Green initiatives have represented a significant boost to the development and economic growth of Kenya. Renewable energy sources such as geothermal, hydroelectric, and others represent around 80% percent of the energy generated in the country. Industries such as transportation on the other hand have experienced growth. Despite all this growth in the country, the tourism industry has been slow to adopt more eco-friendly approaches. The tourism industry is one of the biggest earners of income in Kenya. According to Kenya’s former tourism CS, Najib Balala, international visitors are projected to reach 2.2 million in 2024. As the industry grows, there needs to be more consideration for the social and environmental effects due to the tourism industry.
This blog will examine how travelers can make their next trip greener:
Avoid flights
Recently, competition in the airline industry for local flights in Kenya has increased. This has led to cheaper flights and new routes opening up for travelers. One of the major pitfalls of this development is the increased scale of emissions from air travel. It is estimated that planes emit around 100 times more carbon dioxide per hour than a shared bus or train ride. Transportation is a major contributor to heavy carbon footprints in the tourism industry especially due to air travel. Traveling through Kenya has many low-footprint transportation options. One solution to this is using the SGR railway. Even though the route is limited from Nairobi to Mombasa, there are various stops like Tsavo National Park, Voi, and Amboseli that make this alternative even more attractive.
Choose eco-rated facilities
The tourism industry has multiple certifying agencies for rating tour operators, facilities, and accommodation providers. All certifications are allocated based on meeting criteria through environmental and local community standards. These include EcoTourism Kenya, Travelife, and more.
These ratings provide a good starting point for sustainable travel to destinations in Kenya. However, customers should do their due diligence when considering these destinations. You can consider factors such as plastic use policies, waste disposal & usage, building footprint, energy sources, food sourcing, and more.
Always travel with reputable agencies and operators
Various factors come into play when choosing a safari or tour. Therefore it is essential to have guidance from a team of seasoned experts that have experience in the travel and tourism industry. Pay special attention to recommendations from family, friends, or fellow travelers. Even though you may decide on price as a determining factor in evaluating your options, it is important to consider the tradeoffs. As a result, you may have to compromise the overall quality for the price. You may need to pay a higher premium overall to choose a more eco-friendly option. It is always best to consult your preferred agency and ask them for the greenest options for your travel.
Aslan Adventure is managed by a competent team of tour and travel professionals with collective industry experience and knowledge running of over 50 years. We also have a lot of knowledge in making your next trip greener and cleaner.
Ask questions
Choosing a trip can be overwhelming. Currently, you probably use a tour operator to evaluate travel options. It is important to ask as many questions as you can. One consideration is to ask as many questions on the environmental impact of your journey. Ask about the local community. Ask about the time savings of taking a train instead of a plane. You can ask where their food comes from. Ask about the eco-rating of the facilities. Look at this guide for tips that will help you better plan for greener, cleaner travel.
Conclusion
Traveling while trying to be sustainable is very complicated. However, many options may not just be better for the planet but tie into community development and economic empowerment. It is crucial for travelers to be aware of ways to considerably change the way they travel and how it affects the community and planet around us.