CHELI & PEACOCK COMMUNITY TRUST BRANCHES INTO HEALTHCARE WITH NEW PROJECT: AITONG MEDICAL CLINIC

KENYA – The Cheli & Peacock Community Trust announces a new initiative at Elephant Pepper Camp (EPC) in the heart of the Mara North Conservancy with the introduction of a healthcare project at the Aitong Medical Clinic. This follows the great success of education-based projects surrounding Cheli & Peacock’s six high end camps, including EPC.

It began when Cheli & Peacock Community Trust coordinated a successful medical camp at the Aitong Medical Clinic, during which a team of five trained Red Cross personnel provided free medical advice, treatment and prescriptions, as well as emergency health kits that could treat 10,000 in the local community for three months. Feedback from local clinicians concluded that the supplies of drugs and equipment at the clinic were excellent, but they needed the skills and expertise to use them.

This is where Elephant Pepper Camp comes in: the Cheli & Peacock Community Trust pledged to arrange for a trained General Practitioner to visit the Aitong Medical Clinic three times per year for three to four days at a time, pro bono. Dr. Richard Ayah, a University of Nairobi lecturer and qualified medic, and his wife Dr. Violet Naanyu, a doctor of medical anthropology and sociology, will begin their visit to the clinic in June 2013. EPC, the driving force in creating the Mara North Conservancy*, will host these doctors and will provide complimentary board and some of the country’s best game drives.

The Cheli & Peacock Community Trust has also promised to fundraise and secure the remaining contributions to the sustainable stock replenishment program. Stefano Cheli, owner of Cheli & Peacock, states: “Sustainable ecotourism is at the very heart of what we do. We are delighted to work with Aitong Medical Clinic to support the healthcare needs of their local community and look forward to hosting Richard and Violet at Elephant Pepper Camp.”

The goal is to provide a community of approximately 3,000 local people with improved healthcare by maintaining supplies and stock replenishment, raising training standards and growing clinical expertise, while also focusing on peer education programs on key topics, such as HIV/AIDS.

With the collaboration of everyone mentioned above, this goal will be efficiently reached.

For more information on the Cheli & Peacock Community Trust, visit http://chelipeacock.com/conservation/community-trust/. For more information on Elephant Pepper Camp, visit http://elephantpeppercamp.com/ or email info@chelipeacock.co.ke.

* Mara North Conservancy covers more than 70,000 acres between Musiara and Aitong, a core parcel within the Masai Mara ecosystem, and maintains the land solely for wildlife conservation. Mara North Conservancy also guarantees its 750 Masai landowners stable revenue, transparent financial management and the preservation of the ancient balance between wildlife and traditional pastoralism.

NORMAN CARR SAFARIS' FIRST "WILDLY LUXURIOUS LODGE IN LUANGWA VALLEY REPRESENTS NEXT GENERATION OF SUSTAINABLE BUSH CAMPS

Christina Carr, Director of Norman Carr Safaris (NCS), today revealed details of the first “wildly luxurious,” sustainable bush camp in Zambia’s game-rich Luangwa, valley of the leopard.  Called Chinzombo, the camp is being designed by acclaimed South African architects Silvio Rech and Lesley Carstens, the visionaries behind North Island Resort, the gold standard of luxury in the Seychelles, and Vumbura Plains, an eco-chic lodge in Botswana’s Okavango Delta.  The architects’ signature style is low-impact eco design using local craftspeople.

Chinzombo represents another step in the evolution of the Rech and Carsten luxury bush camp design philosophy.  For the first time, modernist architectural forms are being combined with the organic geometry and regional materials of indigenous Zambian building methods to create a new, groundbreaking type of bush camp. 

Built where Norman Carr stayed during Luangwa’s Emerald Season, Chinzombo comprises six spacious villas, one accommodating a family of at least five and all WiFi-equipped.  The villas, nestled within the shade of ancient trees on a ridge which follows a loop in the Luangwa River, appear to float over the landscape. The modern steel-framed structures contrast with the natural materials used in the décor and interiors. A winding foot path shaded by mahogany trees connects the villas and lounge/dining area.  Fitness lovers will find a yoga and exercise area and spa facilities; nature lovers will appreciate a place where both wildlife and natural vegetation flourish, unhindered by vast tracts of landscaping, game fences, roads or other man-made installations.

The villas contain large, cooled bedrooms, luxurious bathrooms and private plunge pools on shady decks overlooking the Luangwa River. Materials are natural:  locally-produced leather, reed-work and canvas. Floors are made of recycled composite timber.  There is no concrete or brick. Décor utilizes raw linen, timber, copper and hand-made crockery.

Chinzombo honors its history: conservationist Norman Carr promulgated experiencing the African bush while respecting both the natural landscape and local traditions. Today his philosophy is called “sustainable tourism.”   

CHINZOMBO FACTS:

6 Villas, one designed for families

Opening: March 1, 2013

Open year round

1-hour from Mfuwe Airport

Private access by boat from South Luangwa National Park

Wi-Fi in each villa

Cooled sleeping areas

Cutting-edge green power and waste technology

Only sustainably sourced or recycled and recyclable construction materials

Contact Christina Carr:  Kapani@normancarrsafaris.com

Visit:  www.normancarrsafaris.com

TOP SAFARI COMPANY TO OPEN FIRST LUXURY CAMP IN ZAMBIA'S LUANGWA VALLEY

Norman Carr Safaris, the classic safari company whose founder, renowned conservationist Norman Carr, pioneered the walking safari, has announced that it will open an ultra luxury camp on the banks of the Luangwa River, just upstream from their headquarters, Kapani Lodge. “This is something completely new for the Luangwa Valley,” said Christina Carr, marketing director.  “It will be super luxurious with spacious living areas that melt into the surroundings of the exquisite, tranquil site.” Rates begin at $575 per person per night for a twin or double.

The new camp is built on the site of Norman Carr’s green season base back in the 60’s and 70’s and has retained its original name – Chinzombo. Christina Carr commented “The Carr family, partners and staff are thrilled to be giving this historic and beautiful place a new lease on life.”

Architects of Chinzombo are Silvio Rech and Lesley Carstens, whose signature style is elegant, subtle low-impact, eco-design, using local craftsmen (among their other projects are the celebrated North Island Resort in the Seychelles and Vumbura Plains Camp in Botswana). Construction is progressing well; and, completion is expected in early 2013, with the official opening planned for March 2013.

The new venue will comprise six villas, one of which will be configured as a suite for families and small groups.  All suites will have private pools, cooled sleeping areas, massive bathrooms with luxurious spa amenities and internet connections.  Ancient shade trees abound here; wildlife wanders through the camp; and the animal and bird life of the river can be viewed from the villas.

Guests of Chinzombo will have private river access to the South Luangwa National Park, one of the finest wildlife sanctuaries in Africa. The Luangwa Valley is an offshoot of the Great Rift Valley, and covers an area of more than two million acres, through which the meandering Luangwa River flows. The oxbow lagoons, woodlands and plains of the valley host huge concentrations of game – including elephant, buffalo, leopard, lion, giraffe, hippo – and more than 400 species of birds. Norman Carr Safaris allows guests to fully appreciate this pristine wild with one of the best guiding teams in Africa that lead safaris known for exclusive and exciting safari adventures. Game drives, night drives and walking safaris will all be available in one of the last great wildernesses on earth.

For more information, contact Kapani@normancarrsfaris.com or visitNorman Carr Safaris, the classic safari company whose founder, renowned conservationist Norman Carr, pioneered the walking safari, has announced that it will open an ultra luxury camp on the banks of the Luangwa River, just upstream from their headquarters, Kapani Lodge. “This is something completely new for the Luangwa Valley,” said Christina Carr, marketing director.  “It will be super luxurious with spacious living areas that melt into the surroundings of the exquisite, tranquil site.” Rates begin at $575 per person per night for a twin or double.

The new camp is built on the site of Norman Carr’s green season base back in the 60’s and 70’s and has retained its original name – Chinzombo. Christina Carr commented “The Carr family, partners and staff are thrilled to be giving this historic and beautiful place a new lease on life.” 

Architects of Chinzombo are Silvio Rech and Lesley Carstens, whose signature style is elegant, subtle low-impact, eco-design, using local craftsmen (among their other projects are the celebrated North Island Resort in the Seychelles and Vumbura Plains Camp in Botswana). Construction is progressing well; and, completion is expected in early 2013, with the official opening planned for March 2013. 

The new venue will comprise six villas, one of which will be configured as a suite for families and small groups.  All suites will have private pools, cooled sleeping areas, massive bathrooms with luxurious spa amenities and internet connections.  Ancient shade trees abound here; wildlife wanders through the camp; and the animal and bird life of the river can be viewed from the villas. 

Guests of Chinzombo will have private river access to the South Luangwa National Park, one of the finest wildlife sanctuaries in Africa. The Luangwa Valley is an offshoot of the Great Rift Valley, and covers an area of more than two million acres, through which the meandering Luangwa River flows. The oxbow lagoons, woodlands and plains of the valley host huge concentrations of game – including elephant, buffalo, leopard, lion, giraffe, hippo – and more than 400 species of birds. Norman Carr Safaris allows guests to fully appreciate this pristine wild with one of the best guiding teams in Africa that lead safaris known for exclusive and exciting safari adventures. Game drives, night drives and walking safaris will all be available in one of the last great wildernesses on earth.

For more information, visit www.normancarrsafaris.com

NORMAN CARR SAFARIS FROM A RUSTIC WALKING SAFARI TO SOPHISTICATED LUXURY, GUESTS HAVE IT ALL

In the 1950’s, Norman Carr, a tireless and visionary conservationist,  pioneered walking safaris in Zambia’s Luangwa National Park – a concept that today has been embraced in other countries, though the best is still found here.  His legacy continues with Norman Carr Safaris (NCS), comprising a main lodge, Kapani; an innovative and exciting new luxury camp, Chinzonbo; and four Bush Camps, Luwi, Nsolo, Kakuli and Mchenja.  Together, they combine sophisticated luxury and the simple rustic life of the bush.

Kapani, which means “place of mopane trees,” was built by Carr in 1986, and was his home until his death in 1997. It is located on an ox-bow lagoon and houses 18 guests in eight luxury suites, each with its own lounge and en-suite bathroom.  The lagoon house has spacious rooms, elegant furnishings and private views. Kapani is ideal for families and those interested in engaging with NCS local community and conservation projects.

Recently, NCS has welcomed a new investor to the family – Thierry Dalais. The visionary behind North Island – Seychelles, Dalais was captivated by the Luangwa Valley and everything this truly wild place has to offer adventurous travelers. A thrilling new development is well underway with the creation of Chinzombo Camp, a cutting edge safari experience infused with Norman Carr’s history and legacy. The camp is something completely new for Zambia incorporating unique and innovative concepts in design and green technology. Five spacious villas, each more than 1776 square feet, will be equipped with Wi-Fi and cooled sleeping areas. Each villa has its own 10’ by 20’ pool. The sixth villa, at 3013 square feet, is designed for families, and has two bedrooms – one double and one triple – each with its own en suite bathrooms as well as a large swimming pool.

The NCS bush camps have all benefitted from upgrades in soft furnishings, infrastructure and new vehicles. All of the renovations have kept the rustic charm everyone loves, while making the camps more high-end and luxurious.

Norman Carr knew that to go on foot on a safari meant that one instantly becomes part of the surroundings as all five senses come into play.  There is a special exhilaration to being in an area with no roads or people – just wilderness.

The four Norman Carr Safari Camps have been set up so that a walk from one to the next is conducted at a non-strenuous pace with a fully qualified guide and an armed game scout. The camps are rustic and situated in remote areas but they are extremely comfortable and great for those who want to truly “get back to nature.”  Guests may also opt to stay at one camp only.

Luwi Camp is made up of four grass and thatched en suite bamboo chalets close to a hippo- and croc-filled lagoon.  Deep within the Luangwa wilderness, wildlife is instantly visible from the camp and the area is completely exclusive.  Meals are served al fresco with lunch under a shady tree and dinner under the stars. 

Nsolo Camp is a very romantic camp next to a watering hole under the shade of a large grove of trees.  Just three hours walk from Luwi; four spacious en suite rooms are set on a raised wooden platform with thatched roofs and private verandas.  Meals are served in the open or in the shade of the camp’s thatched dining area and are accompanied by the sight of wild life drinking at the waterhole. 

At the confluence of the Luwi and Luangwa Rivers lies Kakuli Camp with its four traditional Mehru style safari tents with en suite bathrooms.  A chitenge, an open-sided thatched area with wide views of the river, houses the bar and dining area and is a great place to relax and watch the immense herds of hippo.  Deep in the bush on an elevated stretch of river bank overlooking a wide grazing lawn, there is always the feeling that something exciting is about to happen.  And most of the time it does.  The views here are spectacular.

Mchenja is Zambia’s premier bushcamp and takes luxury to a level not usually found in the Bush.  Set beneath a magnificent grove of ebony trees (Mchenja means “ebony tree”), five stylishly designed tents have thatched roofs, en-suite shower and bathroom facilities. The camp overlooks a huge sweeping bend in the Luangwa. There is a small pool alongside the bar within the main chitenje which is built around one of the fallen Mchenja trees.  Guests seek cool refuge here during the heat of the day.

Thierry Dalais and his family are also part owners of Chongwe Safaris in the Lower Zambezi. These two legendary companies are now working closely together to offer exclusive, wild and authentic safaris for the most discerning of adventurers.

Rates begin at $ 275 for Kapani Lodge, $ 450 at Kakuli Camp, $ 535 at Luwi and Nsolo Camp, $ 585 at Mchenja Camp, and $ 575 at Chinzombo. Rates include local transfers; all game viewing activities; soft drinks, local beer, spirits and house wines; laundry and National Park entry fees.  

Norman Carr Safaris will also arrange safari packages from seven to ten days which can include stays in Livingstone. For additional information or reservations, email kapani@normancarrsafaris.com, telephone 011-260-6-246015 or visit www.normancarrsafaris.com.

CALLING ALL CAT LOVERS: LOISABA INVITES GUESTS TO JOIN THEM IN THEIR CONSERVATION OF KENYA’S BIG CATS

Loisaba, a member of the esteemed C&P Portfolio of eco-luxe safari camps and lodges, has long been a proponent of responsible tourism. In their continuous effort to support and protect their local community and environment, they now offer guests the chance to get in on the conservation action too – by tracking and monitoring the area’s leopards and lions.  

Loisaba has partnered with the Laikipia Predator Project, a local program that aims to protect the area’s large cats by studying their behaviors, monitoring their response to conservation actions and improving livestock practices (to diffuse human-wildlife conflict). Guests are able to become involved in the Laikipia Predator Project’s conservation efforts by using receivers and antennae to monitor the movements of Loisaba’s leopards and lions.

Marc Napao, the Laikipia Predator Project’s key researcher, is based at Loisaba and has developed an online database which allows guests to report their predator sightings after each game drive. They can upload pictures and even provide their own reports on what they saw. It’s a fun, hands-on activity for families or couples, and it adds a more personal element to the standard game drive.  

The assorted accommodations at Loisaba gives guests the choice to have a private safari experience, at the House or Cottage (their own exclusive home-away-from-home), or to mix with others, at Loisaba Lodge or the Star beds.

Rates at Loisaba Lodge and Star Beds start at $ 520 per person per night during mid-season. Rates at the House begin at $ 3,060 for a family or group of four people per night and at $ 2,200 for a family or group of four people per night at the Cottage. Package includes full board, an assortment of drinks and spirits, day and night game drives, guided bush walks, transfers to cultural visits, bush breakfasts and sundowners, airstrip transfers, river rafting and fishing, horse riding, camel riding, quad biking, limited laundry and of course, lion tracking.

For more information about Loisaba or the Laikipia Predator Project, please contact info@chelipeacock.co.ke.

CHELI & PEACOCK NAMED 2012 TOURISM FOR TOMORROW AWARDS FINALIST

NAIROBI, Kenya (01/2012) Cheli & Peacock, Kenya’s leading destination management company,* has been chosen as a finalist in the Tourism for Tomorrow Awards in the Conservation category that recognizes best practices in sustainable tourism worldwide. Cheli & Peacock is one of only three finalists in this category and the only Kenyan finalist overall.

Bestowed by the World Travel & Tourism Council, the Tourism for Tomorrow Awards count among the industry’s most prestigious. The vetting process is rigorous and includes site visits. Winners will be announced on April 17, 2012, during the World Tourism & Travel Council's Summit being held in Japan.

The Tourism for Tomorrow website posts, “Since 1985, Cheli & Peacock has been developing environmentally-friendly safaris and eco-camps in Kenya, with a focus on lesser-visited areas of significant biodiversity that have faced poaching and lack of resources. With 70% of Kenya's wildlife roaming outside of protected areas, they work with local communities to support wildlife conservation by providing economic benefits through bed-night levies, leasing agreements, and education initiatives. Their newly-formed Cheli and Peacock Community Trust focuses on continuing their successes in restoring wildlife to depleted areas, educating the next generation of Kenyan conservation leaders, and encouraging wildlife protection on locally-owned lands by working hands-on with rural communities to identify and support their needs.”

For more information, contact: Charlotte@CheliPeacock.co.ke


*Cheli & Peacock started in 1985 as a small mobile safari company and has burgeoned into Kenya’s leading Destination Management Company. In addition to serving as a tour operator, Cheli & Peacock owns and operates five eco-friendly lodges, and it manages and markets a collection of Kenya’s most renowned and elegant safari camps and lodges under “The C&P Portfolio.”