Kenya Wildlife Service boosts domestic tourism capacity

New tents to boost camping tourism in Kenya

(Posted 25th November 2015)

Three hundred tents have been acquired by Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) to promote domestic tourism. The tents will provide affordable accommodation in various campsites in KWS parks and reserves.

The tents have already been distributed to the selected camps and are expected to help in opening up campsites in the lesser visited parks like Shimba Hills National Reserve, Mt. Elgon, Chyulu Hills, Tsavo East and West Ruma and the marine national parks at the coast where the need for budget accommodation was most pressing.

Each tent accommodates two individuals and has all the necessary amenities required for an overnight stay. The camp amenities include a fully equipped kitchen and clean lavatory facilities, which are provided within the campsites.

The move comes as a result of a high demand of camping facilities following the growing interest in domestic travel among Kenyans. Camping in particular is a preferred choice compared to a lodge or luxury safari camp experience.

Other than the reduced cost implications, time flexibility is another factor that is welcomed by both domestic and foreign tourists. In the campsites, individuals and groups are free to engage in array of adventurous activities as they please. They can cook and take part in team building exercises or activities provided by KWS staff on site at their time preference and pleasure. Other activities that individuals can take part in include, depending on location, biking, mountain climbing, nature walks and rock climbing, all of which are provided by parks.

The move is expected to boost visitation in KWS parks and reserves as it comes at a time when another initiative dubbed “#TembeaKenya” campaign, has been launched by the Kenya Tourism Board (KTB). The campaign allows Kenyans to embrace travel, wildlife and tourism as it has ensured that all necessary facilities are in place, to guarantee successful and more important, affordable tours.

This move and cooperation with KTB and other government agencies and the private sector has seen a significant number of Kenyans visit national parks and reserves with camping being the preferred choice of accommodation for most individuals.

For added information about Kenya’s more than 60 national parks click on www.kws.go.ke or else visit www.magicalkenya.com

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