Hotel launches Tsavo’s first health resort

By Philip Mwakio

Tsavo National Park now has its first ever tourist health and beauty resort, the Kenbali Spa.

A health spa’s primary purpose is fitness and a variety of related professiona services are offered.

Speaking during the official opening of the spa at the Severin Safari Camp, Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) Director Julius Kipngetich, said the venture was a good investment that aims to open up tourist attractions within the Tsavo ecosystems.

"We have in place a management plan for the Tsavo ecosystem, the world’s third largest conservation area, which will guide us in ensuring environmental friendly developments in this area," he said.

Dr Kipgnetich said nature conservation was an expensive undertaking and could not be solely be the preserve for KWS. The Spa investor Severin Shulte said confidence in the country had encouraged him to invest in the project.

The spa sits alongside a luxurious camp run by Severin Touristik that was built in 2001 with 21 tents and six suites.

The Kenbali Spa offers a wellness area of 430 square meters with traditional African beauty treatments, body massages and a large Ying-Yang spring water pool.

Outgoing German ambassador, Walter Lindner, said Kenya needs to market its diverse tourist attractions to put behind the effects of last year’s post-election violence.

He said Kenyan tourism is bound to grow to greater heights if proper support is accorded to the multi billion industry.

"Balala rarely comments on politics. He is always up and about marketing Kenya, and this makes him a keen man for the tourism job," Lindner said.

He, however, said the flow of German tourists into Kenya has not picked up as was the case prior to the violence.