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.

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.

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.