Cheli & Peacock, Elsa's Kopje and Mara North Conservancy are awarded for demonstrating innovation and excellence in
responsible tourism and conservation
The four awards won are as follows:
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Having started in 1985 as a small mobile safari company, Cheli & Peacock has grown and expanded over the years to become Kenya's leading Destination Management Company. As well as this, it manages the marketing & reservations for a collection of Kenya's most renowned and elegant safari camps & lodges - The C&P Portfolio. Cheli & Peacock has been actively supporting education and conservation projects throughout Kenya since its inception, and in March 2011 launched The Cheli & Peacock Community Trust - which manages, fundraises for and introduces new projects to be supported by Cheli & Peacock and its clients. In partnership with Kenya Wildlife Trust since 2010, Cheli & Peacock has raised Kshs 5,000,000 for Amboseli's community-owned Kitirua Conservancy, supporting 3,000 local Maasai.
Elsa's Kopje was built by Stefano and Liz Cheli in 1999, as a pioneer introducing clients to a new and untouched part of Kenya, Meru National Park. Named after Elsa the lioness, of 'Born Free' fame, and built above George Adamson's original campsite, Elsa's Kopje is a luxury boutique lodge and a key member of The C&P Portfolio. Elsa's Kopje is active in various different conservation and community initiatives, including fundraising for the education of local children, having raised over Kshs 400,000 this season alone.
The Mara North Conservancy's core belief is that responsible tourism can protect natural wildlife habitats, support community development and alleviate poverty. MNC's aim is to create a best practice, world class conservancy with long term committment to the environment, wildlife and local communities. Stefano Cheli was instrumental in the founding of this 70,000 acre conservancy, working together with 10 property partners and over 750 local landowners to ensure stable revenue, transparent financial management and the preservation of the ancient balance between wildlife and traditional pastoralism.