Encouraging Sustainability in Kenyan Tourism

By Dominic Wanjiru

In the realm of experiential travel, every step you take and every experience you embrace becomes a transformative encounter. As the leading consulting company committed to supporting the sustainability of tourism destinations, the STTA has observed that since the Covid-19 pandemic, experiential travel is the newest travelling trend. So, what exactly is experiential travel? It's about immersing yourself in the authentic essence of a place, engaging with its culture, heritage, and people.

Now, here's the exciting part: Kenya, with its stunning landscapes, rich biodiversity, and vibrant cultural heritage, provides an ideal canvas for experiential travel to flourish. Whether you're traversing the untamed wilderness of the Maasai Mara, hiking the slopes of Mount Kenya, or exploring the vibrant coast, every experience will be an invitation to connect, learn, and grow. By engaging with local communities, supporting responsible tourism initiatives, and fostering cultural exchange, we can ensure that the benefits of travel are shared equitably and contribute to the long-term wellbeing of Kenya and its people.

Here is why experiential travel will sustain Kenyan tourism:

Preservation of Cultural Heritage

The Maasai culture dominates Kenya's image. This has unwittingly excluded other Kenyan communities, leading to a large underrepresentation of other tribes. Experiential travel gives exposure to underrepresented cultures, allowing you to experience the country’s cultural diversity.

Travellers get to learn about lesser-known cultures, traditions, and lifestyles and appreciate their contributions to our legacy.

Conservation and Environmental Stewardship

Experiential travel encourages travellers to explore breathtaking natural landscapes while respecting and protecting the delicate ecosystems. Conservation efforts are showcased alongside wildlife protection initiatives, resulting in memorable and educational experiences that will have travellers reciting plenty of “fun facts”. For example, why not go rhino tracking on foot with rangers in Borana? You’ll get face- to-face with white rhinos and grevy zebras and forget why you ever even did a safari in a vehicle beforehand!

Empowering Local Communities

Local communities actively participate and benefit from tourism activities with experiential travel. By offering authentic experiences such as cultural exchanges, and guided tours led by community members, experiential travel empowers locals by providing them with a sustainable source of income and creating opportunities for entrepreneurship and skill development. Why not try it out for yourself with a hike up Mt Ololokwe with a Samburu Guide? You’ll be contributing to the local economy and learning plenty of fascinating things about their sacred mountain.

Dominic Wanjiru is a climate champion at Sustainable Travel and Tourism Agenda (STTA Kenya), winning their Rising Stars Award twice as leader for his enthusiasm toward sustainable tourism advocacy and practice.

Authentic and Memorable Experiences

Experiential travel immerses visitors in unique and authentic experiences that create lasting memories. Whether it’s exploring the Tigoni tea fields, experiencing Githobokoni waterfalls or learning traditional beadwork from local artisans in Rusinga, these immersive encounters foster a genuine connection with Kenya's people and landscapes. Experiential travel holds immense potential for sustaining Kenya's tourism industry. It is a journey that will ignite a sense of adventure, broaden your horizons, and pave the way for a more sustainable future in the world of travel. Are you in?