Birding vacation in Kenya

Environment

The very nature of this safari raises awareness about the rich diversity of Bird life in the rift valley whilst at the same time highlighting the need to conserve the environmental niches on this part of the world to ensure their continued existence.

The lodges we use are committed to environmental principles . They all aim to reduce, reuse , recycle. In Nairobi the residence lodge use solar power to heat water fro the pools and washing. The are currently looking into Pv cells for all electricity. In terms of waste management, organic waste is composted and returned to the wooded areas, Food waste is segregated and collected by a pig farmer, Solid waste - segregated and collected by Nema registered collectors for recycling externally. Seweage is put through a biodigester and a constructed wetland; both closed systems then discharged into ponds that support birdlife and other wildlife found within the club. Effluent discharge done quarterly through NEMA accredited labs.

All the lodges serve local grown food thus minimizing food miles in addition to supporting the local community. A number of the lodges organise and encourage tree planting activities. Trees have a beneficial impact on the soil structure of an area reducing erosion.

Near Lake Navasha and Masai mara we use Sopa lodges part of a small chain of lodges based in East Africa, They are committed to environmental principles practice. In line with their policy of 'Preserve, maintain and retain our environment as natural as possible while protecting the indigenous plant and animal species ' in the development of the Sopa lodge near Lake Navasha the buildings on the property were positioned so that they did not have to to fell any of the many trees there. All Sopa lodges practice reduce reuse recycle water, they also use local produce and work with local suppliers.

Community

The birding safari is led by John Kago Ndung’u a local renowned and talented ornithologist and wildlife guide.

John was born and raised Naivasha region of the Rift Valley on the lower slopes of Mt. Longonot. It was here that the young John fell in love with the abundant birdlife and wildlife of the area.

After school he studied to become a qualified guide at university in the Rift Valley and followed this academic training with a professional guides’ course at Nature Kenya where he was able to sharpen his birding skills. He is a KPSGA Bronze Guide member and is currently preparing for the Silver Award.

Throughout his career he has guided international groups from all over the world. Our professional naturalist takes great pleasure showing you the best of Kenya’s wildlife, as well as the rich tapestry of local communities, including his own.

All the lodges we use wherever possible, we source all the food required for their menus from the rich farmland areas nearby, thus not only allowing them to ensure that it is garden fresh, but also to offer l support and commitment to the surrounding agricultural communities. The lodges also provide local employment and a source of income which enable people to stay in their home areas rather than have to seek alternative employment in the cities. The lodges support activities in the local area financially for example one lodge sponsor the best performing students in the nearby communities.