Tourism Resources

Kenya is a traditional tourist destination. Following the concept of tour, trade and then invest, the oldest recorded tourists to Kenya went with the aim of trading with the East African coastal settlements. Apart from the early Arab traders, on 28th February 1498, a Portuguese sailor (tourist?), Vasco da Gama anchored his ship at the Kenyan coastal town of Malindi. On ones tour of Malindi today, a visit to Vasco da Gamas Pillar is a reminder of this historic early tourist!

The tourism sector in Kenya is an important economic activity committed to provision of high quality facilities and services for enjoyment by both the citizens and visitors alike. It is an instrument for promoting the economy in terms of job creation, good living standards and foreign exchange sources. Tourism further encourages international social integration through inter-cultural marriages and other interactions. Many Kenyans have encountered their life partners through tourism. Tourism therefore, plays a significant role in international social, cultural and racial understanding and tolerance.

Kenya offers a variety of tourist attractions which range from wildlife safaris, beach holidays, ornithology, camping and hiking to conference tourism as well as sports tourism. The latter includes golf, fishing, sailing, river rafting, cycling, marathons and bungee jumping. Kenyas tourism products and services can therefore be broadly categorized as based on natural, cultural, human and capital resources.

KENYA'S WILDLIFE

We are the home of Africa’s famous “Big Five” (Lion, Elephant, Rhino, Leopard and Buffalo) and it is true that this is the best place in the entire continent to see these Five magnificent species in their natural environment.

But Kenya has even more to offer. We have an incredible range of wild habitats, each one with its own unique range of species. Open savannah, deep forest, soda and freshwater lakes, alpine meadows, coral reefs, caves, beaches, river deltas and even more.

A safari in Kenya means more than just seeing animals. This is a chance for you to immerse yourself in a wild world where the fascinating natural behaviour and interaction between species will keep you enthralled.

Kenya's wildlife is as diverse and varied as your safari options and the role of Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) is equally diverse. This organization is charged with the protection and conservation of the country's biodiversity, both inside and outside our 48 Nati onal Parks and Reserves, including Marine Parks.

This means the conservation and management of Kenya's wildlife scientifically, responsively and professionally. We do this with integrity, recognizing and encouraging staff creativity, and continuous learning and teamwork in partnership with communities and stakeholders.

CULTURAL TOURISM RESOURCES

Forty-two ethnic groups living harmoniously with their diverse cultural practices offer tourists a unique experience. Right from traditional dances, pastoral life, and bull fighting to polygamous practices, festivals and celebrations, Kenyan cultural life is rich, offers academic, and study tourists a fascinating destination. The myths surrounding “kaya” in the coast, “Kit Mikayi” and “Simbi Nyaima” in the west among others are great destination attractions. Several museums preserving national cultural heritage are spread across the country: Nairobi, Kisumu, Kitale, Kapenguria, Lamu and Meru. Others are Fort Jesus in Mombasa, Gedi Ruins in Malindi, Thimlich Ohinga in South Nyanza, Jumba la Mtwana ruins in Kilifi. Every corner of Kenya has unique cultural features of tourist interest.

HUMAN TOURISM RESOURCES

Sustaining tourism in Kenya has been successful due to the development undertaken in human resources. The country has several institutions both public and private undertaking requisite training in the hotel and hospitality industry. For example, the Kenya Utalii College located in Nairobi has built over the years, a resource capacity that has facilitated quality training for the hotel and tourism industry for all cadres of personnel in Kenya and the African continent.

A number of local universities also offer degree and post-graduate programmes related to tourism and hospitality industry. Some of these are Moi University, University of Nairobi, Maseno University, Kenyatta University and the Nairobi Campus of United States International University. Kenya Wildlife Service also offers specialised training for wildlife and park management for the sustainability of the wildlife in their natural habitat.

CAPITAL TOURISM RESOURCES

Geographical dispersion of tourist resorts in Kenya is countrywide. Kenya due to her varied tourist products from sandy beaches, cultural safaris, ornithology, and game watching to leisure through sports and conferencing, has quality accommodation and lodging facilities at every product point. From Rusinga Island in western Kenya to Lamu in the east, tourists have quality accommodation befitting their ability to spend. From the Aberdares and Mt. Kenya in the north to Amboseli and Masai Mara in the south, exotic lodges and hotels adorn the destinations.

Kenya has highly trained travel agents and tour operators with sound capital investment to meet the demands of tourists of all classes. A good network of travel connections is available to any destination in the country. Air, rail, maritime and road travel are well connected.

Investment has furthermore been made in the development of security apparatus. Surveillance equipment installation, flying doctor service and tourist police services among other measures have been instituted to make Kenya one of the safest tourist destinations in the world. The country also continues to welcome more investment in the tourism industry. We therefore, invite potential investors to contact us for detailed discussions.

TRAVEL

Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) is a major hub connecting Africa to the rest of the world, with daily flights between the Middle East, Europe and Asian hubs. Major airlines operate Cargo and passenger flights in and out of Nairobi linking West, East Africa and the great lakes region to the main international routes. KLM, British Airways, Virgin, Emirates, South African Airways, Ethiopian airlines and a host of others, have daily scheduled flights from JKIA.

Kenya Airways flies to over 52 destinations worldwide, code sharing with KLM on European routes therefore giving a wide choice on international connections. Kenya Airways also operates domestic flights out of Nairobi city to Kisumu, Mombasa, Eldoret and Malindi Eldoret Airport is strategically placed to mainly serve the horticulture industry. Cargo planes routinely collect fresh Produce, cut flowers,fish and other goods for export to Europe. In domestic travel, Wilson Airport in Nairobi is one of the busiest in Africa operating local and regional flights. It is mainly used by air charter companies for helicopters and light planes, which operate daily flights to major tourist destinations in Mombasa, Masai Mara, Amboseli, Samburu and the rest of East Africa.