KENYA’S TOURISTIC CIRCUITS
OVERVIEW
National Parks, Reserves, and other attractions are key components of the tourism industry in Kenya. These attractions are dispersed across Kenya and have been classified into different touristic circuits.
Before we proceed into different touristic circuits, let us have an understanding and differences between reserves, national parks, game sanctuary and conservancies.
In Kenya, there are over 50 registered game reserves and national parks all together. This number also comprise of other protected areas which are either private or community owned but have the sole goal of protection of fauna, flora, diverse wildlife & birdlife.
National Park
A national park is an area set aside by the national government for preservation and protection of the natural environment and all forms of natural life therein. A national park may be set aside for a variety of reason including.
- Scientific interests such as research and study or historical interest
- Protection of land and wildlife in it.
- Public procreation and enjoyment.
However, these protected areas are ultimate tourist attraction sites and are meant to generate income which is channeled to the national government. Examples of national parks are Nairobi National Park, Lake Nakuru national park, Amboseli national park etc.
Game reserves
Game reserves are large areas of land set aside for wildlife protection. The notable differences between national parks and reserves is the ownership. Game reserves are privately owned or may be owned by communities or devolved governments in form of counties or states in a federal a system. Examples of game reserves include Samburu game reserve, lake bogoria national reserve etc
Game sanctuaries and conservancies
These are areas set aside for wildlife protection, management & economic gain with ownership of the land being an individual, group of private or communal land owners or cooperate entity. Revenue from visitation of these conservancies and sanctuary is channeled to ownership or trust as per the terms and agreement binding the Conservancies. examples of these conservancy include Naboisho conservancy, Borana conservancy, Lewa downs, Laikipia conservancy, Loisaba conservancy among others.
Kenya is home to a great number of wildlife reserves and parks which offer various types of attractions all over the country. These attractions, however are classified into touristic circuits. These circuits enable for planning of workable itineraries across the country and beyond. The attractions which are regionally based are therefore named according to the regions of the country they are found.