Questions & Advice

Hi Elizabeth, Have a look at the Robin Pope Safaris properties in Zambia and Malawi. As you may already know, operating lodges within rare ecosystems and alongside local indigenous communities comes with a great amount of responsibility. Robin Pope Safaris work hard to reduce their negative footprint and positively impact the environment, and therefore implement a Responsible Tourism Policy to ensure that running their lodges has a lasting, positive effect on the surrounding unique locations. Last year they were joint overall winners at the Virgin Responsible Tourism Awards where they were recognized for their efforts. For more information visit their website: www.robinpopesafaris.net or contact: info@robinpopesafaris.net

On: 04 July 2012

Hondo Hondo Tented Camp in the Udzungwa Mountains Tanzania (http://www.udzungwaforestcamp.com) has received lots of acreditation - see the bottom of the first page of their website. It is running a tree planting project with local schools called A Tree For Me , uses hydro and solar power for lighting and heating water. The lodge works closely with the local communities. The whole site is on the edge of the national park on what was farm land. The tree planting program is returning the area to nature and you can watch endemic primates from the bar! Hondo Hondo provides a comfortable base to hike into the mountains (there is no driving in the Udzungwa Mountians National Park so this helps minimise impacts) where you will have the chance to see many rare species including pygmy chameleons, primates and African Violets in this ancient Eastern Arc Forest. You can also go swimming in the plunge pools of the 180m Sanje waterfall - a truly great experience!

On: 04 July 2012

Sanctuary Olonana has been "Gold Eco-Rated" by Ecotourism Kenya in recognition of the camp's continuous and innovative commitment to conservation and responsible tourism. Sanctuary Olonana is one of only five properties in Kenya to be awarded with a gold eco-rating. Like all Sanctuary properties, Sanctuary Olonana operates around the ethos of “Luxury, naturally”. One of the camp's key projects is an innovative wetland system designed to allow enhanced water conservation. In order to combat increasing deforestation and cultivate trees that are indigenous to the Masai Mara, the camp also has dedicated tree nursery where guests can plant trees. Since the project began in 2000, almost 5000 trees have been planted. There is an organic garden where much of the food served in camp is grown. The camp also supports a number of community projects at Enkereri village close to Sanctuary Olonana, to extend gas piping into designated "cooking huts" in the village in order for them to make use of biogas, a renewable energy source used for cooking and heat. Furthermore, we are working with the village on a project to harvest rainwater for use in a small organic garden and a tree seedling nursery. The project also would reuse the residue sludge from the biogas system, ensuring there is no waste or environmental impact from this endeavour. The implementation of this sustainable energy source will benefit the Maasai of Enkereri in a number of ways: Rather than spending time harvesting and collecting firewood, the Maasai women can useir the time on income generating projects such as beadwork and beekeeping, while at the same time minimising the need for walking in search of firewood and reducing the incidence of human-wildlife conflict. By using biogas for fuel, there is less pressure to harvest wood from the forest, decreasing the threat and burden on fragile woodlands and forests near Maasai villages. This form of fuel decreases the number of flies in the village and with this, the incidence of fly born/transmitted infections and diseases. Enkereri Village, with a population of 200, is located at the foot of the Siria Escarpment close to Sanctuary Olonana. This Maasai village actively works on projects to improve the way of life and education for its people. In 2005, the village built a small school for children aged 2-6. Now, with the help of Sanctuary Retreats Philanthropy and guests at Sanctuary Olonana, the village is planning a series of improvements including two new classrooms for older children, planting additional trees around the school, new fencing to increase the safety for students and the provision of key equipment and materials for education and activities. For more information please visit our website at www.sanctuaryretreats.com or you are welcome to contact me at yscanes@sanctuaryretreats.com

On: 04 July 2012

Kenya safari camp Saruni Samburu has been awarded a Silver Eco-Rating by Ecotourism Kenya for demonstrating a move towards ecotourism excellence through showing innovation in responsible resource use, environmental conservation and socio-economic investment. Saruni Samburu joins a host of other Cheli and Peacock properties including Saruni Mara, Elsa’s Kopje, Joy’s Camp, Tortilis Camp, Kitich Camp and Elephant Pepper Camp which has as gold eco-rating! Saruni Samburu is a unique lodge in the Kalama Conservancy, Samburu. All game drives and safari walks are led by professional Samburu guides and the traditions and heritage of the local Samburu people play an important part in the African safari experience here.

On: 04 July 2012

Hi Elizabeth I have just returned from Kenya and stayed at four fantastic camps located in private wildlife conservancies. They are called Porini Camps. These are small personal camps which are temporary tented structures minimising environmental impact but still providing comfortable accommodation with solar powered electricity and eco-friendly amenities. The Porini Camps also benefit the Masai Community (who own the conservancies). It generates an income for the community and employment opportunities for them within the Conservancies. The Porini Amboseli Camp has been rewarded Gold Eco rated certificaton as well as Porini Lion Camp being rewarded by the Good Safari Guide - Best Ecological Safari Property in Africa 2010. If you have any further questions, please do not hesitate to ask.

On: 04 July 2012

Thank you very much for posting this question. The C&P Portfolio in Kenya is renowned for being a collection of small, unique, low impact safari and coastal properties. As a group and individually, we have won a number of Eco Tourism accreditations. Here are some of our latest from 2011 and 2012: 2011/2 Gold Eco-Rating (Ecotourism Kenya) - Elephant Pepper Camp 2011/2 Silver Eco-Rating (Ecotourism Kenya) - Elsa's Kopje, Joy's Camp, Saruni Samburu, Saruni Mara, Tortilis Camp and Kitich Camp. 2012 Tourism for Tomorrow Awards (WTTC) - Cheli & Peacock came runner-up. 2012 Kenya Tourism Awards (which highlight companies demonstating innovative, sustainable, and responsible tourism practices - Cheli & Peacock won Best Tour Operator and Tortilis Camp won Best Small Lodge 2011 Kenya Tourism Awards - The C&P Portfolio won the judges award for Community Support and Elsa's Kopje won Best Small Lodge 2011 Good Safari Guide Awards - Lewa Safari Camp won Best Community Safari Property (won by Loisaba the year before) A number of safari properties within The C&P Portfolio have developed their own trusts, designed to support local communities through education facilities and sponsorship, healthcare facilities, and various other projects. Environmental conservation is also a key ethos within our group, with continuous conservation projects being carried out at each of our properties - from small scale initiatives to large scale projects, even starting up and managing private wildlife conservancies. If you would like to find out more, please feel free to contact us on info@chelipeacock.co.ke. Best, Charlotte

On: 04 July 2012

Hi Elizabeth, there are several properties in Mozambique that are classified as eco-friendly / low impact accommodations. The first to come to mind are Guludo Beach Lodge, situated in the Quirimbas National Park, that have receied various rewards and accreditations for not only their eco friendly lodge but also the work they do with their local community. You can also look at Nuarro Beach Lodge in northern Mozambique as well as Explore Gorongosa - situated in the beautiful Gorongosa National Park. Please feel free to contact me if you require any further information on one of these properties.

On: 04 July 2012

Hi Elizabeth, we – Asilia Africa - are a responsible eco-tourism company with camps and lodges in Kenya, Tanzania and Zanzibar. Protecting the pristine areas we operate in and offering opportunities for local communities to benefit from tourism sits at the heart of our mission. All our camps are carbon-neutral and we encourage our guests to travel in the same way. This has amongst others been recognized by Eco Tourism Kenya (Rekero Camp awarded silver eco-rating in 2011, and 2012 nominee), Sayari as 2011 finalist for Best Ecological Safari Property in Africa and Matemwe, Zanzibar as 2011 finalist for Responsible Hotels of the World and 2011 nominee for the Responsible Tourism Awards. Visit our website www.asiliaafrica.com or contact us at marketing@asiliaafrica.com should you require any more specific information. Kind regards, Marleen

On: 04 July 2012

Dear Elizabeth, We would be delighted to help you with this information for Eastern Africa. We are not linked to any individual properties but we are knowledgeable about and carry out travel to all budget-levels of accommodation in five countries (Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, Rwanda & Ethiopia)and we endeavour to use only those properties that are eco-friendly,for our philosophy, please see: http://www.thesafaricoltd.com/index.php/about-us/travel-green Please feel free to contact me on chania@thesafaricoltd.com for additional information. Best regards Chania The SAFARI Company www.thesafaricoltd.com

On: 04 July 2012

Porini Amboseli Camp in Selenkay was awarded a Gold Eco-rating certificate by Eco-tourism Kenya (one of only 4 in Kenya). This camp was a pioneer in community owned conservancies in partnership with local communities and this model has been now successfully replicated in other parts of Kenya. From a long list of sustainable measures, Porini Amboseli Camp shows commitment to the environment by minimizing their footprint as much as possible and commitment to the local Maasai community through supporting the local people and their livelihoods.

On: 04 July 2012

Hi Elizabeth, thank you for your question. Turtle Bay in Watamu, on the north coast of Kenya, has been pioneering ecologically friendly operating principles for many years now - not just from when it became fashionable! Testament to these high standards are the number of local and international awards that the hotel has received, to name a few: Travelife Gold Award for Sustainability in Tourism, Eco Tourism Kenya silver award winner, winner of the Winner of Best Energy Management Award (EMA) and the KAM Eco Hotel Sector Award for active energy saving systems and policies resulting in a 14% reduction in electrical KWpH consumption year on year with higher occupancies. Not only is the hotel focused on preserving the local fauna and flora, but they are also heavy involved in uplifting the local communities as well. That support is managed by the hotel’s own Eco and Community Officer; who ensures that donations, funds, and the time that the guests give are allocated across a wide spectrum of beneficiaries – from schools, to clinics and customised projects involving youth and sports. Feel free to visit the hotel’s website http://www.turtlebay.co.ke/news.html, or contact me should you require any specific information. All the best, George. IHDM – representatives for Turtle Bay, Kenya.

On: 04 July 2012

Flatdogs Camp, in the South Luangwa National Park in Zambia, was the first ever camp to win a South Luangwa Eco Award which is a scheme run under the auspices of the South Luangwa Conservation Society. We won award and were presented with a Silver Accreditation by the judging panel based on many aspects of our operation. Most importantly but not confined to Social Responsibility Projects in the Communities Implementation of renewal energy, waste management policies and general eco friendly camp operations Responsible guiding techniques and policies Staff training and opportunities for all as an employer We also have a policy in our a la carte restaurant to use as much fresh local produce as possible. See our website for more information www.flatdogscamp.com but thanks for your interest in this subject. Adrian Coley MD Flatdogs Camp

On: 06 July 2012

Dear Elizabeth, Campi ya Kanzi, www.maasai.com, is the pioneer of ecotourism in Africa. We are a partnership with the local Maasai community of Kuku Group Ranch, between Amboseli and Tsavo National Park. It is a bit embarassing to be self celebrating what we stand for, but your question deserve a proper answer. The Trust we have created and that is supported by Campi ya Kanzi guests with a $100 conservation fee has received in Rio+20 the Equator Prize, a flagship award from the United Nations. Samson Parashina, President of the Trust, was nominated Champions of the Earth by the United Nations. We were the first lodge to be Gold rated by Ecotourism Kenya and we have won several international eco-awards. An experience with us will be very special and unique and, most important, will help preserving the wilderness, cultural and wildlife heritages of the Maasai of Kuku Group Ranch. If you need further information do not hesitate to contact me: Luca Belpietro, luca@maasai.com Kind regards Luca

On: 06 July 2012

Hi Elizabeth I hope you are well. Sasaab has just been awarded its Gold certification under Kenya’s Eco-rating Scheme, one of only 6 properties in Kenya to achieve this. Below is some information on why Sasaab recieved this award. There are two main areas which are considered- Environmental: There is a veg garden with their own compost from the organic waste. There is a waste policy in place with a reduce, reuse, recycle policy. This goes hand in hand with trying to buy produce from local suppliers and trying to reduce packaging and transport. Sasaab is predominantly solar power. A policy to reduce the use of plastic bottles was implemented across the company and we give every client a stainless steel water bottle. The drinking water is in 18L recyclable containers. We reduced our plastic waste consumption in 2011/2012 by 85% with this initiative. There is a non toxic cleaning program in place and all products are bio degradable The insecticide in the rooms is a natural pyrethreum based spray - non aerosol. One of the main things is to be accountable for what you are doing and able to quantify your improvements. All power and water use is monitored and systems were put in place such as timer switches on sockets to reduce the power consumption and water metres to monitor water use. Socio-Economic: Sasaab employs 75% of their staff from the local community Sasaab has always been very sensitive to the preservation of the culture of the community - promoting it with out changing it as far as is possible. In the last 5 years Sasaab have raised over 8 million shillings in donations which have been spent on: School improvements - building class rooms teacher salaries books/uniforms furniture supplementary school feeding program An education/medical programm for teens - increasing awareness in sexual health and diseases. medical improvements to the clinic purchase of a solar fridge to allow an immunisation clinic A week long eye mission where 133 eye ops were carried out in 7 days It is also vital that all govt licensing etc is in place to be considered. I hope this is of some help, and if you need any further information, please do not hesitate to contact me. Many thanks Emma

On: 06 July 2012

Hi Elizabeth, I would like to introduce you to Ol Seki Hemingways Mara: www.hemingways-collection.com Recently acquired a Silver Eco-rating, Ol Seki works and believes in recycling and using environmental friendly material at all times: Use of Sustainable and Eco friendly materials and supplies - The facility design is to use canvas plus material locally available in Kenya; sustainable harvested wood for example. - The camp has used soft natural colours to blend into environment - Renovation of structures are done using sustainable woods and local materials only hence no construction site debris - Pathways left rough and natural and camp not fenced - Very limited clearing of natural vegetation around camp - No planting of non indigenous vegetation around camp Resource Saving Initiatives - Controlled water usage - Reuse of grey water for car washing - Use of biodegradable soaps/shampoos/detergents - Natural enzyme use for water disposal - Use of existing roads and tracks only - No rubbish disposal in area – all is removed - No cutting of trees for wood. - No flood lighting and no outdoor lighting after midnight - Insistence on leaving natural flora around camp - Camp bonfire uses the old wood slats from the camp structure repairs that are constantly ongoing - Wood fuel not used for cooking or light use repaired/old wood for camp fires only - Temporary water hole at base of camp caused during long rains- left natural - No flood lights as the camp uses low energy saving bulbs inside tents and solar lighting on walkways

On: 12 July 2012

Mihingo Lodge is the only Carbon Neutral accredited Lodge in Uganda and runs only on solar power, from solar water heating to solar water pumps to solar electricity and solar fridges and freezers. We offer horseback safaris in Lake Mburo National Park, game walks, night game drives, boat trips, massages and very private rooms with a great view. For more information please have a look at our website www.mihingolodge.com or our Facebook site http://www.facebook.com/pages/Mihingo-Lodge/118810638149910?ref=hl.

On: 11 January 2013