Highlights of Kenya small group vacation

Planet

Carbon Reduction

The average carbon footprint on this tour is 528Kg of CO2e per person. We use purpose built safari vehicles rather than big buses on this trip which reduces the impact of the environment. Whilst many operators use carbon intensive charter flights into the Masai Mara, we drive. Finally on the safari extension to Tsavo, we travel from Nairobi to Voi by train, utilizing the relaunched Nairobi to Mombasa service, not only is this a low carbon method of transport, its a relaxing way to travel, with the opportunity to spot wildlife from the comfort of your train seat.
The lodges that we use on the tour have made strides to reduce their carbon footprint in many ways, by topping up their power consumption through the use of solar panels, switching to more energy-efficient LED bulbs and sourcing food from local sources.
All food waste at the properties being stayed at is composted and used to plant trees or as fertilizer for the local produce gardens, this is at all properties except the Ark due to the cold climate here. At all properties stayed at during the trip there is always a vegetarian if not vegan option at every single meal.
As a travel company we are acutely aware of our impact on the environment. All of our tours display a carbon footprint, and we strive to reduce our emissions by regularly reviewing our tours and embracing low-impact styles of travel such as trains, public buses or walking – which offer the added benefit of getting a closer connection with the destination and local community.

Environment and Wildlife

We strive to support nature and biodiversity through protection and regeneration projects, and for every customer that travels with us we make a donation to Rewilding Britain and Cool Earth. As part of our local partner in Kenya's in country initiatives a donation is made for every customer that travels to re wilding projects in Kenya including the planting of native trees.
We encourage customers to avoid single-use plastic on tour. We provide every guest a refillable aluminium water bottle and provide them water from a refillable 20 litre container to combat single use plastics. Where tap water isn't safe to drink we recommend Water-to-Go bottles, a filtration bottle allowing you to drink water from any source.
At The Ark (Abedare National Park), Nakuru Lion Hill (Nakuru National Park), Sarova Mara (Maasai Mara National Reserve) & Kilaguni (Tsavo West National Park) there is a no single use plastic policy in these parks and reserves therefore combatting littering and environmental protection.
Kenya is one of our top wildlife destinations, it is very important for us that we offer an authentic, enriching experiences which benefit our customers and the natural environment and the wildlife within. Animal interactions sit at the heart of this trip, all our safari driver guides are required to keep by the tracks, avoiding unnecessary distraction and interferences with the wildlife.
During the course of of our tour we will spend three nights in the Masai Mara. From July 2024, the park fees for non residents is $200 US dollars per day used for the preservation of the park and conservations initiatives.

People

Local Economy

Our leaders are the heart of tours. They bring passion and unrivalled knowledge of the destinations and communities that we visit. Their guidance ensures we observe the cultural norms in a destination, they act as a bridge between travelers and the local community and ensure that tourism is a positive experience for both host and guest.
We believe in supporting local; staying in locally-run hotels, on this tour we use a locally owned group of hotels and lodges that are based in Nairobi; this means that the income generated stays in the country and can be reinvested. During the course of the tour we will have the chance of exploring markets, buying snacks from street vendors, and by doing this we add money to the local economy and enhance our connection with the local community. On day three, rather than eating at a hotel we will opt for a local restaurant offering a Nyama Choma barbeque, a traditional meat dish from Kenya.
At Nakuru Lion Hill & Sarova Mara, 95% of the fresh produce comes from a local garden on site, drastically reducing emissions that would have been for transporting the fresh produce.

Employment, Inclusivity and Diversity

Our local partner in Kenya employs staff just from Kenya. They ensure all staff are paid at least the minimum wage in Kenya and invest in training and development for their staff as well as supporting employment opportunities of freelance guides and tour leaders. Driver guides are offered the option of taking out a loan from the company to help them buy a safari vehicle, this vehicle in return is then hired back to the company. This allows our driver guides to gain a valuable asset, in turn increasing their earning potential.