Looking for the best sustainable travel destinations in Kenya?
82% of Kenya destinations are sustainably protected. Kenya’s sustainable travel destinations promote the vast wildlife conservation and offer the best ecotourism practices.
In this article, Naicef shows you the best green travel destinations and their impact on community sustainable tourism in Kenya. These are the best sustainable travel destinations for wildlife safaris and nature tours.
What is a Sustainable Travel Destination?
A sustainable tourism destination promotes environmental conservation, socio-cultural preservation, and economic impact for current and future generations.
According to the United Nations, sustainable destinations enhance quality of living and community development.
Sustainable travel ensures that future generations can enjoy our natural heritage as we do, Dr. Njeri Mungai.
For every travel experience with Naicef, each tourist contributes to sustainable environmental and local community programs.
Sustainable Tourism In Kenya
A statistical report from the Kenya Tourism Board indicated 67% of travellers prefer eco-friendly accommodations and activities. This justifies the growing demand for responsible eco-tourism practices in Kenya.
Such statistics further outline a positive growth towards sustainability in consumers’ travel preferences.
Sustainable tourism in Kenya promotes a positive relationship between the environment, tourists, and local communities for future generations.
This promotes better preservation of Kenya’s diverse culture, natural resources, and local community empowerment.
According to Judy Kepher, a sustainable tourism advocate, sustainable tourism ensures that tourism benefits the environment and the people who depend on it.”
Best Sustainable Travel Destinations In Kenya
Below are the best sustainable travel destinations in Kenya;
1. Masai Mara National Reserve
The Masai Mara National Reserve is renowned for its extraordinary wildlife and acts as a leading example of sustainable tourism in Kenya.
Masai Mara is among the top sustainable travel destinations in Kenya, attracting approximately 300,000 eco-conscious visitors annually.
Dr. Judy Kepher Gona says ‘Sustainable tourism in the Masai Mara ensures we safeguard our natural resources while allowing visitors to experience our beautiful wildlife.’
The Masai Mara stands out as a top green travel destination due to initiatives that promote environmental sustainability.
30% of lodges and camps in Masai Mara are Eco Tourism Kenya-rated and certified as Kenya sustainable tourism destinations.
The top safari camps and lodges use sustainable practices to promote the Masai Mara as a green travel destination in Kenya.
Furthermore, safari lodges and camps in Masai Mara are mainly Gold certified by the Eco Tourism Kenya.
In addition, about 60% of tourism revenue is shared with the local communities in the Mara.
This tool strengthens Mara Mara’s resilience as a top sustainable travel destination.
Economically, such a sustainable provides a direct economic benefit to its local owners, the local communities.
Additionally, funding through the Masai Mara Conservancies Association supports community-based tourism initiatives and wildlife conservation efforts.
With this in place, sustainable tourism in Kenya, especially the Masai Mara, will be effective for the long term.
Additionally, most lodges, camps, and tour operators are innovatively opting for electric safari vehicles in the Mara!
When travellers recognise the effects of their choices, they become advocates of sustainability in the Mara and beyond.
Best Sustainable Masai Mara Safari Packages
Balloon Safari – 2 Days Masai Mara Balloon Safari
Wildlife Safari – 2 Days Masai Mara Wildlife Safari
Cultural Safari – 3 Days Masai Mara Cultural Safari
Big Safari – 3 Days Masai Mara Big 5 Safari
Masai Mara Honeymoon: 5 Days Masai Mara Honeymoon Safari
For more sustainable stays, explore these best luxury safari camps and lodges in Kenya!
2. Amboseli National Park
The Elephant Kingdom, Amboseli National Park, is one of the leading Kenya sustainable travel destinations.
Amboseli National Park leads in conservation due to the significant efforts to promote the management and reproduction of Elephants.
Due to its elephant conservation efforts, the park annually attracts about 200,000 visitors. This promotes sustainable social and economic impacts of the Masai community around Amboseli while promoting Kenya’s tourism economy.
With rising visitor numbers, tourists, locals, and facilities need to adopt sustainable tourism practices to meet the needs of eco visitors and protect destinations for future generations.
Such sustainable practices will promote Amboseli National Park as one of Kenya’s green travel destinations.
Dr. Paula Kahumbu states, ‘Sustainable tourism in Amboseli is crucial for the survival of iconic species like the Elephant. It helps fund conservation initiatives that directly benefit wildlife.’ Albeit, the local community is not left behind.
To positively impact sustainable impact, 60% of the tourism revenue goes to the local Maasai communities around Amboseli.
The economic impact enhances local communities’ healthcare and education.
In addition, a significant portion goes to the local communities via community-based projects and local communities.
About 40% of the safari camps in Amboseli implement sustainable tourism practices by having solar energy and waste reduction systems put in place.
Most camps and lodges go the extra mile to get Eco Tourism Kenya eco-certifications.
These sustainable actions help reduce the ecological footprint of tourism.
Dr. David Western states, ‘By implementing green practices, we can protect our environment while offering unforgettable experiences to visitors.’
Best Sustainable Amboseli Safari Packages
Elephant Safari – 2 Days Amboseli Elephant Safari
Balloon Safari – 2 Days Amboseli Balloon Safari
Cultural Safari – 3 Days Amboseli Cultural Safari
Mara Amboseli Balloon Safari – 3 Days Mara Amboseli Hot Air Balloon Safari
Big 5 Safari – 4 Days Amboseli Big 5 Safari
Wildlife & Cultural Safari – 5 Days Amboseli Wildlife & Culture Safari
For more, See All The National Parks In Kenya
3. Lamu Archipelago
The famous Lamu archipelago is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a tourist attraction in Kenya.
Lamu archipelago is rich in Swahili culture, marine life and Swahili architecture.
The Lamu archipelago attracts about 50,000 visitors annually, boosting Kenya’s economy and promoting sustainable tourism.
The archipelago has 30 historical sites, which give it its cultural identity.
Dr. Amina Abdi states’ Sustainable tourism in Lamu allows visitors to engage with the rich heritage while ensuring that our traditions are preserved for future generations.’
Surrounded by marine parks that protect the coral reefs, sustainable tourism initiatives aim to minimise environmental impact.
Dr. John Kamau emphasises, ‘Tourism can be a powerful tool for marine conservation. In Lamu, responsible travel helps fund initiatives that protect our fragile ecosystems.’
Now, 70% of the tourism revenue is allocated to the local communities.
This, in turn, supports healthcare, infrastructure and education.
Dr. Njeri Mungai states,’ In Lamu, this partnership enhances both conservation and cultural preservation’
This is true in that economic benefits are shared via tourism-related activities.
50% of the hotels in Lamu ensure sustainable tourism practices.
This is made possible by use of local sourcing, solar energy and no plastics.
4. Mount Kenya
Recognised as a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve and the second-highest peak in Africa, Mt Kenya has breathtaking ecosystems.
Mount Kenya National Park is home to the endangered Mountain Bongo.
The park attracts over 30,000 visitors annually while ensuring sustainable tourism practices.
Dr. Wangari Maathai stated, ‘Sustainable tourism is essential for protecting our natural heritage. In places like Mount Kenya, it can be a powerful tool for conservation.’
Just like a sustainable travel destination, a portion of the tourism revenue supports community initiatives such as education, health and infrastructure.
‘Empowering local communities through sustainable tourism fosters conservation and cultural pride, ‘ states Dr. Njeri Mungai.
Over 40% of the accommodations around Mount Kenya implement sustainable tourism practices.
These practices include the use of renewable energy, the conservation of water, and waste reduction.
Mount Kenya offers a chance to get intimate with nature through adventures like hiking and trekking.
Once tourists see the beauty of the park, it inspires a new generation of conservationists.
5. Lake Naivasha
Lake Naivasha, situated in Kenya’s Great Rift Valley, features vibrant ecosystems.
This lake is home to a variety of bird species, as well as hippos and different types of fish.
The lake attracts over 200,000 visitors annually while ensuring sustainable tourism practices.
Additionally, about 60% of revenue is used to support local communities by funding education and healthcare.
Community involvement creates a sense of ownership and championing for the conservation of their lands.
About 30% of lodges and camps around the lake implement sustainable tourism practices.
These practices include the use of renewable energy, the conservation of water and waste reduction.
Because of tourism in the region, the revenue is used to support local businesses and community-based projects.
How To Travel Sustainably in Kenya
Wondering how to travel sustainably in Kenya? Here are a few tips.
1. Educating yourself
Before visiting the desired destination, one must understand the destination well.
This is in terms of the social and environmental issues to travel with a positive attitude.
2. Respect Local Cultures
Try as much as possible to learn about the cultures.
An example is seeking permission to photograph people and sacred cultural sites.
3. Support The Local Communities
Purchasing the beautiful souvenirs from the locals helps the local community financially.
This, in turn, helps tourists engage in community-based tourism projects that benefit the locals effectively.
4. Choosing Eco-friendly Stays
Choosing eco-certified accommodations while visiting Kenya is a way of travelling sustainably.
5. Responsible Safari Drives
It is mandatory to follow the guidelines for wildlife viewing.
The Kenya Wildlife Service strictly governs the guidelines.
The guidelines are put up at the entrance and emphasised by a professional guide inside the park/reserve.
Conclusion
To be classified as a green travel destination, a location must fulfil specific criteria.
The criteria are as follows
- For the people
- For the planet
- For the profit
All in all, sustainability drives the motive to ensure businesses can withstand the long run in the industry.
Acquiring the necessary certifications is crucial for establishing a business’s credibility in the industry.
With Naicef, every tour you take with us promotes responsible tourism.
For the best safaris in Kenya and beyond, contact us via my@naicef.com or call +254799922277 for the best deals!
