As eco-consciousness grows among travelers, Kenya welcomes them as a beacon of sustainability and natural wonder.

Ecotourism is traveling that promotes sustainability, conservation, preservation, and respect for native cultures. This form of tourism benefits both the host country and the travelers.

What does this have to do with Kenya? 

Kenya is an east African country with a coastline on the Indian Ocean and is home to over 24 national parks, 15 reserves, and six marine parks. Kenya has a rich and beautiful history regarding its environmentalism—starting with Wangaari Maathai, known as the Mother of Trees. She was a Kenyan environmental activist who dedicated her life to conservation efforts in Kenya, making her a pioneer in the sustainable development of Kenya. Because of her, Kenya is widely recognized as a country that has made great strides in sustainability, and is the leading country in Africa in the fight against plastic pollution. When combined with the country’s amazing sights, it is clear that Kenya should be on everyone’s 2021 ecotourism travel list.

Notable Kenyan Sites to Visit 

1. The Giraffe Centre

Gathered just 20 km from the center of Nairobi, a peaceful oasis away from the bustling city can be found at the Giraffe Centre. The Giraffe Centre is a sanctuary for Kenya’s triad of giraffe species. This unique experience gives you an opportunity to feed these majestic creatures  and see them up close. In Kenya single-use plastic is prohibited, so at this center, they provide visitors with food pellets in biodegradable coconut shells. This breathtaking experience is a must if you are an animal lover who stays away from zoos.

2. Diani Beach 

Picture this: laying on a white sandy beach, warm samosas in hand as you stare out at the sapphire-colored Indian Ocean. Diani Beach, located in coastal Mombasa, is Kenya’s crown jewel. As noted above, Kenya is a country that places a premium on environmentalism and sustainability, and Diani Beach is a major sustainable hotspot for travelers. One specific resort that stands out is the Diani Sea Resort, which has a renowned sustainable mission it calls ‘The Green Hospitality Journey’. The mission has four pillars, which the resort sets yearly targets for . Those four pillars are the following: Environment, Job-Ready Youths, Community Engagement, and Ethical Business Conduct. Additionally, every year they have a focus target and for 2021 it was to achieve a disposable plastic free environment, which they achieved by purchasing SOPS to receive more glass bottles. 

3. Mombasa

One of Kenya’s oldest cities, Mombassa is a cultural mesh of native, Indian, and European influence. In Mombasa you can make unforgettable memories and stay in the city’s plethora of beautiful eco-friendly housing while you visit the city. In fact, the port town has recently announced its plan to reach 100% reliance on renewable geothermal energy by 2030. 

4. Maasai Mara

The Maasai Mara National Reserve is Kenya’s heart and soul. It is the biggest and most popular animal reserve in the country, and second largest in the African savannah, measuring 583 sq miles. In these endless grasslands you will find what are known as the big 5 roaming freely - lions, rhinos, buffalo, african elephants, and leopards. You can also witness the rare sight of migrating wildebeests as they travel to the Tanzanian Serengeti. Last but not least, you can meet the indigenous Maasai people and learn more about their culture and sustainable way of life.

5. Meet the Maasai

This Indigenous group originated from the southern  Nile valley and made their trek down to Kenya in the early 15th century. They endured being pushed out of their lands by colonialists and native Kenyans alike to make room for game reserves. Currently, most of the Maasai live in Narok District, situated in the Great Rift Valley where the Maasai Mara game reserve is found. They live in huts made out of mud called Manyattas, a cluster of which is called a Boma(village). For years, tourism had taken a western approach, and it wasn’t until the sustainability boom in the 2000’s that the Maasai people became the heart of ecotourism. The Maasai Wilderness Conservation Trust is a local organization in Kenya that partnered with the eco lodge Campi Ya Kanzi to employ Massai workers, who make up over 95% of their staff. This helps ensure that the Maasai play a big role in the development of ecotourism. A common Maasai proverb is “ we do not inherit the world from our ancestors, we borrow it from our children”; a beautiful reminder of who we will all leave this planet to.

6. East African Whale Shark Trust

You are relaxing in a beach chair staring out at the deep blue in front of you, when you see the opportunity of a lifetime unfolding. This is perhaps your only chance  to see whale sharks up close!  The East African Whale Shark Trust at Ukunda offers aquatic tours for people to see these animals up close. The project itself was to remind people that Kenyan waters have their very own ‘big five’, whale sharks being one of their number. The massive fish have been increasing in numbers along the Kenyan coast and the Trust is keen on protecting and monitoring these gentle giants. Many in Kenya give the whale shark an almost supernatural reverence; Kenyan myth claims that “God and his angels scattered gold and silver coins across the fish’s back in honor of its beauty”, giving the shark its famous spotted patterns. Related to this myth is the Kiswahili for whale shark word ‘Papa Shillingi,’ or ‘shark with shillings (a type of old British coin) on its back’ . 

7. Nairobi

Nairobi is the bustling capital at the center of Kenya’s economic and political life. The city is known for its beautiful heritage sites and wildlife parks, and as the “green city under the sun”, credited as one of the greenest cities in Africa. The first thing you might notice while taking a stroll throughout the city are the number of inviting trees and green spaces. With increasing urbanization throughout Africa it has been a fight to keep as much green space as they have, but great things can happen when sustainability becomes a priority. From the small Uhuru park (31.9 acres) to the massive 2,626 acre Karuna forest, there are plenty of green spaces to explore in Nairobi. There’s a reason why the United Nations Environment Programme makes its home in Nairobi!

While you are in Nairobi the city’s National Museum is a must see. Museums are a window into the past, a metaphorical time machine. Behind its doors you can see the whole country sprawled before you, from its animals to its culture to its place as a cradle of the human species. Lined on the walls are memorabilia that showcase the nation's rich history, and it features a hall dedicated to the country’s diverse fauna. Did you know that the museum is home to Ahmed the Elephant, the animal who became known as the king of Marsabit? His nine feet long tusks were some of the longest the world has ever seen. He became a national treasure and was even protected by a presidential decree at a time of rampant poaching. You can learn more about Ahmed’s story and see his skeleton at the national museum. 

From its endless trees of green to its sapphire blue ocean waters, Kenya is a country with much to offer. Its biodiversity and commitment to environmentalism are part of what draws in travelers from far and wide. What many come to realize is that the country is so much more than even this; from the Maasai people and their culture to Ahmed the Elephant, Kenya has so much to explore.

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Kadija is a student at Georgia State in Atlanta, Ga. She is a creative spirit who loves traveling and seeing new places. She also enjoys using her love for writing/storytelling to make an impact on the world. One day she hopes to make new connections and share stories as she travels to every continent.