Bird watching tourism makes gains in the Tsavo

Kenya: As the need to diversify tourism grows, due to low numbers, a section of coastal investors are now putting up luxurious facilities to spice up the sector. These include various hotels on the edge of the scenic Tsavo East National Park to promote bird watching tourism.

The area often sees migratory birds undertake some of the most daring journeys in the animal kingdom, often covering thousands of kilometres. The nature’s wonder has seen the growing fan base of these winged creatures present economic opportunities through sustainable tourism.

Consequently, Voi Wildlife Lodge and Acacia Lodges Suites seeks to tap into bird watching. Voi Wildlife Lodge Managing Director Kush Ratna told Weekend Business that birding plays a significant role in the tourism industry.

“It creates direct and indirect economic benefits for many countries and communities,” said Ratna.

“We all know wildlife watching appeals to a wide range of people, and opportunities to participate in wildlife watching are and should increasingly be a factor in tourist holiday choices today, hence the need to tap into this kind of tourism travel,” he said.

A survey by the US Fish & Wildlife Service puts the annual economic value generated by bird watchers (or ‘birders’) and other wildlife watchers at around $32 billion (Sh2.8 trillion) per year in the US alone. This amount corresponds to the gross domestic product of Costa Rica - a popular destination for US birders.

Kush said they have partnered with bird tour operators to practice sustainable and socially responsible eco-tourism, while relying on local goods and services and supporting local conservation projects. Also to be found at the Voi Wildlife Lodge is Kenya’s first hotel rental project that sits next to the park.

Sh500 million

Kush said that the Sh500 million exclusive development is a unique property designed to blend into the surrounding environment.

“Our suites boast an uninterrupted view of Tsavo plains over two water holes that often attract big game including elephant, lion, buffalo and a variety of bird life,” Kush said. He observed that since its inception early in the year, sales have been encouraging, with already over 30 per cent of the units in the Acacia Suites Lodges next to Voi Wildlife Lodge being sold. “The takeoff was slow and is mainly attributed to concerns over last year’s general elections which turned out to be peaceful though,” he said.

Interested buyers

He is optimistic that at least 50 per cent of the units will be sold by the close of this year, owing to several inquiries. A unit costs Sh5 million.

 

Rental per day is Sh7,000 per person per night. He said that while a similar concept exists for some properties right at the beach front – their properties are far much lesser expensive. “This concept is widely developed both in the UK, Dubai and the US. We have put up an equally enticing product for clients to sample,’’ he said.

Kush added that interest in their product has been growing immensely owing to a number of factors including the conducive environment in and around Voi town. “We are keen on tapping into the relatively new battle field tourism product which is beginning to take shape in Taita-Taveta County,” Kush said.

Kush explains that in the rental programme at the Acacia Suites ensure owners of the facilities are well taken care of when they visit.

“The  the Voi Wildlife Lodge team will ensure that the ownership experience is a relaxed one, making sure all amenities, utilities and facilities are available to the owner whilst on their visit and that they are working properly and well maintained,” Kush noted, adding that the moment the owner enters into a rental programme, he enjoys the benefits of earning a return on their investment whilst they are not occupying it.

“This allows for flexible investment opportunity where one can enjoy their property at any time throughout the year and they can put it back into the rental programme when they are not using it,” he explained. “This means that the owner can benefit from the pooled income scheme along with their fellow Acacia Suite owners.”

The rental scheme comprises of 84 one bedroom fully furnished suites, with two bedroom fully furnished combination suites available, and three exclusive luxury suites presidential suites.

Man Eaters Camp

The suites on 10.87 acres of private land have stunning views of the Park, targeting both local investors and international clientele.

“We are set to invest in other areas of Tsavo such as our site at the Man Eaters Camp and we have similar projects lined up for other areas around Kenya based on the success of this one,” he said. “We feel that Nairobi is saturated in developments and investors should now look at counties and see how to come up with new schemes within them.”