Eco Rated Facilities

Mara Naboisho Conservancy is a 50,000 acre wildlife conservation area in Kenya’s Greater Mara region. It borders Masai Mara National Reserve to the South-West and Ol Kinyei Conservancy to the east. The Mara Naboisho Conservancy is now the second largest conservancy in the region, and has a higher density of wildlife than the Masai Mara National Reserve. With approximately 100 lions living in the vicinity, the conservancy has some of the highest lion densities in the world. The largest pride in the Greater Mara Region, comprising 20 lions has made the conservancy its home. The conservancy also boast impressive heard of elephant, giraffe, wildebeest and zebra as well as Kenya’s rare wild dog.

- Eagle View Camp is guided by the Corporate Environmental Mission Statement of Basecamp Explorer Kenya. The statement outlines its commitment to conserve key global ecosystems, through co-existence between wildlife and humans.
- Environmental management of the camp is guided by an established and working Environmental Management System (EMS). The EMS has monitoring plans in energy and waste management.
- The camp has conducted its annual Environmental Self-Audit, in compliance with Environmental Management and Coordination Act (CAP 387).

- Besides the reforestation project described above, the camp has also carried out tree planting within its premises, with approximately 246 trees planted in the last 2 years.
- Through the Basecamp Explorer Foundation, the camp initiated a waste management project in 2018 aimed at addressing the single-use plastic and glass waste management problem. Waste is collected from the camps along Talek River and Talek trading centre, and then disposed at a designated waste collection point prior to transportation to Nairobi. In the 3rd quarter of 2020, approximately 1 tonne of plastics were collected.
- Through the Enjoolata Awareness Centre located at Basecamp Masai Mara, the camp educates its guests on wildlife conservation
- The camp’s guides support the Naboisho Conservancy rangers through wildlife monitoring.
- The foundation has also constructed water pans for use by wildlife.
- The camp has implemented a sustainable way of re-using waste such as plastic sacks and insect spray cans. For instance the sacks are transformed into threads for use by women when beading their products

- Grey water from the guest and staff kitchens is managed through septic tanks.
- Black water from the guest rooms is managed through 2 separate septic tanks.
- Grey water from the laundry and the black water from the staff areas is managed through 2 separate septic tanks before draining into 1 soak pit.
- The septic tanks in use at the facility are exhausted after every 3 months.

- Solid waste is segregated at source (in the guest kitchen) into these categories: foil, paper, food, glass and tins, using well labeled bins.
- Solid waste at the staff kitchen is separated into these categories: foil and food waste. Paper, plastic and glass waste are generated in minimal quantities, and taken directly to the waste holding area.
- Waste has been separated at the waste holding area along the following categories: foil, glass and plastics
- Bathroom amenities such as shampoo and shower gel are contained in large sized dispenser bottles, to minimize waste soaps disposal.

- Low-light emitting kerosene lanterns are placed along the paths at night (inside stone coverings), to reduce light pollution.
- The generator is sound-proofed to minimise noise pollution.

- The abstracted water is then pumped and piped to the camp, where it is stored in water tanks with a total capacity of 40,000 litres.
- The water is then supplied throughout the camp for consumption in areas such as showers, flushing of toilets and general cleaning.
- Dual flush toilets and low-flow shower heads have been installed in the guest tents, to minimise water consumption.
- Water is added into the charcoal fridge for 2 hours in the morning and 2 hours in the evening, to minimise water consumption.
- Water harvesting is done at the staff quarters using a gutter and a 5000 litres water tank

- The main source of power for Eagle View Camp is solar energy.
- A solar farm comprising of 48 panels with a power output of 15 kVA has been installed. The panels have been connected to a battery-inverter system comprising of 24 batteries. The solar power inverter system is metered and installed with main switches for outlets, which allow energy monitoring. The energy is used to power the camp’s operations such as lighting
- The camp has a diesel powered generator with a power output of 20 kVA, which is used as a backup for charging the batteries, and also during welding.
- The management keeps documented and up to date records of diesel consumption and generator running hours. These are then incorporated in the monthly utility reports.
- Monthly energy analysis is carried out based on bed occupancy.

- Guests are briefed about the camp’s operations upon arrival.
- The room information folders provided in the guest rooms detail the camp’s operations.
- Various publications on wildlife conservation and sustainable tourism have been provided at the lounge area

- The camp uses biodegradable chemicals for laundry (Diversy products), staff kitchen (Morning fresh) and at the guest tents (Cinnabar green).
- LPG for use at the guest and staff kitchens is bought in bulk, in 50kg cylinders.
- The LPG serving the guest kitchen has been caged, and a safety signage is in place.
- Fire extinguishers and sand buckets have been provided near the LPG storage areas for the guest and staff kitchens, as well as the generator room.

- The foundation pays full school fees for 20 girls whose parents are part of the Basecamp Maasai Brand (BMB). The girls are currently in form one in the following schools: Talek Girls High School, St. Mary’s Girls Secondary School Narok and St. Mary’s Girls Secondary School Bomet among others. The initiative began in the year 2019.
- In addition to payment of school fees, the foundation also provides school shopping for the girls.
- Basecamp Explorer Kenya has sponsored 4 local students to undertake a Diploma course in cooking at the Karen Blixen Hospitality School. The course takes a duration of 18 months to complete. Part of the funds is raised by Benson (who pioneered the programme) through sale of his cook book, which describes his personal journey and cooking recipes.
- During the Coronavirus pandemic, the foundation provided monetary support to Masai Mara Wildlife Conservancies Association (MMWCA). Other camps also provided monetary support. Through the support, the conservancies have been able to pay rangers’ salaries, provide monetary compensation to communities for loss of livestock and promote awareness on COVID-19 among the local communities and conservancies’ staff.
- The staff at the camp who perform Masai dances are given a token of appreciation which is placed in the tip box.

- Various pieces of decor within the camp reflect the local culture of the Masai.
- During village visits to Elekasoi village, guests get an opportunity to experience the way of life of the Maasai.
- Occasionally, local Masai dances are performed by the local staff at the camp.
- Events such as birthdays and wedding anniversaries are celebrated in local culture upon request by guests.
- The beadworks displayed at the camp’s gift shop reflect the local culture.
- Cultural talks are provided for guests. This is usually done by the guides for instance during game drives.
- During the African night, local cuisines are served for guests.
- Guests are informed about the Enjoolata Awareness Centre and encouraged to visit, where they learn about the Masai way of life

- Eagle View Camp purchases goods in bulk to reduce on packaging.
- Vegetables, eggs and staff meat is sourced locally from Narok and around the conservancy.

- Health and Safety Audit of the camp has been conducted in compliance with OSHA 2007 legal requirements.
- Fire Audit of the facility has been carried out in compliance with Fire Risk Reduction Rules of 2007.
- Food handlers have been medically tested in compliance with Food, Drugs and Chemical Substances Act CAP 254.
- Firefighting equipment such as fire extinguishers and fire blankets at the camp have been inspected and duly serviced by Nat Fire Company Limited.
- Fire alarm has been provided near the guest kitchen for use at the camp in case of fire incidents.
- The camp has an emergency response plan to be followed in case of emergencies such as fire.
- Members of staff drawn from various departments have undergone refresher First Aid training.

- Staff are unionized and affiliated to KUDHEHIA, which negotiates terms of service and working conditions for its members.
- For the unionized staff, their salaries are paid according to the Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA).
- All employees are entitled to paid annual leave of 26 days in line with statutory requirements.
- Female employees are entitled to maternity leave of 3 months.
- Male employees are entitled to paternity leave of 14 days.
- Employees are entitled to up to 6 off-days per month, and in case of work done on a public holiday, they are provided with 2 off-days.
- Staff are provided with a medical cover-First Assurance.
- The company has arrangements with Koiyaki Community Clinic, whereby all medical expenses for staff who seek treatment at the facility are paid by the company.
- Employees are provided with free meals and accommodation.

- Eagle View Camp adheres to the minimum legal age requirement for employment (18 years).
- Basecamp Explorer Kenya has a Child Protection Policy, which describes the company’s commitment to protecting children against forced labour, abuse and violation of human rights.

- Effective communication channels between the management and staff are in place, for instance through the notice boards.
- In-house trainings are conducted for various departments.
- On-job trainings are provided for staff. For example, locals with basic education can be employed by the company in departments such as housekeeping, and learn through the job.
- Staff undergo refresher trainings every year at Utalii College.
- Staff undergo trainings organized by suppliers e.g Diversey