Sustainability | Ambururu Waterfalls Conservancy

Eco-Friendly Practices

At Ambururu, sustainability is woven into every aspect of our operations, from solar-powered lodges to zero-waste initiatives, ensuring harmony between luxury and nature.

Carbon Neutral Operations

Powered entirely by solar energy and reforestation efforts, we offset every footprint to maintain Yala Valley as a carbon sink.

Community Empowerment

Partnering with local Luo communities to create jobs, support education, and preserve cultural heritage through equitable tourism.

Biodiversity Protection

Guided trails minimize impact while monitoring wildlife, contributing to Kenya's conservancy network for habitat restoration.

Zero-Waste Philosophy

From organic farm-to-table meals to water recycling, our closed-loop systems ensure nothing goes to waste.

Our Impact

5000+

Trees Planted Annually

200+

Local Jobs Created

100%

Renewable Energy Usage

0

Plastic Waste

Our Sustainability Journey

From a vision to protect Yala Valley's pristine beauty, to becoming a beacon of sustainable tourism—our journey reflects unwavering commitment to conservation, community, and climate action.

2018

Conservancy Founded

Born from a community's deep love for Yala Valley, Ambururu Waterfalls Conservancy was established as a grassroots initiative to protect the region's waterfalls and rich biodiversity. Justice Anthony Ombwayo, recognizing the ecological and cultural significance of these lands, led the founding alongside local Luo community leaders. This marked the beginning of a mission to align conservation with Kenya's wildlife conservancy model, ensuring that future generations would inherit a preserved natural heritage.

"We didn't just want to protect the waterfalls—we wanted to create a model where conservation and community thrive together."

2022

Solar Transition & Carbon Neutrality

In a bold move toward environmental responsibility, we installed comprehensive solar power systems across all facilities, completely eliminating our reliance on fossil fuels. This transition wasn't just about energy—it was a statement of our commitment to climate action. Combined with our reforestation efforts, we achieved carbon neutrality, making Ambururu one of Kenya's first carbon-negative conservancies. The solar panels now power our eco-lodge, visitor center, and all operations, while excess energy supports local communities.

100% Renewable Energy Carbon Negative

2024

Community Fund Launch & Empowerment

Recognizing that true conservation requires community partnership, we launched the Ambururu Community Fund, directing 20% of all tourism revenue directly to local education and health projects in Siaya County. This initiative has funded school renovations, scholarship programs, and healthcare access for over 500 families. The fund represents our belief that conservation and community development are inseparable—when local people benefit from protecting nature, they become its strongest guardians.

Impact: 200+ jobs created, 3 schools renovated, 500+ families supported through healthcare programs.

2025

Gold Eco-Tourism Certification

Our years of dedication to sustainable practices culminated in achieving Gold Eco-Tourism certification from Ecotourism Kenya—the highest recognition for sustainable tourism in the country. This certification validates our zero-waste philosophy, renewable energy commitment, community empowerment programs, and biodiversity protection efforts. But more than an award, it represents our ongoing promise to visitors: that every experience at Ambururu supports real conservation impact and community well-being.

Certified Excellence: Gold Eco-Tourism status recognizes our leadership in sustainable tourism practices across Kenya.

May 2025 Entry

Riparian Zone Restoration

Post-October restoration efforts have transformed the riparian zones, creating enhanced walking paths that reveal blooming habitats and improved water quality.

Restoration Impact

Following the October 2024 restoration project, our riparian zones have experienced remarkable recovery. Native vegetation has returned, creating natural corridors for wildlife and improving water filtration. The enhanced riparian walks now showcase:

Native tree species including Acacia and Ficus
Improved water quality through natural filtration
Increased biodiversity with 15+ new bird species observed
Stabilized riverbanks reducing erosion

Visitor Experience

Visitors can now enjoy guided riparian walks that highlight the restoration success. These paths wind through restored habitats, offering opportunities to observe the ecosystem recovery firsthand. The walks are designed to be accessible while minimizing impact on sensitive areas.

Best Time to Visit: Early morning (6-9 AM) or late afternoon (4-6 PM) for optimal wildlife viewing.

May 2025 Entry

Ecosystem Protection Strategies

Comprehensive conservation activities directly support ecosystem health through strategic tree planting, wildlife monitoring, and habitat preservation.

Tree Planting Program

Our tree planting initiatives are directly tied to ecosystem protection. Each tree planted contributes to:

Carbon sequestration and climate regulation
Soil stabilization and erosion prevention
Wildlife habitat creation and connectivity
Water cycle regulation and groundwater recharge

Since 2024, we've planted over 5,000 native trees, with a 95% survival rate thanks to community involvement and proper care.

Wildlife Monitoring

Regular wildlife monitoring helps us understand ecosystem health and make informed conservation decisions. Our monitoring program tracks:

Bird species diversity and population trends
Mammal presence and movement patterns
Amphibian and reptile populations
Indicator species that reflect ecosystem health

This data directly informs our conservation strategies and helps measure the impact of our protection efforts.

May 2025 Entry

Sustainable Tourism Impact

Visitor experiences directly fund reforestation and research, creating a direct connection between tourism and conservation outcomes.

Funding Conservation Through Tourism

Every visitor to Ambururu contributes to conservation through:

Entry Fees: 40% directly funds tree planting and habitat restoration
Experience Packages: Support wildlife monitoring and research programs
Accommodation: Eco-lodge stays fund renewable energy infrastructure
Donations: Optional contributions support specific conservation projects

In 2024, visitor contributions enabled us to plant 3,000 trees and expand our wildlife monitoring program by 50%.

Measurable Outcomes

The direct connection between tourism and conservation is visible in our impact metrics:

5,000+ trees planted since program inception
15+ research projects funded through visitor contributions
3 new wildlife monitoring stations established
200+ hectares of habitat restored

Your visit makes a tangible difference. See your impact in real-time through our impact dashboard.

Travel with Purpose

Your visit to Ambururu supports real change—join us in safeguarding Kenya's natural and cultural treasures for tomorrow.

Explore Green Experiences

Sustainability at Ambururu

Eco-Friendly Practices

Carbon Neutral Operations

Community Empowerment

Biodiversity Protection

Zero-Waste Philosophy

Our Impact

Our Sustainability Journey

Conservancy Founded

Solar Transition & Carbon Neutrality

Community Fund Launch & Empowerment

Gold Eco-Tourism Certification

Riparian Zone Restoration

Restoration Impact

Visitor Experience

Ecosystem Protection Strategies

Tree Planting Program

Wildlife Monitoring

Sustainable Tourism Impact

Funding Conservation Through Tourism

Measurable Outcomes

Travel with Purpose