Ecotivity - Kenya's Renewed Attraction for Responsible Tourists

Kenya's Renewed Attraction for Responsible Tourists

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Rating: 2.8/5 (39 votes cast)

Written by Emma Starrs

GSE Ecotours, an ethical tour operator offering community-based Kenyan Village Homestays, has reported a 40% increase in enquiries and bookings for its unique holidays to rural Kenya, since the Foreign Commonwealth Office relaxed its travel advisory to the country last month.

According to the firm, ethical travelers are being driven by a determination to help local communities to ride out the after-effects of the political turbulence, which threatened to have a serious effect on Kenya’s local economies. Previously a model of stability, Kenya’s economy is supported by the travel industry’s contribution of over Ł455 million a year from its estimated one million visitors.

Says Jackie Kariithi, founder of GSE Ecotours: “People are aware that by supporting grassroots tourism, they are directly helping local communities to stay on their feet. We have had a long-term working relationship with all of our host villages and thankfully the renewed interest we are seeing from our customers enables us to continue supporting their economies, as well as helping to develop local community projects and to protect natural resources.”

To support rural Kenyan communities, GSE Ecotours’ Village Homestay scheme ploughs revenue into local projects and provides wages for families who act as hosts to their guests from the UK. Travelers are immersed in the local culture and are treated as family members, receiving tuition in local languages, customs and handicrafts. The mutually beneficial arrangement means that villagers are financially rewarded for their hospitality and travelers enjoy a profound cultural experience and the knowledge that they are helping communities to support themselves through industry.

As part of GSE Ecotours’ service, before arriving at their allocated village, visitors are educated on what to expect during their stay, local etiquette and responsible use of valuable water and electricity amenities. A GSE Ecotours’ guide and translator also stays with each host family to help guests to settle into their new environment and get the most from their stay.

Appealing to travellers unable to commit time from their everyday lives to join longer term gap year and ‘voluntourism’ schemes; GSE Ecotours’ four to 14-day Village Homestays offer the same cultural and ethical benefits as these growing forms of responsible tourism,

To minimise negative environmental impact and to protect community resources, visitor numbers are limited to less than 15 guests per village. The Village Homestays operate three times a year, during April, August and December. These dates coincide with Kenyan school holidays and give visitors - especially those with children – the chance to fully integrate into relaxed family life.

Prices start from $80 (Ł40) per person, per night ($70 /Ł35 per person, per night for groups of 10+). The Kenyan village homestay package includes, all accommodation, meals, transfers, ground transportation and guide services. A maximum of three visitors and one GSE Ecotours guide and translator stays with each host family. GSE Ecotours can also assist with flight bookings if required. The specialist tour operator also includes excursions to local national parks and game reserves as part of its itinerary, to allow visitors to appreciate Kenya’s majestic landscape, wildlife and natural habitats.

For more information, call 0870 766 9891 or visit www.gse-ecotours.com