Campi Ya Kanzi One of the First Recipients
of Ecotourism Kenya's New Gold Eco-rating

SANTA FE, N.M. (March 29, 2007) - Uncharted Outposts, one of the nation's oldest and most respected safari and travel specialists, announced Thursday that Campi Ya Kanzi, one of their favorite destination properties, is among the first recipients of Ecotourism Kenya's new Gold Eco-rating.

Tembo House Balcony in the Morning

Chyulu Game Drive

Sundowners at Okoikuma

Sitting Room

A community owned eco-resort in southern Kenya's Chyulu Hills, Campi Ya Kanzi was one of just three properties to receive the Gold rating from Ecotourism Kenya, a group that promotes sustainable tourism. The Gold rating recognizes excellence in environmental management, sustainable use of resources and community/social linkages. Five other properties received the group's Silver Eco-rating.

"We have watched the evolution of Campi Ya Kanzi from the very beginning," says Sandy Cunningham, director of sales for Uncharted Outposts. "Ten years ago we were managing a neighboring conservation area and saw firsthand their enthusiasm and dedication. Now we are delighted at the international recognition they are receiving for their outstanding work."

Campi ya Kanzi (Camp of the Hidden Treasure) was opened in 1997 by Luca Belpietro and Antonella Bonomi on the Kuku Group Ranch, a Maasi reserve in the foothills of Kilimanjaro between Kenya and Tanzania. It is a collaboration with the local Maasi community, which helped construct and staff the camp.

The lodge was designed to have minimal environmental impact. Buildings were constructed from local materials, like lava rocks, thatch and lumber from a reforestation program. Hot water comes from solar boilers, while electricity is produced by solar systems and the food is prepared with eco-friendly charcoal. Waste is collected, recycled or incinerated - or used as compost for a small organic vegetable garden. Water is collected from the roofs and purified through lava filters, then recycled and fed into a pond for wildlife.

Luca and Antonella also created The Maasai Wilderness Conservation Trust, employing teachers at local schools and nurses at dispensaries who provide supplies and medicine. In addition, Maasai game scouts protect wildlife and compensate herdsmen for loss of livestock. This project, crucial for the survival of the lion, is generously supported by Cartier and by actor Edward Norton. Campi ya Kanzi guests, who donate $40 to the trust for every night spent at the lodge, provide additional funding.

Visitors further support the trust by generously offering donations to "The Maasai Foundation of East Africa," a U.S. 501(c)(3) non-profit. In choosing Campi ya Kanzi, guests are visiting one of the few remaining spots of pristine African wilderness, while supporting a meaningful conservation project.

The Eco-rating system - Africa's first - has three successive levels: Bronze, Silver and Gold. It offers travelers to Kenya a guarantee that the product they are consuming is ecologically and socially responsible. For more details, please visit the Ecotourism Kenya website: http://www.ecotourismkenya.org/index.php.