How to Do Ecotourism in Kenya

Home of the safari, Kenya has been praised for developing ecotourism ventures and preserving the natural resources that the country holds so dear. If you're planning to travel to Kenya, be sensitive to, and respectful of, local people and discover where grassroots ecotourism efforts are taking place so that you can support Kenya's move toward sustainable development. Read on to learn more.

Instructions

1. Search for tour guides that satisfy requirements for sustainable tourism. If you are going on safari, make sure that your trip will follow the increasingly stringent standards set by Kenyan ecotourism groups to ensure conservation of resources.

2. Ask about ecological standards in hotels and lodges. Eco-lodges are becoming more popular in Kenya, and are distinguished by their use of alternative power sources, proper onsite waste management and involvement in community projects. Make every effort to conserve resources such as water and energy, which are costly to Kenyan hotel owners.

3. Learn about appropriate social and cultural behavior in the areas you visit. Kenya is a diverse country consisting of many different tribes and cultures. Consider a cultural tour of Kenya to become more familiar with its cultural diversity, and let the locals know that you support efforts to sustain natural resources.

4. Support local operations rather than large corporate tourism. Tip tour guides and other local employees. Especially among pastoral people in Kenya, ask permission before photographing people and their animals.

5. Visit natural attractions such as the Maasai Mara National Reserve, a wildlife sanctuary where you can observe impressive seasonal migrations and other natural phenomenon.

6. Stay on the trails when hiking, refrain from touching marine life when snorkeling or scuba diving, and observe speed limits and other regulations when on safari to avoid disturbing natural habitats.

7. Refrain from purchasing souvenirs taken from the natural habitat in Kenya or removing natural items yourself, such as feathers, seashells or flowers. Any plant or animal products that you find in Kenya have been taken from the environment and are exploiting Kenyan resources.