Karen Blixen Camp

Name of the facility	Karen Blixen Camp
Certification Achieved	Gold
Year opened	2009
Tourism region	Masai Mara/South Rift
County	Narok
Address	Head Office - Nairobi Map It
Telephone/Mobile	+254-721-804100 / +254- 732- 686079
Email	info@karenblixencamp.com
Website	karenblixencamp.com
Facility Notes	Karen Blixen Camp is located within Mara North Conservancy on GPS Coordinates Latitude 1.3399° S Longitude 36.7083°E. The camp has 22 tents with a bed capacity of 50 guests. It is opened all year round with a current workforce of 98 employees for its operations. Mara North Conservancy (MNC) is a Community-owned wilderness area of more than 30,000 hectares. It is a vital part of the Maasai Mara ecosystem as it forms the north-western zone, bordering the Maasai Mara National Reserve in the south of Kenya.
Energy management	The Camp is on 100% solar energy which translates to almost nil emissions. Solar energy is the main source of electricity for lighting and water heating at the camp. The facility has installed energy saving bulbs and LED’s in some areas to conserve energy and reduce light pollution. Liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) is used for cooking in the entire facility. There are 250 solar panels with an output capacity of 50 KvA maintained by Centre for Alternative Technology company (CAT) with the solar power inverter system. The facility also uses briquettes for baking and staff kitchen. Solar panels warm bathing water for the guests as stipulated in the Solar Water Heating Regulations of 2012. Guests are briefed on energy conservation upon arrival. Staff on the other hand are educated on energy conservation and efficiency through regular briefings
Environmental management	The Camp is steered by its mission statement on responsible tourism, nature protection and poverty alleviation. The statement pays the highest regard to environmental concern, local communities, culture and sustainability. It is also a guide towards responsible consumption and reduced use of destructive substances. In addition, the statement shows the commitment of the facility towards safeguarding the natural ecosystem and its inhabitants. The facility has an Environmental Management System which guides on proper environmental conduct in the consumption of natural resources (efficiency in water and energy use), proper waste management and health and safety practices together with compliance with legislation, sensitization of staff and clients. As part of the Mara Rianta ecosystem management, the facility is involved in the monitoring and continued improvement of the set environmental targets.
Chemical use	Gas is bought in bulk in a five (2) tone cylinder, the storage area is caged, away from human dwellings and precautionary signage well. Visitors are briefed upon during their stay on the lodge’s operations and environmental values. This is done during eco-walks. The guest tents are equipped with information on notice boards on environmental conservation and operations of Lodge. The camp uses Diversy biodegradable chemical products for laundry and cleaning purposes. 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.
Conservation Criteria
Community Criteria
Solid waste management	KBC stores its plastic, wine bottles and metallic waste in a waste management center for further segregation for reuse around the facility. The bottles are later transported to Kitengela glass for recycling purposes. Organic waste - food waste - is sorted at the source and stored at the waste management center. Waste is separated at source and the bins are well labeled, bins are well distributed throughout the facility.
Water management	Proper communication on water conservation is placed in all key water consumption points. The main source of water for the camp is from borehole. The water is stored in two reservoirs of 168,000 litres; it is filtered and chlorinated before pumping to the entire premises for use. The tanks are in good condition with manual supervision of refills to reduce water wastage. 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. The facility has automated and programmed laundry washing machines. This ensures efficiency in water use, energy and chemical consumption.
Visitor communication & education	The camp conducts game drives for the guest in the effort to educate on wildlife conservation and to highlight the efforts of the facility in countering poaching and other threats against wildlife.
Pollution	The facility has an oil interceptor has been installed at the generator area to prevent any leakage. Very little waste oil is generated from servicing the back-up generators. The used oil is donated to the local community for use on fencing posts and wood preservation. The pathways are lit using low wattage bulbs at night to reduce on light pollution.
Environmental conservation	The camp supports the Mara Elephant Project; the camp’s helicopter is used for monitoring the herds of elephants in the conservancy. This is in the effort to reduce human-wildlife conflict, and minimize the dangers the elephants face from poaching. The facility also participates in cleanups of the Mara Rianta conservancy and partner establishments like schools that involve the general public, pupils and other stakeholders/land owners. KBC is a member of the Maasai Mara Wildlife Conservancy Association. As a stakeholder, the facility ensures sober decisions are made concerning the conservancy. In addition to that the camp supports the Mara Elephant Project; the camp’s helicopter is used for monitoring the herds of elephants in the conservancy. This is in the effort to reduce human-wildlife conflict, and minimize the dangers the elephants face from poaching. KBC also carries out ecological monitoring of the ecosystem and species mapping in order to ensure the success of the Mobile Bomas program (Zonation). This is a grazing pattern that ensure minimal disturbance of wildlife while at the same time being able to graze livestock. The facility contributes conservancy fees of 4.2 million annually for bed occupancy. The monies are paid for Mara Rianta Conservancy management and operations. The Camp has minimized activities that tamper with the natural ecosystem of the Mara Rianta Conservancy. They have not introduced any new species into the camp, instead, they maintain the trees and shrubs originally found here when the facility was opened. Eco-walks - these entail a thorough tour of the facility of the guest to educate them on the green practices carried out by the camp. The camp owns an organic farm that provides staff with vegetables.
Waste water management	The facility has a swimming pool which is cleaned via scrubbing, brushing and the backwash system. PH (alkalinity and acidity) is checked daily. Backwashing is done depending on occupancy and pool use. Black water is collected in a septic tank for sludge digestion before flowing into a wetland waste water treatment system. The grey water on the other hand flows directly into the wetland treatment system. EM2 + molasses are added at the entry of the waste water to the wetland treatment area.
Purchasing and supplies	Meat for staff is bought and packed in cool boxes. Fruits and vegetables are packed in re-usable crates.
Employment and remuneration/staff welfare	The employees are given letters of appointment, code of conduct and job descriptions upon employment The facility provides opportunities for staff refresher courses and betterment monthly on safety, health and fire drill. 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.
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 camp ensures to carry out manyatta visits for its guest to enhance their knowledge of the local community culture. The facility informs clients on the cultural information within the area. There are books and publications in the lobby about the Maasai community.
Benefits to local community/community empowerment	The camp pays KES 4.2 million per year bed night fee to over 700 land owners of Mara North Conservancy The facility through the Karen Blixen Camp Trust supports the Mara Rianta Women Empowerment Programme which trains and supports the local women in bead work, language classes and hygiene matters. The initiative looks to empower the girl child to become economically independent hence acquiring the ability to rise above retrogressive culture such as early child marriage. The Karen Blixen Hospitality School which currently has three teachers takes and trains men and women from the local community and trains them in matters hospitality. The community which is dependent on pastoralism therefore gains the capacity to venture out at their own will. The facility has supported the Mara Rianta village school in renovating two classes so far in an ongoing project to upgrade the status of the school. The facility coordinates the zonation-Bomas- program which they carry out in the effort to reduce human-wildlife conflict plus land degradation. The facility provides the community with water which the women fetch in 20 litres containers for at least five rounds.
Cultural Criteria
Health and safety	The camp has an Occupational Health and Safety committee in place that spearheads the safety issues within the facility. An annual health and safety audit has also been conducted. Firefighting equipment is well serviced and strategically placed, fire drills are often carried out and emergency response procedures have been established. Firefighting equipment including fire extinguishers, fire hose rails, automatic fire extinguishers, and fire blanket in the kitchen are duly serviced. Servicing is conducted by Trojan company every six months. The facility has an elaborate firefighting system consisting of fire extinguishers in every tent (foam and carbon dioxide); fire alarm and a hose reel are stationed strategically. 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.
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	10th November 2017

Read More

Il Moran Governors Camp

Name of the facility	Il Moran Governors Camp
Certification Achieved	Silver
Year opened	2000
Tourism region	Masai Mara/South Rift
County	Narok
Address	Masai Mara National Reserve. Map It
Telephone/Mobile	+254 722 717529
Email	info@governorscamp.com
Website	governorscamp.com
Facility Notes	Il Moran Governors Camp is located on the banks of the Mara River, in the Northern part of the Masai Mara National Reserve. The camp is specifically located on Global Positioning System (GPS) Coordinates, Latitude 36M 0726849 and Longitude UTM 9857724. The camp has 10 guest rooms with a bed capacity of 20 visitors and a total work force of 41 employees. Masai Mara National Reserve is home to the "Big Five" (lion, leopard, African elephant, African buffalo, and Black Rhinoceros). The plains are also home to the distinctive Masai giraffe. The large Roan antelope and the nocturnal bat-eared fox, rarely present elsewhere in Kenya, can be seen within the reserve borders. The climate of the region is mainly warm and dry; with hot days and cool evenings.
Energy management	Il Moran Governors Camp main source of energy is derived from diesel powered generators. It has two (2) main generators with power output capacity of 55.5 KvA and 60KvA. The power is used for lighting the Camp and running the refrigerators. Additionally, the facility has a movable backup generator with power output capacity of 150 KVA. Chardust and sustainable charcoal briquettes obtained from Chardust Limited and Muhoroni Sugar Company respectively are used for guest warming and running water heating kuni boilers. 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. The Camp uses Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) for guests and staff cooking. Energy Saving bulbs and Light Emitting Diodes (LED) have been installed throughout the Camp. Visitors and staff are sensitized in energy conservation through switching off unnecessary lights. Rechargeable spotlights are used at the facility by the security personnel
Environmental management	Il Moran Governors camp has a piece-meal environmental policy with emphasis on environmental conservation, protection and well-being of the local community. The Camp has a valid annual self-environmental audit and an environmental management plan with monitoring on water and energy conservation, and health and safety
Chemical use	The Camp uses biodegradable natural washing soaps or solutions in the guest tents obtained from cinnabar Green. The facility buys its Liquefied petroleum Gas (LPG) packaged in 2 Tonne cylinder. The facility uses Ecolab washing detergents and soaps. MSDS (Material Safety Data Sheets) are provided.
Conservation Criteria
Community Criteria
Solid waste management	Organic waste is composted in a properly sealed (metallic plate and a cage) compost pit. Excess metallic waste, glass waste and plastic waste is collected and transported to Nairobi via Governors Headquarters for disposal to recycling companies.
Water management	Il Moran Governors Camp main source of water is from a well. The water is pumped and stored in eight (8) reservoirs with an average capacity of 32,000 litres for distribution throughout the facility. The water is metered at source. The camp has a water extraction permit. Guests are encouraged to re-use their towels through briefing and in the guest information folder. Guest tents showers are fixed with low shower filter heads aimed at water conservation. Staff is sensitized during meetings and guests during briefings to enhance water use efficiency.
Visitor communication & education	Guest tents have folders with comprehensive information on Governors camp activities and community initiatives, wildlife information materials, mammals and birdlife list. The facility has an equipped reading materials resource zone located at the restaurant section. These include, magazines, ‘Birds, mammals in East Africa and Africa in general. Checklists and books on mammals, birdlife are available. Guests are briefed upon arrival on the values of camp operations.
Pollution	The vehicle car wash area is fixed with an oil interceptor to contain any possible oil leaks form car wash. The pathways are lit through the use of paraffin lanterns aimed at night, light pollution minimization. The generators are fixed with a muffler (sound reducing device) and kept in a sound proof room to reduce on sound pollution
Environmental conservation	Il Moran Governors Camp is built on a low environmental footprint; the facility design blends in with the local natural surroundings. Guests are car pooled (where possible) to a minimum of 6 guests per game drive in order to reduce number of vehicles on game drive. This acts as a way of reducing the visitors’ carbon foot print. Through the mother company Governors Camp; Il Moran Governors camp supports Mara-Meru cheetah project. A research program aimed at 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 camp assists in Cheetah monitoring through sightings and gathering information for the researchers. In addition, researchers are given an opportunity to give talks to the clients at the camp.
Waste water management	Grey water from the guest kitchen and laundry is managed through soak pits – the system is fixed with a grease trap (for kitchen effluent), and drains into soak away pit. Grey water from the guest tents, public areas and staff quarters is also managed through soak pits. Il Moran Governors Camp has conducted its effluent sample tests. Black water from the guests’ tents, public areas and staff quarters is managed through three chamber septic tank. The overflow ends up in soak ways connected with radial arms. EM1, (Effective Micro-organism) is added into the septic tanks to facilitate sludge digestion.
Purchasing and supplies	Il Moran Camp encourages environmental, sustainable packaging ways in its supply chain which include bulk buying where possible to reduce on packaging material and delivery of perishables such as vegetables, fruits in re-usable crates, cartons, sisal baskets popularly known as ‘kikapu’ and cool boxes for meat. Detergents are packed in 20 litre containers to reduce on packaging waste.
Employment and remuneration/staff welfare	Employees have a staff committee which meets on monthly basis. It is ascribed to the workers union and, handles and addresses staff issues. New employees are well inducted on the camp’s operations and environmental values and principles
Staff education, communication and awareness training	The facility has notice boards for staff communication and information. Further, employees are sensitized and briefed during daily departmental meetings and weekly HOD meetings.
Cultural preservation and promotion/protection of local sites	Il Moran Governors Camp offers local villages visit. The visitors are sensitized on the local culture, engage in cultural dances, talks and sports activities such as arrows and spears throwing. Each visitor is charged 25 US dollars and issued with a receipt which they provide at the villages. The monies are later paid directly to the local people who have established village accounts each with four (4) signatories. The facility has a Naturalist who gives talks on environmental conservation, and local Masai culture
Benefits to local community/community empowerment	More than 50% of the employees at Il Moran Governors are employed from the local area. In addition, all casual work opportunities are allocated to the locals from nearby Mara Rianta centre. Local purchases are made from the nearby Mara Rianta and Aitong towns where possible. Suh supplies include vegetables and sustainably obtained fuel-wood. Il Moran Governors operates a curio shop with additional curios and beads obtained from local vendors around Mara Rianta area. Through Governors Camps Collection CSR (Corporate Social Responsibility), Il Moran Governors Camp supports the education and health initiatives set under Mara Rianta Charitable Trust. The facility supports the maintenance of the road network within the Musiara areas and supplies water to Musiara Gate Rangers. Staff welfare benefits include; service charges, health care, uniform, food, accommodation, and transport. The staff is paid a wage above the minimum government requirements.
Cultural Criteria
Health and safety	Kitchen staff (food and beverage handlers) has undergone medical check-ups to ascertain their health fitness within the kitchen. Proper housekeeping (clean, well arranged, labeled, and ventilated) was noted in the food store. The guest tents are equipped with night spotlights for use by visitors as a safety precaution. A team of staff is well trained on first aid –training and fully replenished first aid kits are well supplied in each department. Medical emergencies for staff are referred to neighboring sister facility - Governors Camp clinical officer. Il Moran encourages its guests to insure with flying doctors services; however, it is linked to Air Rescue and has an airstrip nearby for any medical emergency. The Camp has undergone medical inspection and has been issued with a Heath clearance certificate under the Ministry of Public Health and Sanitation. Firefighting equipment such as fire extinguishers, fire blanket, fire automatic suppression, and fire alarm are serviced and strategically fixed within the facility. The facility provides PPE (Personal Protective Equipment) such as ear muffs, boots, uniform, gloves, and apron to the repairs and maintenance staff. A fire assembly point and fire alarm are fixed. The facility has conducted a Fire safety and a comprehensive health and safety audit.
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	15th March 2018

Read More

Great Rift Valley Lodge and Golf Resort

Name of the facility	Great Rift Valley Lodge and Golf Resort
Certification Achieved	Silver
Year opened	2000
Tourism region	North Rift
County	Nakuru
Address	Naivasha Map It
Telephone/Mobile	+ 254 799 863 970 / +254 020 217 7 670
Email	citybreaks@theholidaydealers.com
Website	naivashahotels.com
Facility Notes	GRVL is located 115 kilometers from Nairobi off the Nairobi-Nakuru highway, on a private land. It is located on Global Positioning System (GPS) Coordinates, Latitude -0.6677 (00°40′3.724″S and Longitude 36.32129 (36°19′16.648″E). it was opened in 2000, and operated by Heritage Hotels Ltd. The facility has 30 guest rooms and 120 cottages with a bed capacity of 450 and a total work force of 314 employees. Lake Naivasha is a fresh water body designated as a wetland of international importance for avi-fauna conservation under the Ramsar Convention. The high diversity of habitats in Lake Naivasha provide critical refuge to over 200 water dependant, local and international migratory birds species. In addition, the lake supports abundant populations of many species of wildlife, both mammals and reptiles in the vast hinterland. These natural attributes and tranquillity make Lake Naivasha an important tourism destination. Tourists enjoy boat rides and water sports as well as hiking and trekking along the shoreline. Apart from tourism, the fresh water lake has a thriving fisheries industry, which economically supports many local households. The lake is the main source of water for commercial horticultural farms in the region. However, water pollution, over-fishing, high water abstraction and invasive species have degraded the conservation value of Lake Naivasha over time.
Energy management	Kenya power grid and solar energy are the main sources of power for the lodge. In addition, the lodge has three (3) back-up generators each of 250KvA, 100KvA, and 100KvA. Power from the Main grid is used for lighting, water heating, running refrigerants and machines; however, approximately 70% of water heating is through solar energy. In total, the camp has (12) twelve solar water heating equipment of 300 litres. Further facility staff quarters / camp runs on solar energy. Verified records showed energy consumption is metered and monitored through recording on a daily basis (conducted via hotel resource use dashboard). Further energy consumption has been sub-metered at the main consumption points such as laundry and kitchens and for specific cottages. This is aimed at monitoring consumption. Documents availed by the hotel showed recording done on daily basis. The following measures are used to promote energy conservation within the lodge; • Energy saving bulbs and light emitting diodes are installed throughout the facility. • The guests are briefed on energy conservation and encouraged to switch off unnecessary lights. • The facility has an employee of the month award for recognizing best practices in energy conservation. • Laundry roofing is designed to allow for natural lighting within the section. Swimming pool water heating (approximately 4,000 litres of water) is through the use of solar energy.
Environmental management	GVRL has a corporate environmental policy statement committed to environmental management on water, energy and waste, nature conservation and local community involvement. GRVL has carried out its annual self-Environmental Audit in compliance with NEMA - Environmental (Impact Assessment and Audit) Regulations, of 2003. The lodge has an environmental committee that meets on monthly basis to spearhead environmental conservation initiatives within the facility. These activities include, tree planting and general clean ups. The facility has an environmental management system (EMS) to spearhead its operations. The EMS includes planning for impact reduction, implementation and operation, monitoring (checking) and management review.
Chemical use	The hotel has a Material Control (MC) System used to control and monitor chemical usage. Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) for the chemicals are available The lodge uses biodegradable bathroom products such bathing soaps and shampoos supplied by Limrock hotel supplies limited. For efficiency purposes, chemical and water uptake for the laundry machines is automated Fuel including petrol and diesel is stored in underground tanks of 4,000 litres respectively. The tanks are fixed with a fuelling pump. Supply is made by Roadster Ltd. Gas is bought in bulk - 2 tons, supplied by Total Kenya. The storage area is fenced and fixed with precautionary signage
Conservation Criteria
Community Criteria
Solid waste management	Waste separation at the camp is conducted at source, and the bins are clearly labelled. Further sorting is also done at the waste management area before disposal via Nairobi central stores to recycling companies. Organic waste and specifically, waste vegetables are composted - in waste holding structures / cages - within the kitchen garden. The manure obtained is used within the garden. In efforts aimed at plastic waste reduction; domestic water for staff drinking is supplied in 18litre water dispensers.
Water management	The water for the lodge is pumped from three (3) boreholes within the premises and stored in reservoirs. Water is treated through sedimentation, filtration and chlorination before being supplied to all consumer points. The water is metered and consumption monitored at the main outlet (conducted via hotel resource use dashboard). Water is metered at source. Verified documents showed water consumption recording is conducted on a daily basis. Verified records further showed the lodge has a water permit for the borehole water extraction. The facility has put in place the following measures to reduce water usage; • Use of “towel talks” in the guest rooms encouraging visitors on the re-use of towels. • Fixed signage in areas such as kitchen to sensitize staff on water conservation. • Installed dual water toilet cistern system to reduce on water consumed per flush. • Fixed low pressure shower filter heads with faucets for water use efficiency. • Knee-press taps in the main kitchen washing area. • Laundry machines operated at their optimum weight to conserve on water and energy. Weighing of the laundry is conducted before washing to ascertain load to the machines. • Rapid action by maintenance team to attend to any water leakages
Visitor communication & education	The lodge has a resource information centre for visitors and staff. The centre has information on birds, mammals, reptiles and Kenya’s History. In the evening, guests are shown slide shows aimed at creating awareness on environmental conservation. Guests are briefed upon arrival on the environmental values and operations of the lodge. The guest cottages have information folders to sensitize clients’ on the facility’s operations
Pollution	The lodge’s paths lights are fixed with sensors to reduce light pollution and enhance energy conservation. The generator is insulated and fixed with a sound reducing device
Environmental conservation	The lodge conducts low environmental impact activities such as bird watching, and nature walks for its visitors within the premises. The activities are aimed at sensitizing the visitors on the surrounding environment. The facility has tree planting activity conducted within the premises. Each staff has a set target of 10 trees to plant in every year. A list of tree species planted was verified. Seedlings are obtained from the facility’s own nursery bed. The facility further engages in re-afforestation of the nearby Eburru forest. For instance, approximately 400 indigenous seedlings were planted early July 2016. Every Tuesday, an environmental day is conducted where employees not on duty are expected to take part in environmental cleanliness.
Waste water management	Grey waste water from the staff and guest kitchen drains through a grease trap to remove excess fats and oils before joining the sewer system into a treatment plant. The effluent from the guest cottages and staff quarters flows into septic tanks for solid waste sedimentation. EM1 bio-enzymes are added to enhance sludge digestion. The effluent later flows into an established waste water treatment plant. Black water within the facility is managed through systems that comprises of sewer line, man holes, septic tanks and drains into a waste water treatment plant. The plant consists of six co-joined lagoons with various levels of treatment. Swimming pool water is cleaned via vacuum cleaning and backwash systems. PH levels (i.e. acidity and alkalinity levels) are checked twice a day. Effluent from backwash is managed in a soak away. Water effluent tests for the facility are conducted on quarterly basis to comply with NEMA - Environmental Management and Coordination (Water Quality) Regulations of 2006.
Purchasing and supplies	The facility purchases its products in bulk to reduce amount of packaging; fruits and vegetables are packed in re-usable crates while meat is packaged in cool boxes.
Employment and remuneration/staff welfare	The lodge holds weekly departmental meetings and daily briefs are held for staff sensitization. Additionally, the (HODS) Heads of Departments meet thrice weekly for briefing and updates.
Staff education, communication and awareness training	The facility has notice boards for staff communication. Emails and memos are also used to facilitate communication.
Cultural preservation and promotion/protection of local sites	Information on cultural awareness is conducted during environmental conservation talks in the evening. On special occasions such as Christmas and Easter, the lodge hosts local traditional dancers to entertain the visitors with the dancers - paid per performance.
Benefits to local community/community empowerment	The lodge purchases fruits and vegetables from local suppliers in Naivasha Town. On 14th June 2016 during the World Blood Donor Day, GRVL partnered with AIC Kijabe Mission Hospital and close to 45 pints of blood were donated while 29 people were tested for and counselled on HIV. On Ad hoc basis, the lodge makes donations such as food and clothing to the local Mai Mahiu Orphanage. Through philanthropy, GRVL supports a feeding program for an early childhood development school - GRVL –ECD School, within the premises. The school admits pupils from the locality. Additionally, the lodge employs three teachers for the school. GRVL further supports the Early Childhood development (ECD School by creating environmental awareness. For instance, through the Trust for African Schools (TAS), GRVL supported the 50 pupils for a trip to Lake Bogoria National Reserve. Earlier the lodge supported a similar trip to Nairobi Museums. Through Friends of Green Park (FOGP), the lodge recently built a dining hall for the GRVL –ECD School. In conjunction with Lions Club Westlands Nairobi, GRVL through Friends of Green Park recently provided a free eye clinic to the staff and residents of Green Park that saw 150 people tested for eye problems and one child referred for surgery. The lodge offers internship opportunities to local students. Training opportunities are also given to local students who excel in their Form four examinations.
Cultural Criteria
Health and safety	The lodge has a health and safety committee to spearhead health and safety within the facility. Training for the health and safety committee was ongoing at the time of assessment. Additionally, there are trained first aiders in all departments. The facility has established evacuation procedures, with procedures pinned behind guest room doors The lodge outsources medical services for guest and staff healthcare. The doctor visits the lodge twice a week. Adequate first aid kits are available within the camp. The first aid boxes were assessed and found to comply with the First Aid Rules (Legal Notice No. 160 of 1977). The lodge is signed up to Flying doctors services for medical evacuation. Charter air services can be provided for non-medical emergency response. Verified documents showed medical examination is conducted every six (6) months to all food handlers in compliance with the Food, Drugs, and Chemical substances Act. Cap 254 Inspection has been conducted by public health inspectors under the Ministry of Public Health and Sanitation and the lodge issued with a Health Inspection License. Fire-fighting equipment including, fire extinguishers, fire blankets, are duly serviced and strategically placed within the facility. Sand buckets are also used to complement the fire extinguishers. The lodge provides PPE (Personal Protective Equipment) including boats, overall and gloves to the staff. Fire exits, fire panic alarms and assembly points are properly marked and conspicuously displayed within the facility. Precautionary and safety signage are well fixed in areas such as the gas storage, the swimming pool and fuel pumping station
Child labor, abuse and human rights	The lodge 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

Governors Camp

Name of the facility	Governors Camp
Certification Achieved	Silver
Year opened	1972
Tourism region	Masai Mara/South Rift
County	Narok
Address	48217-00100,Nairobi Map It
Telephone/Mobile	+254 273 4000-5
Email	ariana@govenorscamp.com
Website	governorscamp.com
Facility Notes	Governors Camp is located inside the Masai Mara National Reserve. The camp is specifically located on Global Positioning System (GPS) Coordinates, latitude 36M 0726778 and longitude UTM 9856360 in the Masai Mara plains. It has 37 guest tents with a bed capacity of 40 visitors and a total work force of 200 employees. The facility is built on low environmental footprint and it is unfenced which allows wildlife to wander freely within the facility. The Maasai Mara National Reserve is home to the "Big Five" (lion, leopard, African elephant, African buffalo, and Black Rhinoceros). The plains are also home to the distinctive Masai giraffe. The large Roan antelope and the nocturnal bat-eared fox, rarely present elsewhere in Kenya, can be seen within the reserve borders. The climate of the region is mainly warm and dry; with hot days and cool evenings.
Energy management	Governors Camp is powered by diesel generators as the main source of power. The generators are used for lighting and running refrigerators. Generators’ fuel consumption and running hours are keenly monitored through recording for energy conservation. The camp uses Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) for cooking both to guests and staff. It has 40 kuni boilers used for water heating at staff and guest areas. The boilers are run by use of charcoal briquettes obtained from Muhoroni Sugar Company. Energy saving bulbs and light emitting diodes are installed throughout the facility to conserve energy. Sustainably obtained dead wood from a supplier in Aitong is used for lighting the camp fire. 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	Governors Camp has a working or piece-meal environmental policy with emphasis on environmental conservation, protection and well-being of the local community. The camp has an environmental management plan with monitoring action plans in water and energy.
Chemical use	The facility purchases its LPG gas in bulk packaged and distributed by Total Kenya. The storage area is fenced and fixed with precautionary signage. Fuel (Diesel and petrol) is stored underground tanks. Diesel is contained in (2) two tanks of approximately 13,000 litres, whereas Petrol is stored in a 9,000 litre tank. Paraffin is contained in a 4,000 litre tank. Fuelling pumps have been fixed respectively. Ecolab chemicals are used for washing in the laundry section. Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) for the chemicals are available at the chemical dispatch office. The facility uses biodegradable bathroom amenities in the guest tents.
Conservation Criteria
Community Criteria
Solid waste management	Waste separation at the facility is conducted at source and later put in larger waste collection section for disposal via Governors Head office to recycling industries/companies in Nairobi. Organic waste is composted within the facility. The compost pit is caged and properly covered to keep off wildlife scavenging.
Water management	The main source of water for Governors Camp is drawn from three (3) wells and a borehole; the water is pumped and stored in four (4) reservoir tanks with an average capacity of 64,000 litres. It is treated through sedimentation and chlorination before supply to all consumer points. The water is metered and the facility has a water permit for the well. A rapid repairs and maintenance team is available to ensure water plumbing issues are repaired on time. The camp has “towel talks” in the guest tents encouraging visitors on the re-use of towels, to promote water conservation. Low shower filter heads are fixed in the camp guest tents for water use efficiency.
Visitor communication & education	Booklets and room information folders are available at the restaurant section and guest tents respectively. Visitors are briefed upon arrival on the camp’s operations, and environmental values.
Pollution	The facility generators are insulated and fixed with sound reducing devices (muffler system). An oil interceptor has been installed at the generator and car wash sections to contain any leakages and spillage.
Environmental conservation	Governors Camp is built on low environmental footprint. The guest tents are semi-permanent made of beige canvas tents and erected on wooden platforms. The facility is unfenced which allows wildlife to wander freely. The natural vegetation is relatively undisturbed with sand put on the pathways to demarcate the way. The camp supports the Mara Predator Project, a conservation initiative working to monitor lions’ ecology and behaviour. The camp also supports Mara-Meru cheetah project, a research program aimed at identification of behavioural adaptations and assessment of impact of social structure on reproductive success and survival of the cheetah in the protected areas under human influence. In addition, it has fixed several signage within its premises warning visitors against wildlife baiting
Waste water management	Grey water from the guest kitchen is managed through a two compartment grease trap to filter fats and oils before draining into a soak pit system. Grey waste water for the staff quarters, guest tents and public areas is managed through soak pits. Black effluent from the guest tents and public areas is managed through septic tanks. EM1, (Effective Micro-organism) is added into the septic tanks to facilitate sludge digestion. Black water from the staff quarters is managed through a pit latrine.
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	Employees have a staff committee which meets on monthly basis. It is ascribed to the workers union and, handles and addresses staff issues
Staff education, communication and awareness training	The camp has notice boards for staff communication within the facility. The staff is sensitized and briefed during departmental meetings
Cultural preservation and promotion/protection of local sites	The facility offers local villages visit. The visitors are sensitized on the local culture, engage in cultural dances, talks and sports activities such as arrows and spears throwing. Each visitor is charged 25 USD and issued with a receipt which they provide at the villages. The monies are later paid directly to the local people who have established village accounts each with four (4) signatories. The guest tents have elaborate information folders with information on Governors camp activities and community initiatives, wildlife information materials, mammals and birdlife list. The facility has a Naturalist who gives talks on environmental conservation, and local Masai culture.
Benefits to local community/community empowerment	Governor’s Camp purchases from the locals where feasible e.g. milk and meat for staff meals is obtained from the locals. Supplies include vegetables and sustainably obtained fuel-wood. Formal agreements are signed in meat and fuelwood supply. About 80% of the employees are from the local from the local Aitong and Mara Rianta area. The employees were sought from the local community and trained on hospitality skills. The facility operates a curio shop with additional curios and beads obtained from local vendors around Mara Rianta. Through Governors Camps Collection CSR (Corporate Social Responsibility), Governors Camp has established educational and health initiatives set under Mara Rianta Charitable Trust. It also supports the maintenance of the road network within the Musiara areas and supplies water to Musiara Gate Rangers. Staff welfare benefits include; service charges, health care, uniform, food, accommodation, and transport. The staff is paid a wage above the minimum government requirements.
Cultural Criteria
Health and safety	Medical check-up has been conducted for food and beverage handlers at the facility. A team of staff is well trained on first aid –training (in-house training conducted by the nurse). Further, fully replenished first aid kits are well supplied in each department. Precautionary and safety signage such as ‘Hatari’ ‘highly flammable’ are strategically fixed at relevant places such as the fuel and gas storage areas. The camp has undergone Health Inspection and issued with a Health Inspection Certificate. It has a clinic within the premises and a 24 hours doctor on duty to attend to the staff and guests. The clinic is well equipped with medical equipment including, emergency nebulizers, defibrillators, and artificial oxygen. Emergency contacts and documented procedures are strategically put at the manager’s office safety preparedness at the camp. Firefighting equipment such as fire extinguishers and fire blankets are strategically located and serviced. Sand buckets are also availed to boost firefighting equipment. A fire assembly point is properly marked and displayed within the facility and a fire alarm is also available. The facility has conducted a comprehensive health and safety audit and certificate of registration of work place obtained. The camp has conducted a Fire safety audit and it provides PPE (Personal Protective Equipment) such as overall, gloves and boots to the repairs and maintenance staff.
Business Practises Criteria
Entry Date	9th March 2018

Read More

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