Kenya, renowned for its vast plains and majestic peaks, is also the birthplace of a burgeoning group of eco-warriors. These remarkable individuals, communities, and enterprises are not typical superheroes; they are fighting climate change with sustainable actions. It is exciting to share that several of these environmental pioneers have been acknowledged by being included in the longlist for the 2024 Ecowarrior Awards. This 17th edition of the awards will celebrate the exceptional efforts of individuals, communities, and organizations propelling the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) forward with innovative and effective sustainable tourism initiatives.

Now, before we dive into the list of nominees, let us set the scene. Picture this: a judging panel, armed with clipboards and a serious case of wanderlust, poring over over 100 applications. It is like trying to choose your favourite wildebeest in the Mara – a tough job, but someone’s got to do it!

The criteria for these awards are as vast as the Kenyan savanna. We are talking about folks who are not just talking the talk, but walking the walk. They are conserving water like it is liquid gold, managing waste like a game of Jenga, and working with communities with the diplomacy of a Maasai elder.

ADVERTISE HERE

So, who are these eco-heroes? Well, there is Amboseli Serena Safari Lodge, putting up a good fight in multiple categories, from climate action to responsible business. They are like the David Attenborough of the hotel world but with better Wi-Fi. Then there is the Diani Turtle Watch, a community group protecting our ocean friends with the tenacity of a mother lion defending her cubs.

And let us not forget the unsung heroes: the individuals. People like Shem Maingi and Faith Muema who are championing climate action with the passion of bygone icons like Wangari Maathai. We salute you!

Now, we know what you are thinking: “This is all well and good, but where can I book a stay at one of these eco-lodges?” Fear not, adventurous soul! We will bring you in-depth features on some of these amazing places in the coming weeks.

Until then, let us raise a glass (of responsibly sourced water, of course) to these eco-warriors. They are proving that conservation and tourism can go hand-in-hand and that Kenya is leading the way in sustainable travel. As the Swahili say, “Kila kitu ni sawa,” or “everything is good.” And thanks to these champions, our beautiful country is looking better than ever. In the meantime here is the 2024 Ecowarrior Awards long list released today by Ecotourism Kenya:

A. ACCOMMODATION FACILITIES’ CATEGORY

Leading Accommodation Facility in Climate Action

  1. Amboseli Serena Safari Lodge
  2. Amboseli Sopa Lodge
  3. Asilia Africa Rekero Camp
  4. Basecamp Masai Mara
  5. Basecamp Mara Houses
  6. Elewana Elephant Pepper Camp
  7. Elewana Elsa’s Kopje Meru
  8. Lake Nakuru Sopa Lodge
  9. Elewana Loisaba Lodo Springs
  10. Kilaguni Serena Safari Lodge
  11. Elewana Loisaba Star Beds
  12. Mara Serena Safari Lodge
  13. Royal Mara Safari Lodge
  14. Samburu Sopa Lodge
  15. Saruni Eagle View
  16. Saruni Mara
  17. Saruni Samburu
  18. Saruni Wild
  19. Elewana Tortilis Camp Amboseli

Leading Accommodation Facility in Conservation of Aquatic Life

  1. The Sands at Chale Island Resort
  2. Serena Beach Resort and Spa

Leading Accommodation Facility in Conservation of Terrestrial Ecosystem

  1. Amboseli Sopa Lodge
  2. Elewana Elephant Pepper Camp
  3. Entumoto Safari Camp
  4. Little Governors’ Camp
  5. Lake Nakuru Sopa Lodge
  6. Governors’ Loldia House
  7. Governors’ Mugie House
  8. Saruni Samburu
  9. Saruni Wild
  10. Elewana Kifaru House

Leading Accommodation Facility in Promoting Viable Tourism Practices

  1. Amboseli Serena Safari Lodge
  2. Amboseli Sopa Lodge
  3. Asilia Africa Naboisho Camp
  4. Elewana Elsa’s Kopje Meru
  5. Lake Nakuru Sopa Lodge
  6. Masai Mara Sopa Lodge
  7. Mara Serena Safari Lodge
  8. Royal Mara Safari Lodge
  9. Saruni Leopard Hill
  10. Saruni Mara
  11. Saruni Samburu
  12. Saruni Wild
  13. Sirikoi Lodge
  14. Elewana Tortilis Camp Ambosel

Leading Accommodation Facility in Responsible Business Practices

  1. Amboseli Serena Safari Lodge
  2. Amboseli Sopa Lodge
  3. Asilia Africa Rekero Camp
  4. Asilia Africa Encounter Mara
  5. Elewana Elephant Pepper Camp
  6. Elewana Elsa’s Kopje Meru
  7. Kilaguni Serena Safari Lodge
  8. Kilima Camp Maasai Mara
  9. Lake Elmenteita Serena Camp
  10. Lake Nakuru Sopa Lodge
  11. Royal Mara Safari Lodge
  12. Elewana Sand River Masai Mara
  13. Saruni Leopard Hill
  14. Saruni Samburu
  15. Saruni Wild
  16. Sirikoi Lodge
  17. Elewana Tortilis Camp Amboseli

B. AIR OPERATORS’ CATEGORY

Leading Air Operator in Adopting Sustainable Practices

  1. 748 Air Services Limited
  2. AirKenya Express
  3. Jambojet Limited
  4. Kenya Airways Limited
  5. Safarilink Aviation Limited
  6. Tropic Air Kenya

C. COMMUNITY ENTITIES’ CATEGORY

Leading Community Entity in Conservation of Aquatic Life

  1. Diani Turtle Watch

Leading Community Entity in Sustainable Tourism Practices

  1. The Big Ship Organization
  2. Kijabe Environment Volunteers
  3. Ngare Ndare Forest Trust

D. COUNTIES’ CATEGORY

Leading County in Sustainable Tourism Development

  1. Nairobi City County

E. GREEN BUSINESSES’ CATEGORY

Leading Green Business in Responsible Practices

  1. Asilia Africa Limited
  2. BOT Services and Solutions Limited
  3. Blancos Youth Group
  4. DiscoverBrands Systems Limited
  5. Ecocycle Limited
  6. Greenthing Kenya
  7. Kenya Geographic
  8. Purple Elephant Ventures
  9. Saruni Basecamp

F. INDIVIDUALS’ CATEGORY

Leading Advocate in Championing Climate Action

  1. Shem Maingi
  2. Faith Muema
  3. George Juma
  4. Margaret Njeri
  5. Peter Ogalo
  6. Susan Kinyanjui

Leading Advocate in Championing Equality and Inclusion

  1. Miriam Obegi
  2. Okolo Linda

G. NON-PROFIT ORGANIZATIONS’ CATEGORY

Leading Non-Profit Organization in Championing Climate Action

  1. Laikipia Wildlife Forum
  2. Mully Children’s Family
  3. Slow Food Kenya
  4. Water4Wildlife Maasai Mara Foundation

H. PROTECTED AREAS’ CATEGORY

Leading Protected Area in Biodiversity Conservation

  1. Kalama Community Wildlife Conservancy
  2. Kisite Mpunguti Marine Park & Reserve
  3. Lewa Wildlife Conservancy
  4. Lumo Conservancy
  5. Mugie Conservancy
  6. Ngong Hills Forest Reserve
  7. Ol Kinyei Conservancy
  8. Sera Wildlife Conservancy

I. TOUR OPERATORS’ CATEGORY

Leading Tour Operator in Advancing Gender Equality & Reducing Inequalities

  1. Cheli & Peacock Safaris
  2. Explore Safaris by Tufayn
  3. Intrepid Travel (Peak East Africa Limited)
  4. Let’s Go Travel Limited

Leading Tour Operator in Responsible Tourism Practices

  1. Cheli & Peacock Safaris
  2. Fidex Car Hire
  3. Let’s Go Travel Limited
  4. Natural World Kenya Safaris
  5. Purple Nomad Limited
  6. Peaks and Safaris Limited
  7. VistaVoyage Travel Group Limited
  8. Intrepid Travel (Peak East Africa Limited)

J. TRAINING INSTITUTIONS’ CATEGORY

Leading Training Institution Ensuring Inclusive & Equitable Quality Education

  1. Amboseli Institute of Hospitality & Technology
  2. Boma International Hospitality College
  3. Kenya Utalii College

Stay tuned for more updates on the 2024 Ecowarrior Awards and our exploration of sustainable tourism in Kenya!

ADVERTISE HERE