Sustainable Tourism In Kenya
Sustainable Tourism In Kenya : Since the epidemic, when our homes’ square footage accounted for all of our carbon footprints, travelers have grown increasingly conscious of the consequences of our world-traveling habits. Thus, the desire to travel more sensibly has grown stronger than ever. Though sustainable options have long been promoted by nations like Bhutan, Sweden, and Costa Rica, few places offer them as easily and profitably as Kenya. There are many different types of sustainable tourism in Kenya, and we are eager to promote them in keeping with our Travel idea, which aims to rebuild travel with a greater beneficial impact than before the pandemic. Here are a few eco-friendly travel strategies for Kenya that are advantageous to both the traveler and the location:
Undertourism in Kenya
You’ll probably hear the term “overtourism” mumbled a few times if you travel to Spain. Spain, which was the most popular destination for British travelers in 2021 and 2022, is better than others in describing the uncontrollably high influx of tourists visiting popular vacation destinations worldwide. Kenya receives 200,000 British visitors annually (compared to 15.1 million who travel to Spain annually), which is why we have chosen it as an undertourism champion. Not only does Kenya boast a tropical coastline, equatorial glaciers, and abundant animals, but it also exudes an air of seclusion that makes you feel like you have the entire place to yourself. So as you journey deep into the jungle, go against the trend and follow the tracks of wild animals rather than tourist pathways.
Philantourism in Kenya
Our take on philanthropy is straightforward: choose your next vacation spot based on the regions that stand to gain the most from your presence there. We advocate just being in a country to show support for it, as part of our objective to turn travel into a positive influence. Kenya is a perfect fit as well. The development of numerous game reserves, national parks, local infrastructure, and transportation systems, as well as other amenities, has all been made possible by tourism, which has actually been the main driver behind the nation’s conservation progress. The 2020 pandemic, when tourism earnings plunged 80% and the trade lost 110 billion Kenyan shillings (approximately £800 million), highlighted the significance of this core sector. Since then, the nation has grown faster than expected, and by 2024, it is expected to have recovered completely. What better reason, then, to schedule that safari of a lifetime? It is a charitable no-brainer.
Flight-free travel in Kenya
When it comes to environmentally friendly travel, Kenya is an expert. Its broad and well-connected bus service is particularly noteworthy in western Kenya, where several routes provide WiFi and recliner seats. Traveling throughout Kenya by train is also very feasible. Experience Kenya’s rural landscape for a short while by traveling on the Madaraka Express, which runs three times a day from Nairobi to Mombasa. The trip takes less than five hours. Alternatively, take the Kisumu Safari Train to Lake Victoria, passing past little towns and soda lakes populated with thousands of flamingos grazing. It’s also one of the most environmentally friendly ways to go to and from the nation’s most popular tourist destinations, according to Kenya Railways’ pledge to replant trees and minimize environmental damage whenever feasible. However, using a traditional dhow boat is one option to travel entirely carbon-free. This strange but oh-so-charming means of transportation is the ideal way to see the sun-kissed streets of Lamu and the beautiful white sands of Diani Beach. It’s the ultimate in slow travel. Who said eco-friendly travel in Kenya couldn’t be fashionable?
Community-based in Kenya
When one thinks of sustainable tourism in Kenya, pictures of eco-lodges maintained by indigenous local populations and conservation programs are likely what spring to mind. You would also be correct. Indeed, Kenya is a shining example of community-based tourism, with diverse culture. This magnificently remote lodge, owned and operated by Maasai people, is more than just a gorgeous face—it is a 6,000-stakeholder organization that includes a black rhino sanctuary that is run and owned by the community. If that wasn’t enough, it also funds a lot of initiatives related to health and education. Many of the Maasai children in the area have been able to finance their university educations through donations from visitors, and the tribe’s women’s beadwork is now sold across the country thanks to the European Commission. It even collaborates with the “Days for Girls” initiative, which teaches young women how to make and distribute sanitary pads in order to empower them. It seems logical that Prince William chose this venue to pop the question to Catherine Middleton, his former flame.
Indigenous tourism in Kenya
In Kenya, sustainable tourism encompasses more than simply conservation and eco-friendly projects; it also involves getting to know the customs and cultures of the region, experiencing a new way of life, hearing personal tales, and learning about the challenges faced in a world that is changing rapidly. Kenya, which is home to 42 recognized tribes and about 150 more ethnic groups, is the ideal destination for engaging in indigenous tourism. It’s difficult to know where to start with so much cultural influence, which is why we’ve devoted so much effort to developing meaningful, real, and carefully thought-out relationships with people. Take forest treks with Maasai warriors, get your hands dirty during animal feeding, and learn the skills of bead stringers in the area.
East African Rift Valley
The African continent is being divided in two by the tectonic rift known as the East African Rift Valley, which is happening extremely slowly. Beginning in North Africa, the rift travels through Ethiopia, Somalia, Kenya, Tanzania, and Mozambique. The Rift Valley in Kenya extends southward from Lake Turkana. It passes directly into Tanzania after passing through Laikipia County, Aberdare National Park, Ol’ Pejeta Conservancy, Lake Nakuru National Park, and Lake Naivasha. It produces a breathtaking environment with many lakes, hills, mountains, calderas, dormant volcanoes, and rainforests. Alkaline lakes like Lake Nakuru are well-known. Each year, thousands of flamingos come here to feed on algae growing in the salty water. Make sure to include at least a few of the Rift Valley’s parks in your safari itinerary. It’s ideal for a road trip!
