Sustainable travel in Kenya: 7 tips

Table of Contents

In Kenya, the aspects of soft tourism and sustainable travel are becoming increasingly important. Because also here the awareness for the environment, nature and the people is increasing. How you can make your next trip sustainable and create authentic experiences, we show you.

Local accommodations

To get an authentic vacation feeling, it is advisable to rely on local hotel providers. An all-inclusive hotel may offer a high level of amenities, but that is not very sustainable. Local providers source their food from local businesses. This way, you're supporting the local population and ensuring job security.

Tent Hut In Kenya

Local transportation

To travel from point A to point B in Kenya, there are endless options. For longer distances between major cities, the green alternative to the plane is the train.

If you want to travel short distances, then use the public buses or the "matatu". A matatu is a kind of shared cab and the main means of public transportation. But be prepared to sit closely with other people. Because this means of transport only leaves when it is full. That is, only when more than ten people are seated in the vehicle, it will start moving. (The matatu is built for ten passengers.) This way you can travel cheaply between villages and easily get in touch with locals.

Compensate air travel

Even when you arrive, you can do something for the environment. You can voluntarily donate a contribution to selected renewable energy projects. This way you can help to become independent from fossil fuels. When applying for the visa, there is an option where you can choose whether you want to compensate the flight. An amount will be calculated, which will then be donated in full to projects of GreenSeat benefits. This is of course not mandatory.

Local economy

On site, you can participate in sustainability projects. For example, in Nairobi and Mombasa, organizations offer tours of the so-called slums. The profits are used to improve the slums. The money is used, for example, to create schools or to expand the drinking water supply.

Reduce waste

In Kenya, there are still construction sites in the areas of waste separation and recycling. Only about four percent of all waste is recycled. In order not to let the garbage mountains outside the cities grow further, try to reduce your garbage production. Be careful not to leave trash in nature or on the streets. Use cloth bags when shopping to avoid the extra waste caused by plastic bags. Often in Kenya, the quality of tap water is not good, so you will have to buy water. It is best to buy large plastic jerry cans and then fill your water into smaller drinking bottles. This way you avoid more plastic waste from water bottles.

Avoid nature disturbance

A safari is part of every Kenya vacation. But make sure that the providers also have respect for nature. To go on tour with your own car is allowed in many national parks of the continent. The result is that new routes are constantly being driven and natural habitats are destroyed. Rather book a guided group tour and avoid exclusive individual tours. This also saves fuel. The rangers know their working area and know where unique observations of animals are possible. Meanwhile, the range of ecological safari tours has increased. The proceeds from these tours go to conservation projects or local institutions.

Waiver

In order to avoid spending your money on activities that are highly questionable in terms of sustainability, it is better to avoid some activities. For example, elephant rides, performances with wild animals or the purchase of Kenyan roses. Because a lot of water is used for these flowers.

Have you got the travel bug and want to travel to Kenya? Then take a look at our sustainable Kenya round trip on!

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