Nakuru: Stakeholders in the tourism sector in Nakuru are re-strategising the industry to mitigate against a downturn caused by rising water levels, particularly at Lake Naivasha, which has flooded several resorts and tourism sites.
According to Kenya News Agency, the Nakuru County Tourism Association (NCTA) Chairman, Mr David Mwangi, stated that the Association is engaging its over 400 members, the Kenya Tourism Board (KTB) and other state agencies to encourage the uptake of Water-Based Tourism, diversifying from terrestrial to aquatic activities. Mr Mwangi noted that Nakuru is rich in aquatic tourist attractions, including bird watching, boat safari tours, sport fishing, nature walks and kayaking water sports to explore the expanded deep water areas.
Despite the challenges posed by flooding, NCTA Chairman affirms that the area remains a premier destination for wildlife viewing, including over 400 species of birds. Mr. Mwangi highlighted that while the lake’s expansion has submerged hotels, campsites, and access roads, forcing many businesses to close and displacing thousands, it has also created new wetland habitats attractive to birds and wildlife, offering unique opportunities for eco-tourism marketing.
The scenic Crescent Island Game Sanctuary, located in the middle of Lake Naivasha, is a premier Kenyan destination for daily boating and bird watching, often described as a ‘Walking Park’ due to its lack of predators and its high concentration of wildlife and diverse birdlife. Mr Mwangi emphasized that the Island is a serene paradise, offering unique walking safaris and incredible boat rides to spot hippos and over 200 bird species, including the African fish eagle.
The Island is home to the Maasai giraffe, gazelle, countless bird species, hippopotamus, wildebeest, Defassa waterbuck, and the largest snake in Africa, the Central African Rock. Bird watchers can sight Osprey, Grey herons, Fish eagles, Marabou stork, Malachite kingfishers, Pelicans, Cormorants, Whiskered terns and Grey-headed gulls among other bird species from the Island.
Through the initiative, NCTA and its partners are highlighting the return of wildlife species thriving in elevated water levels, including hippos and various bird species, while focusing on sustainable tourism practices emphasizing eco-tourism and environmental management. Mr Mwangi elaborated that despite significant flooding and displacement, rising Lake Naivasha waters offer the tourism sector opportunities to rebrand and expand ‘blue economy’ activities, including developing new boat tourism routes, promoting underwater heritage sites, and expanding floating eco-lodges.
He added that to mitigate the effects of rising lakes in the Rift Valley, which have negatively impacted wildlife sanctuaries in the region, Nakuru County’s tourism industry players are targeting a bigger share of revenue from Meeting, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions (MICE), a lucrative part of the tourism mix. According to the Kenya Association of Travel Agents (KATA), the global MICE market is valued at USD 877 billion and is expected to experience a compound annual growth rate of 7.5 per cent from 2024 to 2030.
Mr Mwangi explained that MICE aims to provide an enhanced, customized hospitality setting bringing together top professionals from various industries. While wildlife safaris and prehistoric sites remain attractive, the Association is also aggressively marketing alternative core tourism products that the county could offer from its diverse niches, including culture, cuisine, entertainment, sports, nature, and medical tourism.
The Chairman stated that the county is blessed with many destinations for tourists, including little-known physical features such as waterfalls, craters, gorges, and lakes; prehistoric sites; museums; and wild animals, among others. He noted that most local and foreign tourists only know of the generic attractions like the Lake Nakuru National Park and Hell’s Gate in Naivasha Sub-County.
Lake Naivasha Crescent Camp Assistant Manager, Ms Judy Wairimu, highlighted that with higher water levels, operators can develop new boat trip routes, potentially turning flooded areas into new tourist attractions. The flooded landscapes create new habitats and underwater sites, offering potential for underwater archaeology and creating ‘underwater museums’ to boost tourism.
Ms Wairimu revealed that the Resort is transitioning to flexible, boat-based activities to showcase the expanded ecosystem while upgrading its facilities to be more resilient against future flooding. She explained that they have been partnering with independent boat operators to increase capacity for offering enhanced boat tours, sport fishing, and bird-watching expeditions exploring previously inaccessible areas.
Tour guide and coxswain, Mr John Wanjahi, noted that the number of boating and birdwatching tourists visiting the island peaks between June to December. A boat ride from the mainland to the island provides views of the volcanic Crater Lake, large pods of hippos, and boat-based birding. While the island is a year-round destination, the dry season from June to October is best for wildlife spotting, while November to December offers green landscapes and superior birdwatching.
French tourist Safu Jean, residing at Naivasha Crescent Camp, expressed delight at the opportunity to walk safely among grazing wildlife on the crescent-shaped island, offering breathtaking views of the Great Rift Valley, including Mount Longonot.