Ecotourism in Kenya

Ecotourism is a compromise that has been developed in response to the need of preserving the wilderness and yet allowing tourists from all over the world to share a unique experience. Ecotourism or sustainable tourism is more and more popular in Arica, especially in South Africa. However, there are many other countries in which tourists can benefit from the advantages of this type of tourism and one of these is Kenya.

Kenya is one of the African countries where the environment and tourism have always been linked. The main attraction of the place is its environment and this relation has become in time a symbiotic one. the wildlife that individuals can see here is one of the main touristic ‘attraction’ and yet one of the touristic draw cards which must be protected against the damages that an inflow of tourists may cause. As such, ecotourism gained more importance both at the local level and at the governmental level as well. Sustainable tourism offers Kenyan people and its wildlife a second chance in terms of economic growth and wellbeing. Tourists get to come and see the country and what it has to offer and locals and communities make sure that their visitors get the best out of the Kenyan experience. This usually means that visitors will be lodged in locals’ houses and they will have the chance to buy locally handcrafted souvenirs.

It is estimated that community based tourism and ecotourism accounts for 5% of the global tourism market and it seems that it is constantly growing in the world and in Kenya as people start to experience its benefits. Specialists estimate that the ecotourism and community based tourism grow at a rate of 20-30% annually. This might be the answer to the need of promoting a better way of tourism and improving the lives of African communities.