Olimba Mara Camp, located in Kenya’s Maasai Mara, has achieved the prestigious « Sustainable Tourism Facilities » certification from the World Sustainability Organization (WSO), becoming the first hospitality facility to reach this significant milestone in sustainable tourism.
Olimba Mara Camp is a safari camp that offers a unique experience. Nestled in the African savannah and situated along the Talek River, it demonstrates an exceptional commitment to sustainable and environmentally friendly tourism practices. The WSO’s Sustainable Tourism Facilities certification attests to the camp’s dedication to minimizing its environmental impact.
Among the key points of the certification and environmental commitment, Olimba Mara Camp stands out for:
● Solar energy is used for lighting and hot water, providing uninterrupted power to all tents.
● A water purification system that utilizes reverse osmosis to treat water from the Talek River.
● The conservation of biodiversity by keeping the camp unfenced, allowing wildlife to move freely.
● A reforestation project that contributes to the recovery of the local ecosystem.
● Participation in the « 1 Guest 1 Tree Planted » initiative by the World Sustainability Foundation, contributing to planting 350 trees in Central Africa.
● The direct involvement of local Masai communities.
Olimba Mara Camp offers guests a unique opportunity to observe many wildlife, including leopards, giraffes, elephants, impalas, and hippos, directly from the camp. It also provides safari experiences that are ethically and sustainably conducted. The camp is committed to protecting an important wildlife corridor between the national reserve, Nashulai, and the Naboisho Conservancy.
“We are proud to have awarded the certification to Olimba Mara Camp,” commented Paolo Bray, Founder and Director of the World Sustainability Organization. “This recognition is a concrete example of how tourism can promote a model that not only protects the environment but also supports local communities and biodiversity.”
Barbara and Julie Lovens, founders of Olimba Mara Camp and Amos Kipeen, local partner and co-owner, stated: « Our vision goes beyond ethical tourism. We share an integrated approach on how the Maasai people can benefit from their land, protect it, and allow the ecosystem to recover. This certification recognises our commitment to a sustainable and inclusive tourism model. »
The WSO’s Sustainable Tourism Facilities certification sets a high standard for the tourism sector, encouraging other facilities to follow Olimba Mara Camp’s example. This achievement marks an important step towards more responsible and sustainable tourism in Kenya and worldwide.
