Environmental and cultural preservation projects have grown extensively over the past decade, spurred by a desire to maintain Africa’s rich artistic and ecological treasures.

Guests hoping to get involved can choose to help with community aid in remote villages, learn about animal conservation, preserve ancient African rock art, and many more options besides. Visitors really can make a difference when supporting Kenya’s blossoming network of eco-friendly tourism partners:

Eco Tourism Kenya

Eco Tourism Kenya was founded in 1996 to promote ecotourism and sustainable tourism practices in Kenya. The organisation manages a certification scheme for tourism accommodation facilities based on environmental and social criteria.

Much of Kenya's success at preserving its wildlife has stemmed from the work of the Kenya Wildlife Service. By signing up to the Ramsar Convention in 1991, KWS has been working on several major wetland conservation projects and in particular, Lake Nakuru and its one million resident flamingos have benefited greatly. Since independence in the 1960s there has been much to do – in 1963 the elephant population in Kenya was 170,000. By 1989 it was down to just 16,000. This kick-started the KWS Elephant Programme, which, by protecting against poaching and with the help of CITES has brought the population up to 30,000.

Eco-Sleeps

Environmentally conscious travellers can choose from eco-sleep options which include sumptuous lodges and atmospheric tented retreats. These earth-friendly accommodations work with local communities to provide sustainable and comfortable stays. Some operators also offer the exhilarating option of pitching a tent out in the bush on a nightly basis to track the wildlife. For the ultimate in authentic Kenyan experiences, visitors can also join a local community mobile camping and walking safaris, exploring with a Maasai or Samburu warrior.