and 12.5kg gas cylinders used for guests and staff cooking respectively.
Conservation Criteria
Community Criteria
Solid waste management	Waste separation is conducted at source, and the bins are clearly labeled. Further sorting is done at the waste management center. Organic waste is managed through a compost pit which is well enclosed to keep off scavengers. The system has four (4) chambers where waste is decomposed. Each chamber is utilized until it’s full; the process is repeated in the other chambers. Leachate is collected in a soak pit. The final residue / compost are used as manure. Plastic, glass and metallic waste is later disposed via Basecamp Explorer head offices to recycling companies in Nairobi. The camp has an incinerator used for burning paper. In an aim to reduce waste production, the facility has plans in place to roll out reusable bottles for serving drinking water in the guest tents. The camp uses durable long lasting batteries and rechargeable solar torches to reduce on battery waste generation.
Water management	The main source of water for the camp is obtained from a borehole located within the conservancy. The water is stored in reservoir tanks with an average capacity of 10,000 litres. Additionally, the camp also conducts rain water harvesting from its iron roofed staff quarters. The water is stored in (5) five tanks with an average capacity of 65,000 litres. The water is metered at the main outlet and recording done on a regular basis for monitoring purposes. The guest tents are installed with faucets and lift taps to reduce on water use. In addition, the guest tents are fitted with dual flush toilet cisterns which reduce on the amount of water consumed per flush. Guests are also sensitized on water conservation efforts by the camp manager upon arrival and through tent information folders. There are also “towel talk” signs in the guest tents encouraging guests to re-use their towels to reduce on water usage.
Visitor communication & education	Eagle View Camp has a visitors’ resource area equipped with reading materials including environmental publications, wildlife and travel magazines, and nature conservation magazines such as Africa Geographic, Books on Kenya, Birds of Kenya. Mammals and bird list to sensitize visitors on the environmental values, and conservancy operations and activities. Guests are briefed upon arrival on the values of the camp, camp operations and the Conservancy. Additionally, booklets and room information folders are available at the resource information section and guest tents respectively.
Pollution	Paraffin Lanterns are used to light the paths at night with an aim to avoid light pollution. The generator is fixed with a muffler system to reduce on sound pollution.
Environmental conservation	Eagle View camp is built on low environmental footprint and blends in with the local surrounding. The tents are made of beige canvas raised on raised wooden platforms (obtained sustainably). The pathways are left natural with ‘dry elephant dung’ spread to demarcate the way. The restaurant roofing is made up from Onduline roofing sheet that blend with the environment. The surrounding indigenous vegetation remains undisturbed. The camp plays a significant role in the Naboisho Conservancy operations and management by paying monthly conservancy, lees and bed night fees. It has also formed partnerships to promote conservation. The camp has partnered with the Mara Lion Project- a research project in collaboration with the International Research Institute (ILRI), the Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) and Danish Zoological Society (DSZ) to collar lions in order to monitor and understand their ecology, space utilization, demography and pride compositions. Eagle view involves the research project manager - Niels Mogensen in offering sensitization and conservation talks to the visitors. Eagle view also engages with the Mara Cheetah Project, a project aimed in identification of behavioral adaptations and assessment of impact of social structure on reproductive success and survival of the cheetah in the protected areas under human influence. The facility supports the initiative through involving clients and staff in gathering data on the cheetah’s movement. The camp guides assist the conservancy rangers in wildlife monitoring and report on any incidences to the conservancy. Occasionally, the facility hosts a research team from the conservancy who give lectures to guests on conservation and wildlife monitoring issues within the conservancy to create awareness.
Waste water management	Grey water from the kitchen, laundry and guest rooms is managed through soak pits. The facility has four (4) main soak pits. Black water from the guest tents, staff quarters and public area is managed through a septic tank system. Effective Micro-organism (EM-1) is added weekly to enhance sludge digestion. The facility has (7) seven septic tanks. The effluent is checked in manholes before flowing in the septic tanks. Sludge digestion occurs in the septic tanks before draining in the soak pits which are connected to radial arms that release the water into the environment. Black water from the staff quarters is managed through a pit latrine. The camp has four (4) pit-latrines.
Purchasing and supplies	Dry food (e.g. rice, sugar, flour) for staff and guest is bought in bulk to reduce on packaging. Fruits and vegetables are packed in re-usable crates whereas meat is stored in a cold room.
Employment and remuneration/staff welfare	There is also a staff welfare committee which handles and addresses staff issues to the management.
Staff education, communication and awareness training	The camp has notice boards fixed within for staff communication
Cultural preservation and promotion/protection of local sites	The Camp offers village visits for the visitors; they are sensitized on the local culture and values. Proceeds obtained from guests during the village visits are paid directly to the locals. Visitors are entertained during village visits. The dancers from the local community are paid Kshs. 3,000 per dance
Benefits to local community/community empowerment	The camp purchases from the locals where possible. Products such as beads and meat for staff meals, is obtained locally. The facility also employs from the local community. Approximately 90% of the staff is from the local Masai community. Eagle View pioneered and supports Koiyaki Guiding School through offering internship, attachments and employment opportunities to the students. The facility ensures payment of requisite fees (financial obligations) as follows; • Land Lease / Rent: At least USD 50,000 is paid per annum for land occupied by the Camp and Koiyaki guiding School • Conservancy fee: It’s paid in form of monthly lease of at least USD 34,000 for distribution to the local land owners. • Bed night fee this is paid to the specific land owners at a rate of USD 10 The camp under Basecamp Explorer Kenya, implements its community initiatives through two main corporate social responsibility (CSR) arms; Basecamp Foundation and Basecamp Masai Brand. • Through Basecamp Masai Brand (BMB), Eagle View has a curio shop/desk that sells products made by Masai Women Group under BMB. The program (BMB) has brought together 12 villages. BMB id supported by Basecamp Group who purchases beads for the group who in return makes the beads. In addition, the Basecamp foundation buys the beads from the community and assists the group in marketing the products. Staff benefits include food, medical cover, uniform, entertainment center, transport and accommodation
Cultural Criteria
Health and safety	Eagle View is registered with DOSH (Directorate of Occupational Health and Safety) and certificate of workplace issued. Furthermore, medical check-ups have been conducted for food and beverage handlers to ascertain their health fitness in compliance with legislation. The camp has a team of staff trained on fire-fighting skills while the guest tents are provided with radio calls for use in case of emergency. In addition, the facility has a doctor - on - call from Talek Health centre to attend to visitors or emergency services. Firefighting equipment including, fire extinguishers, fire blanket in the kitchen, are serviced and strategically placed within the facility. Protective Equipment such as ear muffs, boots, uniform, gloves, and apron to the repairs and maintenance staff. Fire exits and assembly points are properly marked and displayed within the facility.
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	12th March 2018

Read More