| 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 protected] | |
| 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 |
