Awards & Accolades
Over the years, Porini Camps and Gamewatchers Safaris have been honored for excellence in sustainable tourism and wildlife conservation.
For more than 30 years, Gamewatchers Safaris and Porini Camps have been recognised by leading travel organisations, conservation bodies and international media for delivering exceptional safari experiences while protecting wildlife and supporting local communities.
From prestigious sustainability awards and Traveller’s Choice recognition to features in respected publications such as National Geographic, The Times and CNN, these accolades reflect our long-standing commitment to responsible tourism, authentic safari experiences and conservation in Kenya.
2026
2026 ATTA® for Action Award Winners
- ATTA® Earthkeepers Award — Gamewatchers Safaris
- ATTA® Eco-Innovation Award — Porini Safari Camps, Gamewatchers Safaris
This year’s recognition is particularly significant as it marks the first time a single organisation has received awards in two separate categories during the same year of the ATTA® for Action Awards. It speaks to the depth and consistency of our conservation model, which is nearly three decades in the making.
2026 Tripadvisor Travellers' Choice Award
- Gamewatchers Safaris
GOLD Eco-Rating Certification by Eco-tourism Kenya
- Porini Mara Camp
- Porini Lion Camp
- Porini Cheetah Camp
- Porini Giraffe Camp
- Porini Safari Cottages
- Rhino River Camp
- Porini Amboseli Camp
SILVER Eco-Rating Certification by Eco-tourism Kenya
- Porini Rhino Camp
World Travel Awards 2026 Nominee
- Kenya's Leading Tour Operator- Gamewatchers Safaris
- Kenya's Leading Tented Safari Camp - Porini Mara Camp
- Kenya's Leading Safari Camp Brand - Porini Safari Camps
- Africa's Leading Tented Safari Camp - Porini Amboseli Camp
Condé Nast Awards 2026 Nominee
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We’re delighted to share that Porini Camps is on the 2026 Readers’ Choice Awards ballot under Best Resorts.
We appear as Porini Camps | Ol Kinyei Conservancy. This nomination is a reflection of our incredible guests, the wildlife of Ol Kinyei Conservancy, and our team’s dedication to low-impact, community-led safaris.
2025
GOLD Eco-Rating Certification by Eco-tourism Kenya
- Porini Mara Camp
- Porini Lion Camp
- Porini Cheetah Camp
- Porini Giraffe Camp
- Porini Safari Cottages
- Rhino River Camp
- Porini Amboseli Camp
SILVER Eco-Rating Certification by Eco-tourism Kenya
- Porini Rhino Camp
World's Leading Conservation Programme - Selenkay Conservancy – Winner
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We are proud to announce that Selenkay Conservancy has been named the World’s Leading Conservation Programme 2025 at the 2nd Annual World Sustainable Travel & Hospitality Awards!
Tripadvisor Travellers' Choice Award
- Gamewatchers Safaris
- Porini Amboseli Camp
- Porini Cheetah Camp
- Porini Lion Camp
- Porini Mara Camp
ATTA® Community Upliftment Award - Finalist
- This award recognises an organisation that has demonstrated exceptional commitment to fostering a collaborative and caring culture within local communities, actively involving them in meaningful conservation and community actions, providing growth opportunities and improved wellbeing.
World Sustainable Travel & Hospitality Awards – Nominee
- World’s Leading Sustainable Organisation 2025 – Ol Kinyei Conservancy
- World’s Leading Conservation Programme 2025 – Selenkay Conservancy
- World’s Leading Conservation Programme 2025 – Ol Kinyei Conservancy
2025 World Travel Awards - Nominee
- Kenya’s Leading Safari Camp Brand 2025
- Porini Mara - Kenya's Leading Tented Safari Camp 2025
- Kenya's Leading Tour Operator 2025
- Porini Amboseli Camp - Africa's Leading Tented Safari Camp 2025
2024
GOLD Eco-Rating Certification by Eco-tourism Kenya
- Porini Mara Camp
- Porini Giraffe Camp
- Porini Amboseli Camp
SILVER Eco-Rating Certification by Eco-tourism Kenya
- Porini Rhino Camp
Tripadvisor Travellers' Choice Award
- Gamewatchers Safaris
- Porini Cheetah Camp
- Porini Lion Camp
World Travel Awards Kenya’s Leading Tented Safari Camp 2024 - Winner
- Porini Mara Camp.
ATTA® Collaborative Champions of Climate and Social Justice - Winner
- This award recognises the collaboration of organisations with aligned missions that share resources to make a holistic impact.
Magical Kenya Loyalty Rewards (MKLR) Program - Silver Winner
- The MKLR initiative serves a higher purpose: to honor and appreciate stakeholders who continuously support and participate in Kenya Tourism Board's (KTB) initiatives every year. It’s an acknowledgment of collective effort, where everyone involved plays a role in promoting Kenya’s natural beauty, culture, and unique experiences to the world.
ATTA® Meaningful Engagement Champion - Finalist
- This award recognises the tourism entity that has demonstrated exceptional commitment to protecting both people and places through outstanding employee and client engagement initiatives. It honours those who have successfully fostered a culture of caring within their workforce and clientele, actively involving them in meaningful conservation and community actions.
2024 World Travel Awards - Nominee
- Kenya's Leading Safari Camp Brand 2024
- Africa's Responsible Tourism Award 2024
- Porini Amboseli Camp - Africa's Leading Tented Safari Camp 2024
WINNER:
- Tripadvisor Travellers’ Choice Award 2023 - Porini Mara Camp
- 2023 Word Travel Awards - Kenya’s Leading Safari Camp Brand 2023
NOMINEE:
- 2023 Word Travel Awards - Africa's Responsible Tourism Award 2023
- 2023 Word Travel Awards - Africa's Leading Tented Safari Camp 2023 - Porini Amboseli Camp
- 2023 Word Travel Awards - Kenya's Leading Tented Safari Camp 2023 - Porini Mara Camp
- 2023 Word Travel Awards -Kenya's Leading Tour Operator 2023
WINNER:
- Eco Warrior Awards (Ecotourism Kenya) - Best Tour Operator in Promoting Community Development (winner).
- Eco Warrior Awards (Ecotourism Kenya) - Best Accommodation in Collaboration with Impact Partners (winner) - Porini Amboseli Camp.
- Word Travel Awards - Kenya's Leading Tented Safari Camp 2022 - Porini Mara Camp
RUNNER UP:
- Eco Warrior Awards (Ecotourism Kenya) - 1st runner-up in Best Accommodation in Conservation through Establishment of Conservancies. - Porini Mara Camp.
NOMINEE:
- Word Travel Awards - Africa's Responsible Tourism Award 2022
- Word Travel Awards - Africa's Leading Tented Safari Camp 2022 - Porini Amboseli Camp
- Word Travel Awards - Kenya's Leading Safari Camp Brand 2022
- Word Travel Awards -Kenya's Leading Tour Operator 2022
WINNER:
- Regenerative Travel 2021 Impact Awards - Conservation Category.
Click here to view our Managing Director accepting the award. - Word Travel Awards - World Travel Awards — Kenya’s Leading Safari Camp Brand 2021
- Regenerative Travel 2021 Impact Awards - Conservation Category.
NOMINEE:
- Word Travel Awards - Africa's Responsible Tourism Award 2021
- Word Travel Awards - Africa's Leading Tented Safari Camp 2021 - Porini Amboseli Camp
- Word Travel Awards - Kenya's Leading Tented Safari Camp 2021 - Porini Mara Camp
- Word Travel Awards -Kenya's Leading Tour Operator 2021
WINNER:
- TripAdvisor Travellers’ Choice “Best of the Best 2020” - Porini Mara Camp
NOMINEE:
- Word Travel Awards - Africa's Responsible Tourism Award 2020
- Word Travel Awards - Africa's Leading Tented Safari Camp 2020 - Porini Amboseli Camp
- Word Travel Awards - Kenya's Leading Safari Camp Brand 2020
- Word Travel Awards -Kenya's Leading Inbound Tour Operator 2020
WINNER:
- Eco Warrier Award Winner - Best Social Impact 2019
- Word Travel Awards - Africa's Responsible Tourism Award 2019
RUNNER UP:
- Eco Warrior Awards (Ecotourism Kenya) - Best Green Tour Operator
NOMINEE:
- Word Travel Awards - Africa's Leading Tented Safari Camp 2019 - Porini Amboseli Camp
- Word Travel Awards - Kenya's Leading Safari Camp Brand 2019
- Word Travel Awards -Kenya's Leading Inbound Tour Operator 2019
AWARDED:
Ol Kinyei Conservancy awarded IUCN Green List Status
- Trip Advisor Hall of Fame recognition for Porini Amboseli Camp, Porini Rhino Camp, Porini Mara Camp and Porini Lion Camp.
- GOLD Eco Rating certificate by Eco-tourism Kenya for Porini Amboseli Camp and Porini Mara Camp.
- SILVER Eco Rating certificate by Eco-tourism Kenya for Porini Lion Camp.
WINNER:
- Word Travel Awards - Africa's Responsible Tourism Award 2018
- Word Travel Awards - Africa's Leading Tented Safari Camp 2021 - Porini Amboseli Camp
- Word Travel Awards - Kenya's Leading Tented Safari Camp 2021 - Porini Mara Camp
- Word Travel Awards -Kenya's Leading Tour Operator 2021
NOMINEE:
- Word Travel Awards - Africa's Leading Tented Safari Camp 2018 - Porini Amboseli Camp
- Word Travel Awards - Kenya's Leading Safari Camp Brand 2018
- Word Travel Awards -Kenya's Leading Inbound Tour Operator 2018
2020 - 2023
WINNER OF KENYA’S LEADING TENTED SAFARI CAMP 2022
WINNER OF ECO WARRIOR AWARDS 2022
WINNER OF REGENERATIVE TRAVEL 2021 IMPACT AWARDS
WINNER OF WORLD TRAVEL AWARDS 2021
TRIPADVISOR TRAVELLERS’ CHOICE “BEST OF THE BEST” 2020
TRIPADVISOR TRAVELERS’ CHOICE AWARD 2023; PORINI MARA CAMP
2010 - 2019
Ol Kinyei IUCN Green List Status 2018
SKAL INTERNATIONAL AWARDS 2017
TRIPADVISOR TRAVELLERS’ CHOICE AWARDS 2016
WINNER OF ECO WARRIOR AWARD 2016
WINNER OF WORLD TRAVEL AWARDS 2016
WINNER OF ECO WARRIOR AWARD 2015
WINNER OF WORLD TRAVEL AWARDS 2015
FODOR’S TRAVEL GUIDE: TOP TEN SAFARI OPERATORS
TRIP ADVISOR TRAVELLER’S CHOICE AWARDS 2014
Winner of World Travel Awards 2014
Winner of World Travel Awards 2013
WINNER OF ECO WARRIOR AWARD 2013
KENYA TOURISM AWARD 2012
KENYA TOURISM AWARD 2011
WINNER OF ECO WARRIOR AWARD 2010
SKAL INTERNATIONAL AWARD 2011
2000 - 2009
ECO WARRIOR AWARDS 2009
NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC TOP ECO-LODGES 2009
VIRGIN HOLIDAYS RESPONSIBLE TOURISM AWARD 2008
VIRGIN HOLIDAYS GOLD PARTNERSHIP AWARD 2008
NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC TOP TEN
Posted on Tripadvisor Linda G8 July 2026Verified Best ever From start to finish, Gamewatchers provides an incredible experience. The service and meals at the camps are wonderful and the guides are personable and very knowledgeable.Posted on Tripadvisor annew5978 July 2026Verified Superb safari experience I couldn’t be more enthusiastic to recommend Gamewatchers, we did extensive research before selecting a safari company, booking, and sending a considerable amount of money halfway around the world to a place we knew little about. Gamewatchers more than exceeded our expectations ! Each step was choreographed perfectly, we were met at each location by a personable and helpful guide exactly as planned. Massai Mara Camp and Porini Lion Camp provided more than we could have dreamed. The Directors, expert guides, delicious food, gorgeous sunsets and friendships made along the way will stay with us forever (also we saw The Big Five). I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend Gamewatchers, they are top notch.Posted on Tripadvisor Edward M7 July 2026Verified Best Safari Company. Gamewatchers provided us with a trip of a lifetime. They organized everything. We were met at every stop and they took care of us from beginning to end. We could not be happier with the service and support.Posted on Tripadvisor Len G7 July 2026Verified Start your Safari here Great place to start your Safari. Go to the giraffe camp the crocodile farm and if you have time the elephant sanctuary and downtown. Our accommodations in the Karen District or superb. Staff was most friendly and the food was terrific.Posted on Tripadvisor Melissa S4 July 2026Verified Amazing! Absolutely amazing experience! The wildlife viewing was beyond expectations. The staff and service was amazing at both camps (Rhino and Cheetah) we stayed in. Particular kudos to the chefs who went above and beyond in providing for a gluten-free diet for one member of our family. Recommend highly!!Posted on Tripadvisor Nikki T4 July 2026Verified Kenya Porini- Gamewatcher-s EcoFriendly In 2024-2025, I decided to visit Kenya and get a sample of the region. I explored various operators and ultimately selected Gamewatchers because of their responsible business model. I love East Africa, but I do not promote irresponsible behavior. I always prioritize the animals and their well-being. In June 2026, I finally took the trip, using Gamewatchers' Porini conservancies—Amboseli, Rhino Camp, Mara, and Lion Camps. Each was unique and wonderful. From the moment I arrived in Nairobi, the team had someone there to meet me, check me in at the beautiful Eka Hotel for my overnight stay, and handle all transfers—from pickup in the morning to check-in at Wilson Airport, and again on my return from the bush. The camps were stunning, and the tents were excellent. The staff could not have been more accommodating and warm. Rhino Camp also had a waterhole and a blind, which added to the experience. All camps use open Toyota Landcruiser's, which is my preference. The game was plentiful and exciting. My Gamewatchers travel consultant, Rae, was always available and responded promptly to any questions. The general manager of Gamewatchers was at the Amboseli camp and enjoyed a meal with us one evening. He is a wonderful, bright businessman and very down-to-earth. The camp manager at Amboseli also had lunch with me during one of my stays, despite his busy schedule. All activities are shared - meals and game drive. The camps accommodated large groups to solo, which I was traveling solo. Ask questions and they are always happy to assist. Ecofriendly and eco-minded is the best type of safari.Posted on Tripadvisor Paula D2 July 2026Verified The Perfect Safari with a Perfect Company Absolutely perfect from beginning to end. Well organized, great communication as we planned our first safari. Every recommendation was perfect. Saw so many amazing sites, animals and culturally. Would wholeheartedly recommend Gamewatchers and Porini Camps.Posted on Tripadvisor Nicole B29 June 2026Verified A dream safari! My sister and I booked a 3 night safari and had an incredible time!! Lodging was great. The staff were so friendly. We really loved our guides - Everlyn and Milton. The food served was excellent. All was organized and well thought out. I don’t think there’s anything I would change. Highly recommend!Posted on Tripadvisor TCyclone28 June 2026Verified Another phenomenal safari with Gamewatchers, at Porini tented camps! Our group of eight had a phenomenal time during our nearly 3-week Kenya safari, including 2+ weeks at Porini tented camps! For my wife and I, this was our 6th African safari (3rd to Porini camps); one person in our group was on her 3rd safari, one on her 9th safari, another on their 16th, with three first-timers - and we all agreed this was our favorite one yet! All the camps were super comfortable and extremely well organized (great managers & staff) - and the tents we stayed in were new and very clean. We really enjoyed meeting up with several of the Gamewatcher and Porini staff from our previous visits, including Sylvester in Nairobi (wonderful as always); Jackson at the mess tent in Amboseli; DG at Rhino (fantastic); Moses at the mess tent at Mara; and Daniel (always extra helpful) and James at the mess tent at Lion. The game drives were fabulous - every one of them, including six night ones. I think I counted a total of 37 game drives (most 4-5 hours long) and we didn't miss a single one. During our first game drive in the Mara (from Porini Mara camp), we did something we've never done before - saw all three big cats (and up close too) during the same drive (and within a 2-hour period)! And then this feat was repeated a few days later during our first drive at Lion camp! Also, during a night drive, we came upon a pride of 40 lions, and as we stopped for a while, they surrounded us on all sides - what a memorable scene (especially at night). On other game drives, we spotted an ardwolf (a first) and elusive genet and caracal cats. And the bush breakfasts and sundowners were unbeatable. And to top it off and complete the best safari ever, during the final game drive of our trip (actually the final 30-minutes - and just beyond the camp), we saw a cheetah stalk and kill a topi (Bill & Anderson, our driver & spotter, placed the jeep in a perfect location to watch, photo and video it all transpire). After the kill, the cheetah dragged the topi to a nearby cluster of shrubs, and while walking backwards and pulling the topi with her teeth, she literally bumped into our jeep (just two feet below my seat) - what an amazing and heart-pounding event to watch unfold! In addition, all the transfers between airports, airstrips & camps were easy and on-time. And the bush flights to/from dirt runway strips nearby the camps saved us considerable travel time, which we were then able to spend on the game drives. We *REALLY* appreciated each of the camps providing our group of eight with two jeeps, so that we could sit four people in each one (allowing us to change the particular people in each jeep - which we did for each camp to mix things up for us, but also keep the same four with the same jeep/driver/spotter at each individual camp for simplicity). And we *VERY MUCH* appreciated the chef's altering the menu to provide fish meals to us on many occasions. The meals were very good and varied (we're still not sure how they can be prepared/taste so well given the challenges of being in the bush!), with the Red Snapper being the shining star for us all. Alongside of the unforgettable, vivid memories of the game drive wildlife sightings will be our time spent with the extraordinary kind, friendly, helpful and engaging camp staff. The three first-time safari mates who joined us now totally understand why the rest of us have spoke so highly and enthusiastically about our previous Gamewatcher/Porini experiences - and they also hope to return again someday! Rick McIntyre, our North American based safari advisor, was also an excellent resource, helping to create such a perfect safari itinerary for our group. His attention to details, very thoughtful advice, and prompt responses to our many questions were very much appreciated. Following three wonderful safaris with Gamewatchers at Porini camps (2026, 2022, 2018), I highly recommend anyone with an interest in safaris to contact Rick and book with this wonderful company. Scott (with Robbyn + Nikki, Karen, Pat, Diane, Melissa & Cindy)Posted on Tripadvisor David B15 June 2026Verified Excellent, professional experience Absolutely wonderful experience with very professional and welcoming staff. Drivers and spotters were especially well versed in wild life information.
Ready to start planning?
Our experienced Safari Consultants—based in Nairobi and around the world—are here to guide you every step of the way. From expert advice to seamless planning, we’ll take care of every detail to create a safari that’s perfectly tailored to you.
Get in touch today, and a dedicated Safari Specialist in your time zone will start crafting your personalised safari to Africa.
Head Office in Nairobi
We have an experienced team of Safari Consultants based in Kenya.
You can contact our Nairobi team at info@gamewatchers.com or call at +254-722-509-200.

Rick Mcintyre
Hello, I’m Rick, based in Ontario, Canada, with over 15 years in the travel industry and a passport filled with stamps from over 70 countries. My heart was captured by Africa during my first visit to Kenya, and since then, I’ve journeyed back repeatedly, exploring the diverse landscapes and wildlife of Kenya, Tanzania, Rwanda, Zambia, Zimbabwe, Botswana, Namibia, and South Africa. Whether you’re dreaming of a “once in a lifetime” vacation or you’re a seasoned safari traveler, I’m here to assist in planning your perfect African adventure.
You can contact me at rick@gamewatchers.com or give me a call at +1-877-710-3014, and together, we’ll make your African dreams a reality.

Rachel Chambers
Hi, I’m Rae, based on the West Coast of Canada, on beautiful Vancouver Island. I’m a passionate traveler who has explored nearly 30 countries, but it was a solo journey to Africa that truly transformed my perspective. From the moment I arrived in Botswana, I felt an undeniable connection to the continent and was inspired to spend more time experiencing its extraordinary wildlife, breathtaking landscapes, and rich cultures. My solo travels have since taken me through Zimbabwe, Zambia, Mauritius, South Africa, Uganda, Namibia, and Kenya, where I experienced Gamewatchers Safaris and Porini Camps firsthand. It was during these immersive and unforgettable journeys that my passion for Africa evolved into a clear vision: to join the Gamewatchers team and help others discover the magic of safari. I’d love to connect and plan your wildest dreams!.
You can reach me by email at rae@gamewatchers.com

Julie Roggow
Greetings, I’m Julie Roggow, and I come to you with over two decades of immersion in the world of travel. My journey into the heart of safari adventures began as I traversed Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, Rwanda, Botswana, Zimbabwe, and South Africa, capturing the essence of these mesmerizing landscapes through my lens. Among these remarkable destinations, Kenya and the Porini safari camps hold a special place in my heart. Their unique blend of wilderness and conservation resonates deeply with me.
My passion for travel is matched only by my dedication to sharing that passion with others. Whether you’re a seasoned traveler or embarking on your very first safari, I’m here to ensure that planning your safari vacation is an enjoyable and seamless experience.
Feel free to reach out to me by email at julie@gamewatchers.com or through our toll-free telephone line at +1-877-710-3014. Let’s embark on an unforgettable safari journey together, where the wild beauty of Africa awaits to enchant and inspire you.

Tom Mees
Jambo, I’m Tommy Mees, most people call me Tom.
My connection with Africa began through years of travelling across the continent.
I later spent more than twelve years managing safari camps and lodges while supporting conservation initiatives including beekeeping and tree-planting projects.
Having travelled extensively throughout Eastern and Southern Africa, I developed a deep appreciation for authentic wilderness experiences and the conservation-focused approach of the Porini Camps.
I am originally from Belgium and now based in Spain, though my heart has always remained in Africa.
Alongside my safari background, I am also a professional photographer and enjoy helping travellers experience and capture the extraordinary wildlife, landscapes and cultures that make Africa so special.
If you are considering an African safari, feel free to contact me at tom@gamewatchers.com

Andrea Landaeta
Hola, I’m Andrea and my love affair with the captivating world of safaris began during my teenage years when I embarked on my very first safari in Kenya. There, amidst the awe-inspiring wildlife and expansive plains, I found my true passion. Over the years, Kenya has called me back time and time again, leading me to explore its myriad camps, conservancies, and renowned parks. More recently, I’ve had the privilege of staying at all the Porini Camps, where the spotlight shines on wildlife conservation—a cause close to my heart as I traverse the globe. While Kenya holds a special place in my wanderlust-filled heart, Tanzania, Uganda, and Rwanda have also woven their magic into my soul.
If you’re eager to embark on your own safari adventure or share your passion for conservation, please feel free to contact me at andrea@saririterra.com

Kristy Thomson
Hello, I’m Kristy, your Australian-based Safari Advisor with Gamewatchers Safaris and Porini Camps. My background in ecology and conservation management, combined with a deep passion for nature and the great outdoors, led me to Kenya where I instantly fell in love with its spectacular wildlife and warm-hearted people. Having spent significant time at our Porini Camps and explored other camps we offer, I bring intricate knowledge to help craft your ultimate wildlife safari adventure. Whether you’re seeking the thrill of the savannah or the serenity of the wilderness, I’m here to make your safari dreams a reality.
Feel free to reach out to me on the Gold Coast, Australia, at kristy@gamewatchers.com or call on +61 419 175 672.

Pranay Chandra
Hello, I’m Pranay Chandra, a veteran of the Indian Armed Forces whose profound passion for nature and wildlife led me to the world of wildlife photography. My lens has captured the essence of the wild, earning recognition in esteemed competitions like the Sanctuary Asia annual wildlife awards and the Natural History Museum’s Wildlife Photographer of the Year awards. Beyond photography, I’ve dedicated myself to conservation efforts, collaborating with Ecological Task Forces and supporting WWF India’s training initiatives in tiger reserves. In the realm of education, I’ve partnered with CEC, New Delhi, to create informative video programs on Human-Wildlife Conflicts. I’ve ventured to Kenya, embracing the splendours of Africa while staying at Porini camps and other renowned lodges.
You can connect with me via email at pranay@gamewatchers.com or call on +91 801 788 5256.
