| Name of the facility | Satao Camp |
|---|---|
| Certification Achieved | Silver |
| Year opened | 1995 |
| Tourism region | Tsavo/Amboseli |
| County | Kajiado |
| Address | 90653- 80100 Mombasa Map It |
| Telephone/Mobile | 041 47475074/5/6 |
| [email protected] | |
| Website | sataocamp.com |
| Facility Notes | Satao Camp is located inside Tsavo East National Park. The camp is specifically located on Global Positioning System (GPS) Coordinates, Latitude: -3.37898 and Longitude: 38.96075. It has 20 guest tents with a bed capacity of 40 visitors and a total work force of 36 employees. Tsavo East National Park covers approximately a total of 11,747 km2. It is one of Kenya’s oldest and largest National Parks. Its landscape and proximity to the coast make it a popular safari destination. The park is accredited for its rich biodiversity. Vegetation cover includes bushy grassland and open plains alternate with semi-arid acacia scrub and woodlands, the Galana river banks give rise to lush vegetation. There is a wide variety of wildlife to be seen including lions, leopards, cheetahs, zebras, giraffes, serval cats, antelopes, kongoni, lesser kudu, oryx, klipspringer, impala, stripped hyena, gazelles, buffalos and elephants. The park is a bird haven with over 500 bird species |
| Energy management | The camp has solar power and diesel powered generators as the main source of energy. Solar is used for water heating whereas generators are used for lighting and running the camp refrigerants. It has two (2) generators with power output of 80KvA and 50 KvA respectively. The generator fuel consumption is also monitored through record keeping. Power rationing is conducted for 10 hours daily on the generators to reduce their running times. Energy saving bulbs is installed throughout the camp for energy efficiency. Main switches / master switches are installed at the entrance of every guest room. Liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) is used for cooking in the guest area. Staff quarters’ cooking is conducted through an energy efficient jiko which also adds up as a water heating boiler. Guests are briefed on energy conservation upon arrival whereas staff is sensitized during departmental meetings. Visual signage is also available in the guest tents to sensitize guests to switch off unnecessary lighting. A charcoal fridge is available used for storing fruits and vegetables. Drip irrigation is fixed on the fridge to save on water. At least 2- 3 bags of charcoal are consumed on monthly basis by the camp, the charcoal is obtained from sustainable sources in Kilibashi area in Taita Taveta. |
| Environmental management | Satao Camp has an Environmental, Health and Safety policy which outlines commitment towards implementing the best practices and achieving the best standards in environment, health and safety and compliance with all relevant laws and regulations. The facility has an elaborate Environmental Management Plan with clear monitoring plans for water and energy conservation, waste management (solid and effluent) and health and safety. The camp conducts its annual Environmental Audit (E.A). |
| Chemical use | The facility uses biodegradable Clique limited shower products and Odex chemicals for laundry purposes. Fuel (Diesel, and paraffin) is stored in tanks of 200 litres. Safety signage is available. Gas is bought in 50kg and 20 kg cylinders. The storage area is well secured. |
| Conservation Criteria | |
| Community Criteria | |
| Solid waste management | Black water from the guest tents and staff quarters and public areas is managed through septic tanks. The facility has three (3) main septic tanks. Bio-enzymes are used to maintain the system. Waste separation is conducted at source. The bins are clearly labelled; plastics, tins, organic etc. Organic waste is stored in a properly sealed structure to keep off scavengers. Little plastic waste is sold off by staff for recycling while organic waste is disposed on weekly basis to Mwaluganje municipal dumpsite. Glass and plastic waste is taken to Mombasa for recycling. Tetra-packs are used to rear tree seedlings within the facility. |
| Water management | The main sources of water for Satao Camp are three (3) boreholes located within the premises. The water is pumped and stored on a high elevation in reservoirs with a capacity of approximately 40,000 litres. It flows via gravity to the entire premises. An inlet meter is installed and water usage recording is done for monitoring purposes. The tank is fixed with a float switch to contain overflow spillage. Visitors are sensitized on water conservation through room information folders and staff through departmental sensitization. Water efficient lift taps and low pressure shower heads are fixed at the guest tents. The camp has “towel talk” signs in the guest rooms encouraging visitors on the re-use of towels, to promote water conservation. The guest toilets are also fixed with water efficient dual toilet cisterns. The facility has a water extraction permit. |
| Visitor communication & education | Visitors are briefed upon arrival on the camp’s operations and environmental values. The guest tents are equipped with room information folders to brief the visitors on environmental conservation and operations of the camp. The camp has a white board for visitors’ communication and wildlife spotting during the day. |
| Pollution | The pathways are mildly lit at night to reduce on light pollution. The guest kitchen is fixed with a kitchen hood for proper ventilation. The generator is fixed with a mufflers system (sound reducing devise). |
| Environmental conservation | Guests participate in low impact activities such as bird watching within the facility. The camp conducts an environmental day twice a month. The day entails litter collection and tree planting activities where each staff member is assigned a tree to take care off. Environmental awareness training for staff on issues such as waste management is also conducted. The facility is built on low environmental footprint; the architectural design blends well with the local surrounding while the tents are made of canvas with Makuti roofing. The colours used are natural-green, beige and brown. The camp is unfenced to allow wildlife to move freely within the facility. Pathways have been left natural. Tree species within the facility are tagged both in their scientific and local names. Satao Camp safari guides provide supporting patrol services during game drives and report citing on ailing wildlife, and illegal activities to KWS. The facility engages young students from Miasenye and Marungu primary schools in conservation through game drives within the park to raise their awareness on wildlife and nature conservation. |
| Waste water management | Effluent from the guest kitchen flows through a grease trap before draining into the septic tanks. Grey water effluent from the guest tents, laundry and staff quarters is managed through septic tanks. |
| Purchasing and supplies | The camp purchases its fruits and vegetables packed in reusable crates and cartons. Dry food products such as sugar, rice and flour are bought in bulk to reduce on packaging waste. |
| Employment and remuneration/staff welfare | The camp has a staff welfare committee to handle staff issues and affairs. |
| Staff education, communication and awareness training | The camp has notice boards for staff communication. The staff is sensitized and briefed during departmental/daily briefing meetings |
| Cultural preservation and promotion/protection of local sites | On special occasions such as festivities, visitors are engaged on traditional dances and cultural performances from the local Taita villages. On occasion, village visits are arranged for guests to Miasenye village to experience the local culture. The camp design resembles the local Waliangulu cultural design including naming of the guest tents. |
| Benefits to local community/community empowerment | The camp provides employment opportunities to the locals. Approximately 85% of all employees are hired from the local Taita and Duruma communities. A few compose of the indigenous Waliangulu community. Fruits and vegetables are obtained from the local suppliers in Voi Town. On ad hoc basis the facility makes donations to the local Miasenye and Marungu primary schools. Donations include, linen, kitchen utensils, clothes, food etc. In late 2015, the camp renovated Marungu primary school’s kitchen to a more efficient energy saving stove. The camp has a community social responsibility program which acts as a guide for engaging in community initiatives. Its implementation is still in its early stages. Initiatives are mainly in education and health. |
| Cultural Criteria | |
| Health and safety | Satao Camp has a health and safety policy to guide the facility on health and safety matters. The facility has a health clearance certificate. Medical check-ups are conducted every six months for all kitchen staff (food and beverage handlers) in the facility to ascertain their health fitness, and in compliance with the Food, Drugs, and Chemical substances Act. Cap 254. The camp is linked to Flying doctors emergency services. First aid kits are distributed in the main departments such as the reception and workshop area. Also, a team of 22 staff is well trained in first aid and fire-fighting skills. A fire/emergency safety procedure plan/map for the facility is availed in guest tents illustrating the nearest fire assembly points. Medical emergencies are referred to the nearby Ashnil Lodge clinic and Voi District hospital. In addition, there is a doctor on call. Firefighting equipment such as fire extinguishers and fire blanket in the kitchen are strategically fixed and serviced. A fire assembly point is clearly marked at the car park area and a fire alarm is installed. |
| Child labor, abuse and human rights | The facility 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 |
