Sustainability Champions shine on the 18th Ecowarrior Awards

Ecotourism Sustainability Champions shine on the 18th Ecowarrior Awards

There was pomp and celebration as Kenya feted its sustainability champions during the 18^th edition of Ecowarrior Awards under the theme ‘Honouring Innovations for Responsible Journeys’.

The celebration which also coincided with the 30th anniversary of Ecotourism Kenya, took place on 16 October 2026 at the Hyatt Regency Hotel in Nairobi. The gala night brought together conservationists, community leaders, and tourism stakeholders to honor pioneers of sustainable travel.

It acknowledged three decades of advancing sustainable tourism, environmental conservation and responsible tourism practices, while honouring the individuals and establishments putting sustainability into action and setting the pace for a greener tourism industry.

The event recognized excellence across 14 diverse categories, honoring top performers in waste reduction, green technology, fair labor, and ecosystem restoration.

The event, overseen by Chief Judge David Rubia, brought together a distinguished roster of leaders. Ecotourism Kenya CEO Lynnet Kamonde and Chairperson Angela Njehia welcomed attendees, reflecting on three decades of green tourism leadership. Tourism Secretary David Gitonga from the Ministry of Tourism and Wildlife attended as the Key Guest, emphasizing government backing for green travel, while Dr. David Western—Co-founder of the African Conservation Centre and one of Ecotourism Kenya’s original founders—was honored as the evening’s Honorary Guest.

Tourism Pioneers Take Top Honours

Leading hospitality brands dominated the accommodation categories. Masai Mara Sopa Lodge took home the award for Leading Accommodation in Decent Work Practices, while Asilia Kenya Encounter Mara Camp won the Farm-to-Table Innovations category for its commitment to local sourcing. Soroi Lions Bluff Lodge was recognized for Enhancing Guest Experience, and Governors’ Camp secured the win for Responsible Marketing and Communication.

Tour operators were heavily celebrated for their active roles in conservation. Saruni Basecamp enjoyed a highly successful evening, winning Leading Tour Operator in Enhancing Visitor Experience alongside multiple runner-up placements. Governors’ Safaris Limited earned the top spot for Ecosystem Restoration, while Purple Nomad Limited triumphed in Responsible Communication and Marketing.

Community, Tech, and Cultural Impact

The awards underscored that responsible travel extends far beyond traditional safaris. In a nod to regional collaboration, Rwanda’s Red Rocks Rwanda CBO won the Leading Community-led Initiatives category. On the digital front, EERA LAB was named the Leading Technology Company, beating out competition from Thenks Technologies and Safarilink Aviation. Meanwhile, OGOLAW Advocates walked away as the Leading Green Supplier.

Individual excellence was also spotlighted, with Ernest Mwongela Nyamasyo named Leading Guide. Special recognitions were handed out to The Beads Museum for heritage preservation and Klein Nettoh for inspiring photography.

 

Winners

2026 Ecowarrior Awards Finalists

Honouring Innovations for Responsible Journeys

1. Leading Accommodation in Decent Work Practices

• Masai Mara Sopa Lodge- Winner
• Amboseli Sopa Lodge- 1^st Runners Up
• Kilaguni Serena Safari Lodge- 2^nd Runners Up

2. Leading Accommodation Facility in Farm-to-Table Innovations

• Asilia Kenya Encounter Mara Camp- Winner
• Governors’ Loldia House -1^st Runners Up
• Basecamp Masai Mara – 2^nd Runners Up

3. Leading Accommodation Facility in Enhancing Guest Experience

• Soroi Lions Bluff Lodge- Winner
  • Saruni Samburu- 1^st Runners Up
  • Lake Naivasha Sopa Resort -2^nd Runners Up

4. Leading Accommodation Facility in Responsible Marketing and Communication

• Governors’ Camp – Winner
  • Sasaab Lodge- 1^st Runners Up

5. Leading Community-led initiatives in Offering Responsible Journeys

• Red Rocks Rwanda CBO – Winner
  • Ngare Ndare Forest Trust- 1^st Runners Up

6. Leading Green Supplier in Enabling Responsible Journeys

• OGOLAW Advocates – Winner
  • Swahili Beach Resorts LTD – 1^st Runners Up
  • Ilisa Handmade Limited

7. Leading Guide in Offering Responsible Journeys.

• Ernest Mwongela Nyamasyo – Winner
  • Bernard Koros – 1^st Runners Up
  • John Korromboi -2^nd Runners Up

8. Leading Heritage Site Offering Responsible Journeys
   • The Beads Museum- Recognition
9. Leading Photographer in Inspiring Responsible Journeys
   • Klein Nettoh- Recognition
10. Leading Restaurant in Innovating for Responsible Journeys

• Herbs & Spices – Nairobi Serena Hotel – Winner
  • The Jahazi Grill – Serena Beach Resort & Spa – 1^st Runners Up

11. Leading Technology Company in Innovating for Responsible Journeys

• EERA LAB – Winner
• Thenks Technologies – 1^st Runners Up
• Safarilink Aviation -2^nd Runners Up

12. Leading Tour Operator in Ecosystem Restoration

• Governors’ Safaris Limited – Winner
  • Saruni Basecamp – 1^st Runners Up
  • Gamewatchers Safaris Limited -2^nd Runners Up

13. Leading Tour Operator in Responsible Communication and Marketing

• Purple Nomad Limited – Winner
  • Saruni Basecamp – 1^st Runners Up
  • Lets Go Travel Uniglobe -2^nd Runners Up

14. Leading Tour Operator in Enhancing Visitor Experience

• Saruni Basecamp – Winner
  • The Safari Collection – 1^st Runners Up
  • Sunworld Safaris Limited -2^nd Runners Up