Ecotourism in Kenya
What is ecotourism?
Nature and culture based tourism that invests in and supports the protection of the environment, respects local cultures and involves local communities to ensure equity amongst all stakeholders.
What types of ecotourism are available in Kenya?
Ecotourism is a fast growing market sector in Kenya, with a growing number of responsible lodges in and around the main parks and reserves, together with increasing local ownership of ecolodges on community owned land. As well as game viewing in private and community owned sanctuaries, a number of conservation-minded communities are establishing innovative new tourist attractions on their land. Several far-sighted tourism companies have also joined the ecotourism boom, creating packages that are specially designed to help local communities and to offer attractions beyond the standard ‘beach-and-bush’ fare. Many lodges and camps are also breaking new ground in sharing their benefits with their local community neighbours.
Who owns and manages ecotourism in Kenya?
Many ecotourism enterprises in Kenya are partnerships between communities and private investors. The community provides the land (and the resources thereof), funds and labour, while the private partner brings funds and professional lodge management and marketing skills. In most of the partnerships, the community is involved in the lodge’s management. There is also an increasing number of ecolodges that are exclusively owned by local communities.
How can I support community ecotourism in Kenya?
You can support community initiatives directly by including at least one of them in your personal travel itinerary. Details of all community based tourism initiatives in Kenya are available at www.ecotourismkenya.org/communities&ecotourism If you would like to visit these initiatives or support them in any way, you can contact them directly or through us.
Who is Ecotourism Kenya?
Ecotourism Kenya is a non-political civil society organization that was founded in 1996 to promote ecotourism and sustainable tourism practices in Kenya. As a membership organization, Ecotourism Kenya brings together individuals, community based organizations (CBOs) and corporate organizations in a forum where they can discuss the concept of ecotourism and use this knowledge to improve practices in their respective fields. The society’s vision is to be a leader in the knowledge and practice of ecotourism. Its mission is to link communities, tourism and conservation for sustainable tourism development. Current programmes include community outreach, information dissemination and certification & standards (development and dissemination of codes of conduct, guidelines, standards and best practices for sustainable tourism in Kenya).
How can I support Ecotourism Kenya?
One way of supporting Ecotourism Kenya is by being a member. Our membership is open to individuals, community based organizations (CBOs) and corporate organizations.
How do I become a member of Ecotourism Kenya?
Individuals and CBOs pay Ksh1,000 per year. Corporate organizations pay Ksh10,000 per year. You simply need to fill the membership form (in the section on membership) and mail it to us, together with your subscription.
What are the benefits of joining Ecotourism Kenya?
By supporting our activities, you are contributing to our efforts to make Kenya’s tourism environmental friendly and increase local community involvement in tourism in Kenya. Members receive a monthly email (e-letter) and a quarterly newsletter with information on ecotourism and sustainable tourism; free access to our resource center with publications on ecotourism, best practices, etc; discounted prices for our publications and for entry to Ecotourism Kenya-organized events; an account on Ecotourism Kenya website (for corporate members only); an opportunity to network with like-minded individuals and enterprises; and an opportunity to support Ecotourism Kenya’s sustainable tourism initiatives.
Are there eco-friendly tour operators in Kenya?
There are many eco-friendly tour operators in Kenya. Most are members of Ecotourism Kenya and the Kenya Association of Tour Operators (KATO). Visitwww.ecotourismkenya.org/membership for a list of Ecotourism Kenya members and details of what they do for them to be called eco-friendly. For a list of KATO members, visit www.katokenya.org
Tourism and Sustainable Development in Kenya
Does Kenya have a tourism certification scheme?
Kenya now has a certification scheme for tourism accommodation facilities. Ecotourism Kenya’s Eco-rating scheme provides an opportunity for Kenyan hotels, lodges, camps, bandas and private homes to have their environmental and social performance evaluated through a thorough audit process. Properties that show a high degree of responsibility in managing their wastes, conserving resources like water and energy and supporting local communities are awarded a label to show this. You can see the facilities that have been eco-rated at www.ecotourismkenya.org/eco-rating
Does Kenya have a code of conduct for tourists visiting the country?
Yes. The Kenya Safari and Coast Codes were developed by Ecotourism Kenya, Kenya Association of Tour Operators, Kenya Professional Safari Guides Association, Friends of Conservation and Kenya Wildlife Service. It presents simple guidelines to inform visitors how to protect the country’s most vulnerable habitats and species. It also gives guidelines on how to engage with local people.
How can I support sustainable tourism practices in Kenya?
You can support sustainable tourism in Kenya by becoming a member of Ecotourism Kenya, an organization that supports good practices among the whole tourism industry. To join us, go to www.ecotourismkenya.org/membership Additionally, ensure you travel with reputable tour companies. Most reputable tour companies are members of the Kenya Association of Tour Operators (KATO), which keeps a regularly updated listing on its website www.katokenya.org It is also a good idea to insist that your safari guide be qualified through the Kenya Professional Safari Guides Association, which certifies tour guides through a reliable bronze-silver-gold rating system www.safariguides.org