The 8 tourism sectors and how they are excellently covered on Kenyan Safaris
Like a sturdy three-legged African stool, industries are centered on a few core principles.
In the tourism industry, these principles are known as the eight sectors of tourism and can be used by potential visitors (both domestic and international) to gauge the viability of a tourist destination.
Such information is especially invaluable for first-time visitors who might view some destinations with trepidation.
- Adventure and recreation
Every traveler yearns to discover new things and experience adventure. Kenya has a diverse array of adventurous pursuits and recreational opportunities suitable for different people and personalities.
From a mountainous hike on Kenya’s tallest peak, Mount Kenya to a breathtaking safari across the Maasai Mara savannah there is something to suit every mood. Activities here include game drives, hot air balloon safaris, zip lining adventures, camping, and walking safaris
Besides engaging in adventurous tours inland, the country’s spectacular beaches leave water sport enthusiasts spoilt for choice.
Some of the recreational activities for visitors on a beach holiday in Kenya include deep sea fishing, skydiving, snorkeling, dhow safaris, scuba diving, kite surfing just to mention a few.
- Attractions
Diversity is one of the key elements making Kenya such a phenomenal travel destination. As the home of the African safari, Kenya’s Maasai Mara remains the leading wildlife tourism destination globally.
The most remarkable feature about the Maasai Mara is the annual wildebeest migration, which sees more than two million wild animals make a treacherous trip from the Serengeti national park into the Mara reserve.
More than that, the country boasts of over 40 game reserves and parks, each teeming with wildlife, with predator and prey well represented.
Some of the other key attractions in this regard include Samburu national park, Lake Nakuru National Park, Amboseli, and Tsavo East and West national parks.
For visitors who may be pressed for time and who may not wish to stray too far from the capital, there is even a park right next to the city center! The Nairobi national park is one of its kind globally as it is about a major city yet wildlife can roam freely in its natural habitat.
The park has abundant lion populations as well as plenty of giraffe, zebra, hartebeest, impala, jackal, warthog, baboon, eland, ostrich and many other creatures. The fastest land mammal, the cheetah can also be spotted at the park.
- Accommodation
Kenya’s hospitality sector has kept up with world standards and offers excellent accommodations to visitors from all walks of life.
If you are visiting the Masai Mara on a budget for example, there are great 3-star budget camps and lodges designed to offer pocket friendly yet world class accommodations.
Examples of these include Keekorok lodge, Mara leisure camp, and Talek Bush Camp.
On the other hand, those who wish to splurge a little also have a myriad of options including Sir. Richard Branson’s amazing Mahali Mzuri camp, the Fairmont Mara, the Mara Serena safari lodge, among others.
This wide spectrum of hotels and lodges for every budgetary class is evident throughout the country, meaning there will always be an option suitable for every traveler, including campers and backpackers.
- Events and conferences
The country is a big player in events and conferencing tourism due to its growth as a Meetings, Incentives, Conference, and Exhibition (MICE) hub.
The leading towns in this regard are the capital Nairobi, Mombasa, Kisumu, and Eldoret. The conferencing amenities in these towns match world standards, with Nairobi being awarded the top accolade by the World Travel Awards earlier this year.
The country’s strategic location as a gateway into East Africa has also served to position it as a popular conferencing venue. Some of the major global events so hosted include the WRC Safari rally and the Magical Kenya Open Golf tournament.
- Food and beverage
With more than 42 indigenous tribes, each with its unique customs and beliefs, Kenya is a rich repository of culture. That spells good news for culinary tourists who are eager to explore the delectable cuisines offered by different communities. Among the popular ethnic meals that travelers love to try are ugali, githeri, matoke, mursik, and many others. Besides the traditional Kenyan meals, the country’s hotels also offer a la carte menus featuring standard global food items.
- Tourism services
Being part of the country’s largest income earners, tourism in Kenya receives ample infrastructural support from the public and private sectors.
Besides a great transport and telecommunications network, the industry also benefits from the input of private players such as travel agencies, the media, and manufacturing.
There are also plenty of travel information centers, writers and agencies that will freely share with you on what attractions the industry offers.
Where visitor safety is concerned, the national security agencies even have a specialized police branch known as the tourism police, specifically mandated to cater to the interests of tourists.
- Transportation
As mentioned earlier, Kenya has a robust transport and telecommunications network. This includes a good road network, 4G internet connectivity, and widespread air travel across different regions of the country.
In addition, the country’s travel agencies are always at hand to provide visitors with dependable transport in the form of comfortable customized safari vans, Jeeps, and wagons.
The most used vehicles for a safari in Kenya are the 4x4 Toyota land cruiser with an open roof for game viewing. Travelers on a budget can opt for the budget friendly safari van which is mostly Toyota Hiace with an open roof for game viewing. For self-drive tours, 4x4 vehicles such as the Toyota Land cruiser Prado, the Toyota Harrier, Subaru Forester are ideal.
These may be accessed as part of a guided tour package or independently hired by visitors wishing to undertake a self-guided safari.
- Travel trade
Most of the travel and tour operators have dedicated websites as well as registered physical offices from where travelers can obtain all the relevant travel information.
Legitimate service providers are also duly registered with and licensed by the government.
