Africa tourist camp harnesses the power of the sun

A full solar system which has replaced the generators used so far at Cheli & Peacock’s Tortilis Camp in Amboseli, is substantially reducing its carbon footprint and making the camp even more ecofriendly than attested to before through Eco Tourism Kenya’s Silver Rating.

Extensive solar panels were put into place, discreetly away from the main areas of the camp frequented by guests, and a battery and control room constructed to ensure that the sensitive equipment is kept safe from rain and sunshine.

“After months of hard work filled with calculations, negotiations, and installations of over 190 solar panels on a site larger than 500m², we are finally there! These panels power 48 batteries, each weighing 216 kg. By going solar, we will be able to reduce our use of diesel by 28,000 liters a year, dropping our CO2 emissions by approximately 60 tons per year!”

Tortilis Camp was one of the first eco lodges of its kind in East Africa winning the Tourism For Tomorrow Award after only one year in operation. Kitich Camp in the Mathews Range and Elephant Pepper Camp in the Masai Mara also run on 100% solar power. All our camps have either a Silver eco-rating (Elsa’s Kopje, Kitich Camp, Tortilis Camp, Lewa Safari Camp) or a Gold eco-rating (Elephant Pepper Camp & Joy’s Camp). [The ratings are awarded by Eco Tourism Kenya after an extensive audit.]

In our pledge to be a leader in responsible and sustainable tourism, we continue to strive for Gold at all properties, and there are plans to extend 100% solar energy among the entire portfolio of camps.

Cheli & Peacock have, over the past decades, established themselves as one of Kenya’s leading upmarket operators of camps in some of the most spectacular locations and raked in awards after awards, locally and internationally, for their exceptional settings and quality of hospitality and service. For more information about their camp locations, visit www.chelipeacock.com