Sustainable travel & Ecotourism
Eco-friendly East Africa safaris for a healthier planet
Come explore with Africa Kenya Safaris
Sustainable travel - explore responsibly with Africa Kenya Safaris
Africa Kenya Safaris is dedicated to providing unforgettable travel experiences while prioritizing sustainability.
We believe in responsible tourism that minimizes environmental impact, supports local communities, and promotes cultural preservation.
Our mission is to create a positive impact on the destinations we operate in, ensuring they remain vibrant and accessible for future generations.
Our Sustainability Commitments
Environmental Stewardship
Carbon Footprint Reduction: We are committed to reducing our carbon emissions by 95by 2030 This includes optimizing transportation routes, using fuel-efficient vehicles, and promoting low-impact travel options.
Waste Management: We implement waste reduction strategies such as minimizing single-use plastics, recycling, and encouraging travelers to follow Leave No Trace principles.
Biodiversity Conservation: We partner with local conservation organizations to protect natural habitats and wildlife. A portion of our profits supports environmental initiatives in the regions we visit.
Sustainable Accommodations: We prioritize eco-friendly accommodations that adhere to green certifications and sustainable practices.
Social Responsibility
Community Engagement: We collaborate with local communities to ensure tourism benefits are shared equitably. This includes hiring local guides, sourcing products from local businesses, and supporting community-led projects.
Cultural Preservation: We respect and celebrate the cultural heritage of our destinations. Our tours are designed to educate travelers about local traditions while avoiding cultural exploitation.
Fair Labor Practices: We ensure fair wages, safe working conditions, and equal opportunities for all employees and partners.
Economic Sustainability
Supporting Local Economies: We prioritize partnerships with local suppliers, artisans, and service providers to stimulate economic growth in the regions we operate.
Transparent Pricing: We maintain fair and transparent pricing practices, ensuring that our services provide value while supporting sustainable tourism.
Education and Advocacy
Traveler Awareness: We educate our customers on sustainable travel practices and encourage them to be mindful of their environmental and social impact.
Industry Leadership: We actively participate in sustainability initiatives and collaborate with industry partners to promote responsible tourism globally.
Certifications and Partnerships
Memberships: Africa Kenya Safaris is corporate member of Ecotourism Kenya that champions for sustainability in travel.
Pack For A Purpose: Through our partnership with Pack for a Purpose, an initiative that allows travellers to make a lasting impact in the community travel destination, we support various schools in Mai Mahiu, Emali and Voi.
Wildlife Park Rules
- Respect the privacy of the wildlife, this is their habitat.
- Beware of the animals, they are wild and can be unpredictable.
- Don’t crowd the animals or make sudden noises or movements.
- Don’t feed the animals, it upsets their diet and leads to human dependence.
- Keep quiet, noise disturbs the wildlife and may antagonize your fellow visitors.
- Stay in your vehicle at all times, except at designated picnic or walking areas.
- Keep below the maximum speed limit (40 kph/25 mph).
- Never drive off-road, this severely damages the habitat.
- When viewing wildlife keep to a minimum distance of 20 meters and pull to the side of the road so as to allow others to pass.
- Leave no litter and never leave fires unattended or discard burning objects.
- Respect the cultural heritage of Kenya, never take pictures of the local people or their habitat without asking their permission, respect the cultural traditions of Kenya and always dress with decorum.
- Stay over or leave before dusk, visitors must vacate the Park between 6.00 p.m. – 6.00 a.m. unless they are camping overnight. Night game driving is not allowed.
- Check local weather and sea conditions before entering the marine park.
- Some marine life is dangerous; do not touch anything under water.
- Do not damage or remove corals. It is a living organism which takes many years to form and is host to many rare and endangered species.
- Do not remove shells, starfish or any other sea – flora or fauna. Removal is illegal, seriously disrupts the eco system and some marine life is dangerous. The areas outside the parks and reserves is threatened by excessive shell collection. Empty shells provide homes for hermit crabs and some fish.
- Do not buy shells and other marine animal products as souvenirs as this encourages further plundering of the reefs and beaches.
- Never dispose of litter on the beach or in the sea. It is illegal and environmentally unfriendly. Marine turtles can confuse clear plastic waste with jelly fish and will die if they eat it.
- Hand – feeding of fish is discouraged. It disrupts normal feeding patterns.
- Hook and line fishing is allowed in the Marine Reserves but prohibited in Marine Parks. Spear guns are not permitted for use in either.
- Environmentally friendly activities such as snorkelling and diving are encouraged, under the supervision of the Kenya Wildlife Service wardens, who work closely with tour operators and hoteliers to ensure strict adherence to this code of practice.
- Avoid restaurants that serve undersized crabs and lobsters as this contributes to their rapid demise.
- Support traditional coastal livelihoods and do not give money to children on the beach, as this can encourage them to stay away from school.
- Respect the cultural heritage of Kenya, never take pictures of the local people or their habitat without asking their permission, respect the cultural traditions of Kenya and always dress with decorum.
Eco-rated hotels, safari lodges & tented camps
At Africa Kenya Safaris we prioritize eco-friendly accommodations that adhere to green certifications and sustainable practices. See below some of the eco-rated facilities we work with.
NB: Eco rating is conducted by Ecotourism Kenya. The list is sorted alphabetically by ‘Facility’ and will be updated as and when changes or additions occur.
| Name of the facility | Tourism region | Certification Achieved |
|---|---|---|
| &BEYOND Bateleur Camp | Masai Mara/South Rift | Gold |
| Amboseli Serena Lodge | Tsavo/Amboseli | Gold |
| Angama Mara Lodge | Masai Mara/South Rift | Gold |
| Asilia Ol Pejeta Bush Camp | Laikipia/Samburu | Gold |
| Bahari Beach Hotel | Coast | Gold |
| Basecamp Masai Mara | Masai Mara/South Rift | Gold |
| Cottar’s 1920’s Camp | North Rift | Gold |
| Elewana Elephant Pepper Camp Masai Mara | Masai Mara/South Rift | Gold |
| Elewana Elsa’s Kopje Meru | Laikipia/Samburu | Gold |
| Elewana Lewa Safari Camp | North Rift | Gold |
| Elewana Loisaba Lodo Springs | Laikipia/Samburu | Gold |
| Elewana Sand River Masai Mara | Masai Mara/South Rift | Gold |
| Elewana Tortilis Camp Amboseli | Tsavo/Amboseli | Gold |
| Encounter Mara Camp | Masai Mara/South Rift | Gold |
| Entumoto Safari Camp | Masai Mara/South Rift | Gold |
| Governors Camp | Masai Mara/South Rift | Gold |
| Governors’ Il Moran Camp | Masai Mara/South Rift | Gold |
| Hemingways Watamu | Coast | Gold |
| Karen Blixen Camp | Masai Mara/South Rift | Gold |
| Kicheche Bush Camp | Masai Mara/South Rift | Gold |
| Kicheche Laikipia Camp | Laikipia/Samburu | Gold |
| Kicheche Mara Camp | Masai Mara/South Rift | Gold |
| Kicheche Valley Camp | Masai Mara/South Rift | Gold |
| Kilaguni Serena Safari Lodge | Tsavo/Amboseli | Gold |
| Kilima Camp | Masai Mara/South Rift | Gold |
| Lake Elmenteita Serena Camp | North Rift | Gold |
| Little Governors Camp | Masai Mara/South Rift | Gold |
| Loldia House | North Rift | Gold |
| Mara Engai Lodge | Masai Mara/South Rift | Gold |
| Mara Plains Camp | Masai Mara/South Rift | Gold |
| Mara Serena Safari Lodge | Masai Mara/South Rift | Gold |
| Medina Palms | Coast | Gold |
| Naboisho Camp | Masai Mara/South Rift | Gold |
| Ol Seki Hemingways Mara | Masai Mara/South Rift | Gold |
| Porini Amboseli Camp | Tsavo/Amboseli | Gold |
| Rekero Camp | Masai Mara/South Rift | Gold |
| Rhino River Camp | Laikipia/Samburu | Gold |
| Sanctuary Olonana | Masai Mara/South Rift | Gold |
| Saruni Eagle View | Masai Mara/South Rift | Gold |
| Saruni Leopard Hill | Masai Mara/South Rift | Gold |
| Saruni Mara Camp | Masai Mara/South Rift | Gold |
| Saruni Samburu | Laikipia/Samburu | Gold |
| Serena Beach Resort and Spa | Coast | Gold |
| Severin Sea Lodge | Coast | Gold |
| Sirikoi Lodge | Laikipia/Samburu | Gold |
| Soroi Mara Bush Camp | Masai Mara/South Rift | Gold |
| Sweetwaters Serena Camp | Laikipia/Samburu | Gold |
| Tawi Lodge | Tsavo/Amboseli | Gold |
| The Sands at Nomad Beach Resort. | Coast | Gold |
| Name of the facility | Tourism region | Certification Achieved |
|---|---|---|
| &Beyond Kichwa Tembo Tented Camp | Masai Mara/South Rift | Silver |
| Amboseli Sopa Lodge | Tsavo/Amboseli | Silver |
| Ashnil Aruba | Tsavo/Amboseli | Silver |
| Basecamp Mara Houses | Masai Mara/South Rift | Silver |
| Elephant Bedroom Camp | Laikipia/Samburu | Silver |
| Elewana Kifaru House | Laikipia/Samburu | Silver |
| Elewana Loisaba Star Beds | Laikipia/Samburu | Silver |
| Elewana Loisaba Tented Camp | Laikipia/Samburu | Silver |
| Governors’ Mugie House | Laikipia/Samburu | Silver |
| Great Rift Valley Lodge and Golf Resort | North Rift | Silver |
| Lake Naivasha Sopa Resort | North Rift | Silver |
| Lake Nakuru Sopa Lodge | North Rift | Silver |
| Lewa Wilderness | Laikipia/Samburu | Silver |
| Lion’s Bluff Lodge | Tsavo/Amboseli | Silver |
| Mara Explorer Camp | Masai Mara/South Rift | Silver |
| Mara Intrepids Camp | Masai Mara/South Rift | Silver |
| Mara Ngenche Camp | Masai Mara/South Rift | Silver |
| Mara Siria Tented Bush Camp and Cottages | Masai Mara/South Rift | Silver |
| Masai Mara Sopa Lodge | Masai Mara/South Rift | Silver |
| Mtito Safari Camp | Masai Mara/South Rift | Silver |
| Porini Rhino Camp | Laikipia/Samburu | Silver |
| Royal Mara Safari Lodge | North Rift | Silver |
| Samburu Intrepids | Laikipia/Samburu | Silver |
| Samburu Sopa Lodge. | Laikipia/Samburu | Silver |
| Sarova Lion Hill Lodge | North Rift | Silver |
| Sarova Mara Game Camp | Masai Mara/South Rift | Silver |
| Sarova Shaba Game Lodge | Laikipia/Samburu | Silver |
| Saruni Rhino | Laikipia/Samburu | Silver |
| Saruni Wild | Masai Mara/South Rift | Silver |
| Satao Camp | Tsavo/Amboseli | Silver |
| Swahili Beach Resort | Coast | Silver |
| The Almanara Boutique Hotel and Luxury Villas | Coast | Silver |
| The Sands at Chale Island | Coast | Silver |
| Tipilikwani Mara Camp | Masai Mara/South Rift | Silver |
| Voyager Beach Resort | Coast | Silver |
| Voyager Ziwani Camp | Coast | Silver |
| Name of the facility | Tourism region | Certification Achieved |
|---|---|---|
| Mara Nyika | Masai Mara/South Rift | Bronze |
Pack For A Purpose
Africa Kenya Safaris is a proud member of Pack for a Purpose, an initiative that allows travelers like you to make a lasting impact in the community at your travel destination. If you save just a few kilos of space in your suitcase and take supplies for the projects we support in need, you’ll make a priceless impact in the lives of our local children and families.
Project 1: Boresha Maisha ya Mtoto Mkenya Children Home, Mahi Mahiu
Location
The home is situated approximately 55kms (app. 35 miles) away from Nairobi city.
Its entrance is situated along Narok- Mai Mahiu road approximately 2Kms from Mai Mahiu town and 200 metres from the road. It is situated in Kiambu County.
Enrolment
The home has a population of 62 children (boys and Girls) from poor background and also orphans. Girls are the majority. The youngest child is 5years old but the highest age bracket ranges between 8 years and 14 years old respectively.
These children are day scholars in local private schools, where they go in the morning and come back in the evening.
However, other children already in boarding high school, are always encouraged to go back to their matrimonial homes during the holidays and bond with their real parents unless there is an inhibiting factor.
Management
The Home is run and managed by one Mr. Paul Mwaniki who is the founder and director of the home. His vision is to help the needy children by not only giving them food and shelter but also giving them right education in the right forum as per each child individual need. The setup of the home is done such that it emulates the nuclear family orientation.
The children’s home has five housing termed as family units. Each family unit has 4 bed rooms. Three bed rooms are for the children whereas the fourth one is reserved for the father and mother who actually are married couple employed to mentor and raise the children just like is done in a family set up. Each room is shared by four children and also has enclosed wardrobes and shelves for putting their belongings.
These parents ensure the children follow the daily routine schedules just as any other parent does for their kid. Finally, the home has employed Aunties who come every morning to clean and cook for the children.
Each family unit has one aunty.
Financing
The financing aspect is done by people of good heart who willingly send their donations directly to the home. Fortunately, the home has one donor from Netherlands who they can
associates all the developments to him.
He has been the pillar to the standing of the home.
Project 2: Nairrataat Primary School
Location
Nairrataat is a mixed public primary/Nursary school located in Emali town near Emali train Station and in Kajiando County. One can access the school easily from Loitoktok Junction (land mark being the Amboseli curio shop) along Nairobi-Mombasa highway. From the loitoktok junction is estimated to be 1.5kms away from the school main entrance.
Enrolment
The school has a population of:
400 pupils in primary school
Their age ranges between 7 years old and 15 years old respectively. Most of these pupils come from a very humble background and most of them do with one meal a day. Their parents are low income earners and survive below one dollar per day.
Management
Nairrataat is a public institution thus run under the ministry of education. It is run by the Head master by the name of Mr. Chege and deputised by Madam Ruth. The school has 15 teaching staff, a watchman and a cook.
General over view
The school general conditions display a neglected remote school, that slaps one with a look of poverty. The buildings look deserted with no maintenance. Window panes is a thing of the past and most of the furniture’s are broken or loose.
Emali as a whole, is situated in a drought prone area thus water shortage is in inevitable which equally affect the school. Sanitation is an issue especially in the washroom blocks General appearance of the kids is not well pleasing for most of them seem malnutritioned and unkempt. Their uniforms very wanting not talk of their diet.
Financing
Most of the aid comes from the government. However, the much received is not sufficient for these pupils considering the magnitude of their needs. The government cannot satisfy all their basic needs.
Project 3: Mwamunga Primary School
Location
Mwamunga primary school is a public mixed school located in Voi town, 200 meters away from the junction of Tsavo East entrance and along the same road that heads to Tsavo East National Park.
It is in Taita Taveta County.
Enrolment
Mwamunga primary school is a mixed day school with a population of 1256 pupils in primary school majority being boys and 120 children in pre-schools. Their age ranges between 3 years and 16 years old respectively. Most of these children if not all come from very humble backgrounds. Having basics is a hustle for their parents are casual laborers and income is low.
Management
Mwamunga is a public institution and thus falls under the ministry of Education. It is run by the Headmaster named Mr. Mark Mulei and deputized by Madam Lydia Mwachofi.
General overview
The school compound is very bare, and dusty with a poorly maintained fence. Classrooms look well maintained though no window panes. The school has an adequate water supply from the county government.
However, the children appear to be living in abject poverty. Most of the pupils’ uniforms are torn and full of patches. Some were barefooted. According to the head teacher, 25% of them stay without having lunch for their parents cannot even afford 3 dollars, a monthly fee that caters for lunch meals. What worries the head teacher the most is the feeds for the 25% of pupils.
Financing
Most of the aid comes from the government. However, the much received is not sufficient for these pupils considering the magnitude of their needs. The government cannot satisfy all their basic needs.