The Rise of Sustainable Travel in East Africa: What Our Partners Need to Know

Understanding Sustainable Travel in East Africa

According to a recent report, an overwhelming 83% of travellers feel that sustainable travel is of key importance today. Alone, this would be a significant indication that travel providers should focus their attention on sustainability, but with the same report also revealing that 43% of consumers place this responsibility on travel service providers themselves, it has never been clearer – there is work for us to do.

Looking at East African tourism specifically, there are a few key factors for travel providers to be aware of. These are: minimising environmental impact; supporting local economies; and preserving cultural heritage. This last point is particularly poignant, as whilst sustainability typically refers to environmental impacts in the main, it is just as important not to undervalue the importance of preserving and supporting local cultures.

Thankfully, East Africa possesses a host of unique opportunities when it comes to sustainable travel. East Africa is home to a vast range of national parks and marine reserves which offer travellers unforgettable experiences, whilst keeping the focus on the natural environment.

However, with these opportunities come some challenges. Relative to some other popular travel destinations, parts of East Africa have limited infrastructure which can lead to inefficiencies. More importantly, there is a careful balancing act to be had between tourism and effective conservation efforts.

Challenging as this may seem, but this breeds innovation and East Africa is the perfect region for travel providers to make lasting contributions.

Read on to find out more about East Africa’s sustainable travel efforts so far, as well as what is to come and how its different stakeholders can contribute.

Government Policies and Regional Frameworks to Support Sustainability

There are a host of national tourism strategies which place great emphasis on sustainability, such as Rwanda’s National Tourism Policy. A core part of this policy is the focus on ‘green and rural tourism’. A variety of conservation and sustainable tourism policies were also stated with Kenya’s “Vision 2030”. These highlight most notably preservation of our natural heritage for future generations through sustainable practices.

Rwanda has reintroduced lions and rhinoceroses into the Akagera National Park, and facilitated the protection of its endangered mountain gorilla population. By protecting and supporting its vast and varied wildlife, Rwanda has not only helped to boost population numbers but also provide a world-class destination for travellers around the globe.

Other examples include The East African Community (EAC) which promotes collaborative conservation projects to support local wildlife and tourism efforts.

As a more direct example, Tanzania provides tax breaks for hotels which install solar energy systems. Efforts such as these may go a long way to facilitating wider spread sustainability efforts across East Africa.

Kenya as invested extensively in infrastructure and training to support its rangers that patrol not only the national parks and reserves, but also through private stakeholders who manage private conservation areas across the region. These actions have lead to a greater monitoring of wildlife against poaching along with education of human/wildlife conflict to allow local communities bordering the parks and conservancies to live more harmoniously within their environments.

The Role of Local Communities in Sustainable Tourism

East Africa’s local communities deliver sustainable tourism initiatives such as the Batwa Experience in Uganda. This experience immerses tourists in the Batwa culture, which offers travellers a truly unique experience and directly benefits the community itself.

Pollman’s Tours & Safaris actively works with the Maasai Community Trust with specific villages around Masai Mara Game Reserve. This ensures fees paid are utilised for the benefit of the whole community with continual reviews and active management of fund disbursed.

There are many examples of local community initiatives like these, which can offer your customers an unforgettable travel experience, but it is important to collaborate with these communities in an equitable and sustainable manner.

Revenue sharing is a core facet of these initiatives, meaning everyone involved benefits from the efforts. Also, ensuring any resulting tourism does not dilute their cultural identity is of critical importance.

Eco-Friendly Infrastructure and Innovation Trends

One notable trend for travel providers to be aware of is the rise of eco-friendly infrastructure across East Africa.

For example, Singita Kwitonda Lodge in Rwanda runs on solar power and harvests its own rainwater, which offers a much more sustainable option for travellers.

Sustainable features go beyond accommodation, however, with electric safari vehicles being utilised in Kenya for example, and smart water management systems in eco-lodges like Bisate Lodge, Rwanda.

With these options already available, environmentally conscious travellers can travel with Pollman’s Tours & Safaris and Ranger Safaris highlighting these specific requests to travel sustainably through the region.

Wildlife Conservation and Tourism: A Symbiotic Relationship

Whilst we discuss the importance of future sustainability in East African tourism, it must be said that the two have long gone hand in hand.

In Kenya, over 12% of GDP comes from wildlife tourism which then directly funds animal conservation projects. In Uganda, Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary is funded directly by visitor fees which help to protect rhinos from poaching.

Sustainable tourism is, of course, a key focus for the present and future, but for East Africa, tourism has long been inherently sustainable in many cases.

Sustainability Standards and Certification Programs

When operating as a travel provider in East Africa, there are a host of certifications and standards to be aware of.

In East Africa Ecotourism Kenya, for example which Pollman’s Tours & Safaris is member and fully certified. This organisation encourages tourism stakeholders to adopt best practices with respect to the environment, culture, and people.

If you’re interested in finding out more about how to meet sustainability benchmarks, there are tools such as the Global Sustainable Tourism Council criteria, which provides actionable guidelines.

Market Trends and Evolving Traveller Expectations

With studies showing that almost 80% of tourists would pay more for eco-tourism features, and many willing to go considerably higher than that, there is an opportunity here to capitalise on a growing consumer trend and benefit the local environment in one fell swoop.

In order to understand these evolving traveller expectations, we need to understand the profile of a ‘sustainable traveller’. With consumers having more in-depth knowledge and insight than ever before, the importance of transparent and genuine conservation efforts is also higher than ever.

Transparency, collaboration with local stakeholders and meaningful initiatives are all key aspects of facilitating sustainable travel across East Africa.

Case Studies: Sustainable Excursions ARP Offers

If you’re interested in adding sustainable excursions to your travel organisation’s offering, ARP Africa Travel partners with many organisations to offer East Africa tours.

Here are some examples of sustainable tours we can add to your catalogue.

Nai Nami: Nairobi Storytelling Tour with Street Children

The Nai Nami Street Tour takes visitors on a walking tour through some of Nairobi’s informal settlements, where they can learn about the daily lives of the residents and gain an insight into the challenges faced by the urban poor in Kenya. The tour includes visits to community projects and local businesses, as well as interactions with residents and local children.

Overall, the Nai Nami Street Tour provides visitors with an immersive and authentic experience of Nairobi’s vibrant street culture while also supporting a local social enterprise that empowers former street youth.

Pilipipa Dhow Safari

Marine Guides accompany guests along the coral reef, pointing out items of interest. Look out for dolphins, turtles, sting rays and moray eels.

This tour is carried out with smaller groups, on a more personal basis and a minimises impact on the reef.

Batwa Community Excursion: A Journey Into Indigenous Culture & Heritage

Embark on an unforgettable journey where you’ll connect with one of the most unique and ancient tribes of Africa. The Batwa people, known as the “Keepers of the Forest,” once thrived as hunter-gatherers in the dense rainforests alongside mountain gorillas and a rich array of wildlife. Their profound knowledge of the wilderness, its flora, and fauna was integral to their way of life, providing them with food, shelter, and spiritual connection to the land.

This excursion not only offers travellers a rich cultural exchange but also directly supports the Batwa community’s preservation of their traditions and heritage. As tourism helps generate income, it empowers the Batwa to protect their way of life while adapting to the challenges of a changing world.

Conclusion

For travel providers operating across East Africa, the local communities and those looking to visit, sustainability has never been more of a focus.

Supporting sustainability efforts, whether it be conservation programs or eco-powered accommodation, are a great way to meet today’s’ consumer needs and give back to the people and animals who call East Africa home.

Transparent communication, local collaboration and a focus on the future are the three core pillars of effective sustainable travel provision.

If you’re looking to add new sustainable excursions and activities to your East Africa tour offering, get in touch with us to find out more about how we can help.