KWS to launch eco-lodges in national parks

By Kassim Shitawa

Parks in far-flung areas that have over the years registered dismal tourist arrivals due to accommodation deficiency are among those earmarked for the construction of such facilities.

They include Mwea National Park, Mt Elgon National Park, Saiwa Swamp National Park and Hell’s Gate National Park. Despite owning unique attractions, these parks are some of the least visited parks in the country mainly because they lack reasonable accommodation facilities. Construction of eco-lodges is expected to attract a considerable number of visitor traffic to these areas.

Giraffes are among the wildlife at Hell’s Gate.

Before any construction is certified, all the necessary environmental impact assessments must be done in line with the tenets of eco-tourism. This is very important to ensure delicate ecological balance is maintained. Some of the targeted parks like Hell’s Gate and Saiwa Swamp are very small and if care is not taken, the ecological balance in their fragile ecosystems will be upset. If this happens, then the initial noble aim of the project will be lost.

Given the grandiose landscapes and awesome views in some of these parks, it is important that the location of these eco-lodges blend well with the landscapes to avoid them sticking out conspicuously like sore thumbs. For instance, it will be unsightly for a gigantic structure to be set on top of the beautiful cliffs of Hell’s Gate National Park as it will interrupt the magnificent view. Thus, any lodge developed in these parks should not be allowed to deface the beautiful sceneries.

Scarce accommodation

In addition, the size of the parks must be taken into consideration. Hell’s Gate, for instance, may not necessarily need such an eco-facility. To begin with, it is very small and, already, a sizeable chunk of it has been swallowed by the Olkaria Geothermal project. Putting up an eco-lodge will only congest the park more. Hell’s Gate is an exceptional flora and fauna site. It is suitable for quiet retreats and tranquil nights enjoyed under canvas.

This atmosphere is extremely attractive to nature lovers. It would be a lot better if those wishing to spend a night in the park use the three campsites available. In any case, there are a variety of accommodation options on the nearby shores of Lake Naivasha, ranging from the low-budget camps to the most luxurious lodges and hotels.

Saiwa Swamp National Park, too, is also very small. In fact, it is the smallest national park in Kenya. Situated on a wetland, it is home to the rare and endangered marsh antelope called Sitatunga. This is where it is protected. The construction of an eco-lodge would only make sense if its immediate goal is to attract more tourists to the western parts of Kenya.

Tassia Lodge is one the eco-lodges. Eco-friendly facilities try as much as possible to retain the natural habitat

Eco facilities

Apart from a campsite at the main gate and the nearby Sirikwa Tented Lodge, there is no notable accommodation facility around Saiwa Park. Anyone seeking alternative facility must drive back to Kitale town over 20 kilometres away.

Mwea National Park is also on a wetland. Its main visitors include researchers studying and following the migratory avian species. Few tourists visit this park, which lacks meaningful accommodation. Visitors are thus forced to source for private camping facilities outside the camp.

Fortunately, the Kenya Wildlife Service has allocated two locations inside this park for construction of eco-facilities. Local investors are encouraged go full throttle and invest in this venture.

As for Mt Elgon National Park, which is home to the second highest peak in Kenya, its importance as a water tower for Lake Victoria and River Nile, including its varied habitats, cannot be under-estimated. In 2003, Unesco declared this park a Biosphere Reserve. Kenya Wildlife Service branded it recently and it is hoped influx by tourists will increase soon.

The KWS-run Kapkuro Bandas and the Mt Elgon Lodge are the only available accommodation facilities in the park. They, however, do not have the capacity to cater for the requirements of increasing numbers of tourists expected. The construction of eco-facilities is, therefore, a welcome venture.

A campsite at Hell’s Gate National Park. Photos: Courtesy]

In conjunction with the Ministry of Tourism, the Government is investing in alternative tourist circuits with the aim of reducing pressure on the conventional ones. The project hopes to also open up the rest of the country to discerning tourists. With this kind of exposure, the resultant influx of both local and foreign tourists will mean a corresponding increase in bed capacity in the national parks in the respective circuits to cater for the accommodation needs of the tourists.

Host community

In line with the principles of eco-tourism, it will be in order for Kenyans to be granted first priority in developing these sites. It would be unfair if foreigners are awarded tenders for the construction of these facilities at the expense of deserving and able Kenyans. Already, various eco-facilities that exist in the country, especially in the Laikipia region, are owned or managed by foreigners. Giving Kenyans the opportunity to construct and run eco-lodges will create a sense of ownership for the parks since they automatically become partners in the collective task of environmental conservation.

Further, the issue of pricing should be approached with caution. The current prices in the few existing eco-lodges are prohibitive, especially to local tourists, and this can be attributed to the fact that when they were put up, their main target was foreign tourists.

Managing an eco-lodge is expensive because, besides the normal operational costs, a certain percentage of the revenue must be channelled to the host community. Nonetheless, this is not a good enough reason to lock out citizens by charging high prices. At the same time, costs can be reduced if staff members are employed directly from the host community.

Platforms for viewing wildlile at Saiwa Swamp National Park.

Finally, the issue of security, especially for tourists is paramount. The Government, KWS and all other stakeholders in the tourism industry must pool together resources to ensure that these destinations are safe for everyone to visit.