Dr Marina Novelli visits Basecamp Explorer Kenya

Published 27 January 2012

Dr. Marina Novelli, principal lecturer at the Centre for Tourism Policy Studies (CENTOPS), School of Service Management has returned from a visit to two of Basecamp's Kenya operations in the Masai Mara Reserve and Naboisho Conservancy. This was based on a research collaboration with Judy Kepher-Gona (Chief Executive Officer and Programs Director at Basecamp Foundation) and is part of a wider research project aimed at the assessment of the role and challenges of travellers' philanthropy in sub-Sahara Africa.

The history of Basecamp covers the integrated development of a group comprising two branches, the commercial part - Basecamp Explorer and the non-profit development part - Basecamp Foundation. They were created as complementary enterprises based on an idea, aimed to fulfil their mission: ‘to leave a positive footprint’.

Basecamp was co-founded by two Norwegians, Svein Wilhelmsen and Ole Bernt Frøshaug. The creation of Basecamp Explorer’s first camp in the Mara was due to an exceptional meeting – and relation – with the respected Masai elder, Matinta Ole Taek.

Matinta Ole Taek approached the Basecamp founders and urged them to establish a tourist enterprise that, unlike others, would also benefit the Masai people.

Basecamp Explorer established Basecamp Masai Mara as a community-based commercial enterprise, soon the first to be managed by a Masai woman. At the same Basecamp Foundation initiated a number of interrelated projects aimed at conserving the Masai Mara eco-system and support the Masai people.

Basecamp Foundation (BCF) is part of the international Basecamp Group, operating within the global tourism industry. It constitutes the group’s implementing instrument for cultural and social development, within the context of sustainable destination development and responsible tourism management. Its commercial counterpart, Basecamp Explorer (BCE) is engaged with operating accommodation and offering adventures at key destinations in Kenya, India, the Pyrenees and Spitsbergen in the Arctic.

Whereas BCE is a commercial enterprise operated according to sound responsible business principles, BCF is an entirely non-profit operation rooted into strong sustainability principles. As stated on their website:
“Basecamp is an idea just as much as an organisation: an innovative and inspiring idea of developing destinations by approaching tourism and society in a holistic way, challenging traditional concepts of sustainability and of business.”
By offering attractive experiences in some of the world’s most spectacular destinations, with an intact nature and an inspiring culture, BCF aims at contributing to sustainable destination development that benefits the local society, nature, culture and people.

The Basecamp Big Five – called through the analogy to the Big Five of the safari world: lion, leopard, rhino, elephant and buffalo - constitutes the core focus of the BCF programs on the ground, many of which of a philanthropic nature. Within the program areas – conservation, climate, culture, capacity and care – BCF has projects on the ground such as water sanitation, schooling, healthcare, solar energy, wildlife conservation and craft making and play an advocacy role, locally and globally while documenting achievements. To find out more visit www.basecampfoundation.com.

During her visit, Dr Novelli had the opportunity to undertake a full assessment of the BCF philanthropic engagements linked to its Big Five programme.  Research results will be published in the near future.