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15 Responsible Travel Ideas Kenya Can Use

1. Travel with Reputable Operators and Qualified Safari Guides

2. support eco-friendly accommodation facilities, 3. respect local cultures and promote community benefits, 4. keep to designated roads, 5. minimise animal disturbance, 6. stay inside your vehicle at all times, 7. keep to the speed limit, 8. do not feed the animals, 9. take care not to disturb the ecological balance, 10. take all your litter with you, 11. protect the marine environment, 12. never buy or remove animals or shells from the sea, 13. avoid buying under-size crabs and lobsters, 14. support traditional coastal livelihoods, 15. respect local cultures and customs.

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Ecotourism Principles, Responsible Travel, and Building a Sustainable Post-pandemic Destination Kenya

• First Online: 07 February 2024

Cite this chapter

• Joseph K. Muriithi 4 &
• Philip Ireri 5  

87 Accesses

Ecotourism is regarded as travel to relatively undisturbed natural areas while adhering to principles of responsible and sustainable tourism that promote environmental conservation and community development. Kenya has come up with initiatives such as ecotourism certification to promote responsible travel practices. However, question marks continue to be raised concerning how effectively ecotourism principles and practices are observed in many destinations. This chapter examines how ecotourism principles are being infused into destination-level tourism practices in Kenya. A qualitative research methodology was used to review online documentation from relevant organizations and also analysis of key informant interviews from different industry players drawn from across the country. Key findings of the study include: greenwashing through certification of tourism facilities is a key challenge to responsible travel practices. Additionally, community benefits, environmental conservation, and protection of biodiversity are important considerations in assessing responsible travel practices. Finally, COVID-19 pandemic disruptions have impacted responsible travel in different destinations in different ways. This study recommends that destination-level actors should prioritize environmental conservation measures and community benefit initiatives as a way of fostering responsible travel in Kenya. It is also recommended that ecotourism certification schemes and award processes be improved to enhance transparency. Finally, it is also recommended that there should be tourism destination-level recovery strategies and measures against disruptions and crises like COVID-19 that affect destinations in Kenya and the world at large.

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Joseph K. Muriithi

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Muriithi, J.K., Ireri, P. (2024). Ecotourism Principles, Responsible Travel, and Building a Sustainable Post-pandemic Destination Kenya. In: Maingi, S.W., Gowreesunkar, V.G., Korstanje, M.E. (eds) Tourist Behaviour and the New Normal, Volume II. Palgrave Macmillan, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-031-45866-8_11

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• - Terms and Conditions
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• - - Big Five Luxury Eco-Adventure itinerary
• - - Hideouts of the maneaters itinerary
• - - The Magic of Kenya itinerary
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• - - The Special Five Safari itinerary
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• - - Kenya Maasailand Adventure safari itinerary
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• - - Wild East Africa multi-country safari itinerary
• - - Kenya-Uganda Elephants & Gorillas safari itinerary
• - - Kenya-Rwanda Elephants & Gorillas safari itinerary
• - - Mount Kenya Sirimon-Naro Moro route itinerary
• - - Mount Kenya Sirimon Peak Circuit Climbing itinerary
• - - Aberdares-Mount Kenya trek itinerary
• - - Mount Kenya Sirimon-Chogoria crossover route itinerary
• - - Mount Kenya Burguret – Naromoru Traverse itinerary
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Whilst tourism is a major driver of the local economies of our destinations, it does pose a threat to the environment and local cultures – the very resources that support our travel. Taking responsibility for our actions ensures that these resources are conserved for successive generations to also enjoy. The following practices reaffirm our commitment to responsible travel:

Traveling and Accommodation

• We travel in small groups to ensure our impact on the environment is minimal. Our groups have a maximum of 12.
• We use well serviced vehicles that comply with the local environmental laws. Our itineraries include walking/hiking so as to reduce driving time hence reduce vehicle pollution.
• On camping safaris, we employ local people as guides and camp assistants. Our guides will only play a facilitative role, acting as a link between the clients and the local guides. This ensures that money goes directly into local hands and gives our clients a chance to closely interact with the local people.
• As much as we possibly can, we use small locally owned camps and lodges, ensuring maximum benefits remain with the local people.
• Use established trails and campsites. Cutting down trees and clearing vegetation for new campsites is not permitted.
• Diversifying our destinations and activities to include tours to least visited areas. This helps to spread out tourism impact and minimise pressure on the more popular destinations. It also contributes to even distribution of tourism income and economic growth.

Energy and water conservation

• We plan to invest in renewable energy sources in order to reduce our dependence on fossil fuels. This includes solar lamps to replace kerosene lanterns as our source of lighting at our campsites.
• Camping at least 50 metres away from water sources
• Clients are advised to consider taking a shower rather than a bath. Our makeshift mobile showers dispense less water than baths.
• Where necessary, campfires should be kept small and the firewood used should be dead wood collected from the field only. There must be NO cutting down of trees for fires.

Local economy

• Partnerships with local ecotourism initiatives that provide a distinctive, honest visitor experience. We encourage local people to show off the natural and cultural heritage of their communities, so that tourists gain a richer experience and the local people develop pride in their locales.
• Support local economies by purchasing food supplies from local markets and participating with small, local businesses.

Waste Minimisation

• When shopping for trip supplies, we avoid ‘single use packaging’ and plastic bags. Reusable paper packaging such as cartons is preferred.
• On camping safaris, drinking water is provided in large containers so as to reduce plastic bottle waste. Only one small refill bottle is provided per client.
• Use of biodegradable food containers rather than plastic bags. Disposable plates, cups and cutlery are not allowed.
• Before leaving, both clients and crew are encouraged to inspect the campsite and collect any trash or food waste.
• Food waste should be buried at least 30cm deep and at least 50m away from water sources. Plastics and cans should carried away to be disposed of at the nearest county council dumpsite. Put out campfires completely and scatter the ash in the bush.

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It encompasses savannah, lakelands, the dramatic Great Rift Valley and mountain highlands

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Choose your adventure, 11 days cultural immersion & hiking – kenya, 3 days congo nile trail biking, 4 days trekking and hiking, 7 days congo-nile hiking & island hoping experience, 11 days primates trek and cultural experience in uganda, 8 days highlights of rwanda, 3 days mountain gorillas trekking and twin lakes, 3 days mountain gorilla trekking in bwindi forest national park, explore all adventures, explore culture, explore hiking & biking, explore transformative, explore village life, explore volunteer, explore the land of mystery, impactful experiences.

Immerse yourself in the local cultures from overnight homestays to stays in tribal lands and see first-hand how African tribal people continue to hunt and forage for their food.

Go deep into being an ambassador of endangered species through engaging in unparalleled experience of Rhino patrols, moving bomas, understanding the tracking techniques, pasture assessment, wildlife and ecological monitoring among others.

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Travel Kenya responsibly

Thinking of donating to local projects, visiting a school, or giving away goodies to the locals? Make sure you donate responsibly and be aware of the possible counter effects. Read this article with some advice to consider when visiting Kenya 

Some advice to consider

Do not randomly hand out money, clothes, pens or sweets to local children. However touching it might be, it encourages begging and creates a distorted view of tourism. Instead, show genuine interest, play and talk with kids like you would with children in your own country.

If you really want to bring goods, a lodge owner or connection to a local organization is a good source of advice. You can also check  Pack for a Purpose . It would be good to find out which goods can be bought locally. Basic school supplies and basic (first aid) medical supplies are easily found in the shopping malls in Nairobi - in this way you stimulate the local economy.

We discourage leaving stuff behind in your hotel room - it's better to give it to the lodge owner than leave it for the maid to find, which might cause friction among the staff. 

Most lodges have a tipping box and distribute the tips equally among all the staff. If you enjoyed the service, just be generous and contribute to the tipping box. As for your driver or guide, tipping is highly appreciated. 

English is widely spoken in all areas in Kenya. It is appreciated if you try to speak some Swahili. If you travel with a driver-guide, he can surely teach you some words. If you're going on a self-drive adventure, ask the locals for a local language lesson. They appreciate your effort. 

Giving back more

You will not be the first roadtripper moved by the fact that Kenya and its people have given you such a warm welcome, and you may want to show your appreciation. Below are a few initiatives which you can sponsor. These are local, sustainable initiatives that are well managed, and we know your money will be well spent. 

Big Life Organization They have a cross-border anti-poaching initiatives and protect wild animals when they move outside the national parks in Kenya.

• Why choose us?

Responsible Travel

• Terms and Conditions
• African Safari Wildlife Places
• Walking and mountaineering
• Birding Places
• Ecotourism in Kenya
• Big Five Luxury Eco-Adventure itinerary
• Hideouts of the maneaters itinerary
• The Magic of Kenya itinerary
• Kenya Classic Safari itinerary
• The Special Five Safari itinerary
• Wildlife Special Safari itinerary
• Bush and beach itinerary
• Kenya Walk in the Wild trek itinerary
• Kenya Maasailand Adventure safari itinerary
• Hidden Treasures of Kenya Walking Safari itinerary
• Educational African Safari
• Kenya Bird Watching Safari
• Tribes, Wildlife & Landscapes Eco Tour itinerary
• The Great Migration itinerary
• Savannahs, Lakes & Forests Kenya safari itinerary
• Kenya-Tanzania Big Five Safari itinerary
• Wild East Africa multi-country safari itinerary
• Kenya-Uganda Elephants & Gorillas safari itinerary
• Kenya-Rwanda Elephants & Gorillas safari itinerary
• Mount Kenya Sirimon-Naro Moro route itinerary
• Mount Kenya Sirimon Peak Circuit Climbing itinerary
• Aberdares-Mount Kenya trek itinerary
• Mount Kenya Sirimon-Chogoria crossover route itinerary
• Mount Kenya Burguret – Naromoru Traverse itinerary
• Mount Kilimanjaro Rongai Route itinerary
• Mount Kilimanjaro Machame Route itinerary
• Safari Reviews
• Book your adventure
• - About IAT
• - Why choose us?
• - Responsible Travel
• - Terms and Conditions
• - African Safari Wildlife Places
• - Walking and mountaineering
• - Birding Places
• - Ecotourism in Kenya
• - - Big Five Luxury Eco-Adventure itinerary
• - - Hideouts of the maneaters itinerary
• - - The Magic of Kenya itinerary
• - - Kenya Classic Safari itinerary
• - - The Special Five Safari itinerary
• - - Wildlife Special Safari itinerary
• - - Bush and beach itinerary
• - - Kenya Walk in the Wild trek itinerary
• - - Kenya Maasailand Adventure safari itinerary
• - - Hidden Treasures of Kenya Walking Safari itinerary
• - Educational African Safari
• - Kenya Bird Watching Safari
• - - Tribes, Wildlife & Landscapes Eco Tour itinerary
• - - The Great Migration itinerary
• - - Savannahs, Lakes & Forests Kenya safari itinerary
• - - Kenya-Tanzania Big Five Safari itinerary
• - - Wild East Africa multi-country safari itinerary
• - - Kenya-Uganda Elephants & Gorillas safari itinerary
• - - Kenya-Rwanda Elephants & Gorillas safari itinerary
• - - Mount Kenya Sirimon-Naro Moro route itinerary
• - - Mount Kenya Sirimon Peak Circuit Climbing itinerary
• - - Aberdares-Mount Kenya trek itinerary
• - - Mount Kenya Sirimon-Chogoria crossover route itinerary
• - - Mount Kenya Burguret – Naromoru Traverse itinerary
• - - Mount Kilimanjaro Rongai Route itinerary
• - - Mount Kilimanjaro Machame Route itinerary

Tourism is the world’s largest and fastest growing industry, with growth rates ranging between three and six percent annually depending on the location. Impact Adventure Travel are aware of the detrimental impact this continuous growth poses on the environment and local cultures, the very resources that support our travel. Our overriding policy is one of Sustainable tourism that fosters environmental integrity, social justice and local economic development. Sustainable tourism is a form of tourism that is committed to making a low impact on the natural environment and local culture, while helping to generate income and employment for local people.

Read more…

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How to travel responsibly in Kenya?

Kenya Travel Guide

Tourists visit Kenya for one or more of the following reasons: wildlife, culture, or landscapes (including pristine beaches). As a result, it is critical that these same reasons are protected through responsible travel and Kizo Safaris takes great care to ensure that our Kenya holidays provide our guests with a one-of-a-kind, authentic, and sustainable travel experience. We strongly encourage all visitors to Kenya to travel responsibly and respectfully in order to ensure that tourism has a positive impact on the economy, the environment, and local communities.

Here are ten ways you can help practice responsible travel in Kenya:

• Always respect local etiquette and be mindful of local culture, customs, and religion, especially when visiting remote rural areas and the conservative Muslim coast and islands.
• When entering towns or cities, dress modestly and respectfully, and women should always cover their legs and upper arms when not in beach resorts. When entering places of worship, shoulders and knees should be covered. Our top recommendation is to purchase a kanga, a local sarong that can be used to cover shoulders as well as a towel, blanket, or scarf at other times.
• If possible, stay at a camp or lodge within a community-owned conservancy while on safari to help generate a sustainable income for indigenous locals.
• Interact with locals and try to learn about Maasai, Samburu, Turkana, and Swahili cultures and customs. Visiting rural villages and markets, or going on bushwalks with a local guide on community-owned land, are excellent ways to learn about the local way of life.
• Always obtain permission before photographing anyone, including children, and respect others’ privacy. Rather than just taking pictures, we recommend that you interact with the locals. Cultural exchange is a two-way street, and you are a source of fascination as well.
• A visit to a school can be a fascinating experience, but keep in mind that tourists taking photos in classrooms on a daily basis can be disruptive to children’s education. If you do visit a school, make sure it is planned and coordinated by a responsible tour guide and authorized by the school’s principal. Gifts and donations should be given to the principal rather than the students, who may begin to view foreigners as a source of gifts and money.
• Never buy anything made from an endangered species, such as coral, turtle shells or eggs, ivory, fur, or bone.
• Rather than hotel tourist shops, buy locally made items such as jewelry, wooden carvings, and Maasai blankets at markets, villages, and small-scale souvenir shops.
• Eat at local restaurants and cafés to broaden your horizons. Not only will this help the local economy, but it will also provide you with a more authentic holiday experience.
• Carry a Swahili phrasebook with you and make an effort to learn a few key words and phrases. The ability to communicate in basic Swahili will undoubtedly earn you many smiles from the friendly locals you will meet during your stay in Kenya. Swahili is simple for native English speakers to learn because the words are pronounced exactly as they appear to an English speaker.

Additional Pra c tices

On 5th June 2020 Kenya banned the use of single use plastic bottles in protected areas, which include the parks and reserves visited by tourists. This occurred three years after the ban on plastic carrier bags was effectively implemented. These rules must be strictly followed by anyone visiting Kenya.

However, we help to alleviate any inconveniences that you may face by providing you with our branded refillable bottles. You can also to bring your own refillable water bottle if you want too.

For any further information on the topic or request for your bespoke holiday in Kenya, please  contact  our Travel Specialists or  submit an online enquiry  to get started.

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Why Choose Luxury Travel in Kenya?

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• Responsible Travel

Traveling with Africa Safari Trips means responsible travel. By choosing Africa Safari Trips for your next Africa Travel, you contribute to the social and economic development of Africa. We aim to impact the environment as little as possible, and serve the community as much as possible. How do we do this?

Responsible travel starts with …

Well-treated local staff.

Our staff is our most important capital. We select them carefully so we know they have the passion, knowledge, experience and social skills we require. Ninety percent of our staff is born and raised in Africa. Since we believe in fair treatment of our staff, we pay a salary above average. This is how we invest in sustainable relationships.

Eco-friendly activities

We see the environment as our most precious asset and try to minimise our impact. The African nature is incredibly beautiful, and so we have to protect it. This is one of the reasons we encourage our guests to go on activities like hiking, biking and canoeing. These activities leave a relatively small footprint. And are healthy!

Green and fair accommodation

We select safari accommodations that take care of the environment, local community and wildlife. For example: 75% of our accommodations use solar panels. We want to be as green as possible and to be part of the development of the local community.

Teach Students

Helping the next generation is also how we contribute to the social and economic development of African countries. Our internships offer students the opportunity to learn about the travel business and gain experience.

Travellife certificate for responsible travel

Currently we are working hard to meet all the 158 requirements for this international Sustainable Travel certification. This is an important goal to reach, as we want to be the best in responsible travel in Africa.

If you have any questions please contact us .

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UK Issues Travel Advisory on Kenya; Here's Why

T he United Kingdom (UK) through the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) has issued an advisory to British nationals residing in Kenya providing advice on the risks of travel.

The advisory, FCDO noted in a statement on May 1, 2024, is aimed at helping British nationals make informed decisions in the midst of the ongoing heavy rains and recent incidents of terror attacks witnessed in different parts of the country.

The office listed areas where British Nationals are to avoid travelling to within Kenya, further warning that their travel insurance could be invalidated if they go against FCDO advice.

Among the areas listed include the Kenya-Somalia border where the office advised against all but essential travel to areas within 60km of the border due to on-going terrorism activity.

“In Eastern Garissa County, FCDO advises against all but essential travel to eastern Garissa County, up to 20km north-west of the A3 while in Mandera County, the office advises against all but essential travel to the County, excluding Mandera West subcounty,” reads the statement in part.

At the same time, travel to Lamu County was advised against excluding Lamu Island and Manda Island.

UK Travel Advisory

UK Nationals were asked to fly to Lamu Airport (a civilian airport on Manda Island) if travelling to Lamu Island or Manda Island and avoid travelling by road.

Also Read:   US Embassy Issues Security Alert in Nairobi Residential Areas

In Tana River County, UK advised against all but essential travel to areas of the County north of the Tana River, up to 20km north-west of the A3.

“Coast between the Tana River and Galana River, FCDO advises against all but essential travel to within 15km of the coast between the Tana River and the Galana (Athi-Galana-Sabaki) River,” reads part of the advisory.

Travel between the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) to Nairobi City was also highlighted with the UK advising on the use the Mombasa Road or the Nairobi Expressway.

According to FCDO, there is a higher risk of carjacking on the old airport road (Airport South Road) and Jogoo Road, which its nationals should avoid.

Also Read:   Australia Issues Travel Advisory on Kenya Over Terrorists Attacking Foreigners

At the same time the office noted that Mombasa Road can get very busy during rush hour, and check-in at the airport can take several hours.

“Allow plenty of time to get to the airport. A vehicle security check outside the airport may add to your journey time,” adds FCDO.

For areas located in North and North-east Kenya, the office warned that there have been increased reports of criminal activity linked to cattle rustling and banditry in the region from West Pokot (in the northern Rift Valley) east towards Isiolo county.

According to the UK, foreigners are not usually the bandit targets, but instead advised its nationals to take great care when travelling in the region.

Other regions highlighted

Other areas listed include Turkana, West Pokot, Elgeyo-Marakwet, Baringo, Laikipia and Samburu counties where FCDO advised UK nationals to follow local security measures and use caution.

While addressing recent cases of landmine explosions around Moyale, the office advised vehicles crossing the Kenya-Ethiopia border to stay on the A2 Road.

“Avoid staying at the rest house at Sololo – travel directly to Marsabit before breaking the journey,” the advisory adds.

The FCDO constantly reviews its travel advice for each country or territory to ensure it includes up-to-date information and advice on the most relevant issues for British people visiting or living there.

It covers a range of topics, including entry requirements, safety and security issues, health risks, details about local laws and information on the threat from terrorism.

The UK updates travel advice as quickly as possible if it is aware of an incident that might significantly affect British people travelling or living in a certain area.

Do you want to be part of an updated community without the interruptions of unwanted messages? Click the link below and join our WhatsApp Channel!

https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VaB3k54HltYFiQ1f2i2C