| Name of the facility | Mara Siria Tented Camp |
|---|---|
| Certification Achieved | Silver |
| Year opened | 2005 |
| Tourism region | Masai Mara/South Rift |
| County | Narok |
| Address | 1141- 00621, Nairobi Map It |
| Telephone/Mobile | 020 765 00 66 |
| [email protected] | |
| Website | mara-siria-camp.com |
| Facility Notes | Mara Siria Tented Camp is located in Olololoo escarpment in Masai Mara on a private concession area of 20 hectares. The camp is specifically located on Global Positioning System (GPS) Coordinates, Latitude: – 01 13 524 S and Longitude: 035 01 586 E. It has eight (8) luxury tents, two (2) deluxe rooms and Masai-style cottages with a bed capacity of 28 visitors, and a total work force of 24 employees. The Camp borders the Mara Triangle Wilderness Area within the Masai Mara National Reserve. The area is an integral part of the Mara-Serengeti ecosystem providing critical wildlife dispersal area for migratory wildlife. It is frequented by wildlife species including lions, giraffes, zebras, gazelles, rock hyrax amongst other species. It is also a haven for bird species. |
| Energy management | The facility runs on 100% solar energy for lighting, solar water heating and running the electrical appliances. The solar panels are strategically installed throughout the premises. Each tent has two (2) solar panels and a battery system for lighting. In addition, there are two portable flood lights at the camp with an output of 20 watts each which provide lighting for the main pathways within the premises. The camp has a 2.2 KvA diesel powered generator specifically used as backup, ironing or welding works. Diesel consumption at the facility is monitored. Solar rechargeable torches are used as flashlights during the night. Water heating for the camp is conducted through solar water heaters. It has a total of two (2) solar heaters each with a capacity of 350 litres and a larger system with 600 litres. In addition there are two (2) efficient boilers for back-up purposes. Briquettes are used to power the boilers. The camp has a charcoal fridge used for storing fruits and vegetables. A drip pipe has been fixed on the fridge to reduce on water used while cooling the fridge. The guest tents are fixed with main switches and the night guards are sensitized to switch off unnecessary lights. Further, there are no sockets in the guest tents; instead the facility has a centralized charging point with an aim to control energy usage. Energy saving bulbs and LED (light emitting diodes) are installed throughout for energy conservation. The camp uses Liquefied Petroleum gas (LPG) for guests and staff cooking. Staff is sensitized on energy conservation through departmental briefings whereas visitors are sensitized on arrival briefings. Guest tents are fitted with room information sensitizing visitors on energy conservation such as switch off unnecessary lights. |
| Environmental management | Mara Siria has an environmental management system with clear environmental management plans in water, energy, waste and health & safety. Further, the system incorporates action plan on community wellbeing. The facility conducts its annual environmental audit as required by Environmental (Impact assessment and Audit) Regulations, of 2003 |
| Chemical use | Diesel is stored in 2,500 liters tank fixed with a fueling pump. Henkel detergents are used for cleaning a ‘small’ plunge pool within the facility. Material Safety Data Sheet records for the chemicals used within are available. Gas is bought in 50kg and 12kg cylinders. They are well hoisted within the facility |
| Conservation Criteria | |
| Community Criteria | |
| Solid waste management | Mara Siria waste separation is conducted at source and the bins are clearly labeled, (plastics, organic and tins etc.). Organic waste is composted, whereas plastics, metallic waste (tins), glass (waste bottles) are put in a waste holding area waiting disposal to recycling firms via head offices in Nairobi. The camp purchases drinking water in 20 liters re-usable containers. The water is served to guests in glass jugs or well decorated wine bottles – an aim to reduce plastic waste. |
| Water management | The camp’s main source of water for the camp is obtained from River Sabaringo and solar pumped to the main reservoir with a total capacity of 10,000 liters. It is treated via filtration, sedimentation and chlorination before storage in an underground reservoir of 5,000 litres from where it’s pumped to the entire premises. A water meter has been fixed. The facility has obtained a water extraction permit from (WRMA) Water Resources Management Authority for extraction of water from River Sabaringo. The facility practices rain water harvesting. It has tanks throughout the premises capable of harvesting approximately 27,600 liters. The camp is fitted with safari showers system of 20 liters to reduce on water usage. Further, visitors are sensitized on water conservation through briefing, room information folders and staff through departmental sensitization. The facility has a regular maintenance and repairs schedule to monitor faults or water leakages. |
| Visitor communication & education | The camp has a visitors’ resource area equipped with reading information materials including environmental publications, wildlife and travel magazines, and nature conservation magazines such as Africa Geographic, Books on Kenya, Birds of Kenya. Visitors are briefed upon arrival on the environmental principles and values of the camp. Further, the guests engage in learning and sensitization activities which include; game drives, village visits, bird watching and nature walk safaris. Information on wildlife conservation projects such as Mara Cheetah is shared with the guests. Booklets and information sheets are available at the resource information section and guest tents respectively. |
| Pollution | Low light emitting paraffin lanterns are used to light the pathways at night. The facility has a small 2.2 KvA backup generator. It is insulated and soundproofed |
| Environmental conservation | The camp is built on low environmental footprint. Guest tents are raised on gravel with relative interference on natural vegetation. Deluxe tents are raised on wooden platforms whereas the Manyatta-like cottages are built out of local materials that blend in with the local environment. The staff quarter houses are made from recycled tetra pack material and also blend well with the surroundings. Footpaths within the facility are left natural with grass trimmed to demarcate way. Natural vegetation is relatively undisturbed. The facility is also unfenced allowing wildlife to move freely. The Camp partners with the Mara Triangle conservancy on collating information through wildlife monitoring initiatives. Further the facility supports Mara Cheetah Project mainly through its guides. This is implemented through photography and guests’ sensitization on plight of cheetahs. Guests are encouraged to engage in low impact activities such as village visits, bird watching, balloon safaris and nature walks. |
| Waste water management | Grey and black effluent from the laundry, guest tents, public areas, and staff quarters is managed through septic tank system. The camp has an effluent discharge license. The facility plunge pool is cleaned via a back wash system powered by solar. Waste water drains in a soak-pit |
| Purchasing and supplies | Fruits and vegetables are packed in reusable crates while meat and dairy products are stored in cool boxes |
| Employment and remuneration/staff welfare | Employees have a staff welfare committee which handles and addresses staff issues. It meets on a monthly basis. The facility has notice boards for staff communication. Staff briefings are held at departmental level on daily basis for planning activities The camp chefs are sent for refresher course trainings at Kenya Utalii College. The camp has 3 guides who are certified under the Kenya Professional Safari Guides Association (KPSGA). |
| Staff education, communication and awareness training | The camp chefs are sent for refresher course trainings at Kenya Utalii College. The camp has 3 guides who are certified under the Kenya Professional Safari Guides Association (KPSGA) |
| Cultural preservation and promotion/protection of local sites | Mara Siria Camp offers village visits for an authentic cultural experience at Iltolish village. Visitors are offered cultural lectures by the village elders. Guests are charged $20 per person for the visit. The system is established in such a way that there is no direct exchange of money. The fee is paid at the camp and the guest issued with a ticket. The proceeds are later channeled to the local village liaison officer for distribution. The camp has designated a place for the local women to sell their beadwork directly to the visitors. The facility has two bandas – cottages designed and built to represent the local Manyatta architectural designs (wood, grass and mud). This is done to enhance the guest experience on the local culture and way of life |
| Benefits to local community/community empowerment | Mara Siria provides employment opportunities to the locals; approximately 60% of all employees are hired from the local Masai community. The local people around the camp fetch water from the facility. In addition, on dry seasons, the facility also supplies water to the locals through a water bowser; however, there are plans to establish sustainable water fetching points. The facility in conjunction with Lufthansa Cargo, Cargo Human Care (CHC) and Phoenix Safaris has initiated an annual medical Camp within the Mara region. In April 2016, a total of 166 patients ranging from 3 months to 88 years were attended to at Iltolish Primary School on a two (2) days medical camp. The camp supports the local Iltolish primary school by paying a monthly salary for the head teacher and providing him with accommodation. The camp is also a member of the “Pack for a Purpose” where visitors are encouraged to donate items needed by the communities. Donations made include learning materials – blackboards, and stationery to Iltolish primary school. Employees are provided with health care, uniform, food, accommodation facilities and basic amenities. |
| Cultural Criteria | |
| Health and safety | The camp has a Health Inspection Certificate from the Ministry of Public Health. Mara Siria Camp has an emergency evacuation plan with clear spelt out procedures. Additionally, the camp has security emergency contacts. The facility is linked to (AMREF) Flying Doctors services for emergency response. It has two adequately stocked first aid kits located at the main office. Medical supplies are also available and the staff – guides are trained on first aid skills. Medical checkups are conducted to the food and beverage handlers to comply with Food, Drugs, and Chemical substances Act. Cap 254. Medical emergency for the employees are referred to nearby Mpata Club clinic. Firefighting equipment including, fire extinguishers, fire alarm, fire blanket in the kitchen, are serviced and strategically placed within the facility. The facility provides protective gear / PPE (Personal Protective Equipment) such as boots, uniform, gloves, apron to the staff. Fire assembly point is clearly and conspicuously marked within the camp. |
| Child labor, abuse and human rights | The facility does not employ people under the age of 18 |
| Business Practises Criteria | |
| Entry Date | 17th November 2017 |
