CS-Balala-accompanied-by-other-trekkers-during-the-hike-at-MT-longonot-adventure-and-hiking-are-emerging-getaway-experiences-for-domestic-and-international-travelers.
Sunday, 8th May 2022: The Government has identified adventure, hiking, and mountaineering experiences as key catalysts in the recovery of tourism businesses in Kenya.
Kenya is well placed to tap into these niche segments thanks to the diverse opportunities and attractions found across the destination. The foundation of Kenya is known as a leader in Safari also enhances the potential of the destination being regarded as top in adventure tourism.
Speaking during a hiking expedition at Mt. Longonot, CS for Tourism and Wildlife Najib Balala encouraged Kenyans to embrace and take up hiking, mountaineering, travelers, and other adventure experiences for fitness and wellness. He also noted that adventure tourism is one of the fastest-growing experiences in the world today with travelers looking for life-changing experiences that suit them.
“Mountaineering and hiking have the potential to improve our tourism numbers because today’s traveler is looking for immersive and engaging opportunities. We must be ready to demonstrate to both domestic and international visitors that we have more than Beach and Safari experiences. People are today also conscious about their health and hiking is a good fitness and outdoor activity. I encourage Kenyans to visit some of the mountaineering and hiking destinations in the country. They can be a pocket-friendly option for many people because they include day trips which are easily accessible,” said CS Balala.
He added the Ministry of Tourism and Wildlife would be working towards improving the visitor experience and putting a spotlight on attractions like Mt.Longonot ensuring that visitors earmark them on their bucket lists “ We have earmarked the development and showcase of these experiences to propel the recovery of the sector. We are working with the partners and experience owners in the industry to fully enhance and market these attractions in Kenya ” added the CS.
Dubbed “Sheer Adventure” destination, Mt. Longonot, rises from the floor of the Great Rift Valley. The Mountain is located within the mount Longonot National Park which is one of the many fascinating, yet least visited, attractions of Kenya.
With its cool climate, lush greenery, and stunning views of the Rift Valley, Mt Longonot offers a variety of trails for hikers of all fitness levels. It is also home to wildlife like zebra giraffe grant gazelles and over 110 bird species making it a birding paradise.
Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) Director General John Waweru noted that Mt Longonot National Park is part of the rich ecosystem in Naivasha which includes Hells Gate, L. Naivasha, and many facilities that are ready to host visitors in the area.
He assured visitors of a safe and enjoyable experience at the park which is also home to several campsites. The hike at Mt Longonot was also part of the CS Balala’s preparation for an expedition at MT Kenya in mid-May 2022.
The expedition will aim at re-positioning Mt. Kenya as one of the key iconic adventure experience facilities in Africa as well as raise funds towards improving the visitor experience. Those who will be accompanying the CS are Magical Kenya Destination Ambassador Eliud Kipchoge and sponsors who include Safaricom M-Pesa, Visa, Huawei, KCB, and EABL among others.
Hiking and adventure destinations that travelers can explore in Kenya include the trails at Karura Forest, Menengai crater, Mt Elgon, Mt Ololokwe, travelers, and Ngong hills among others. These destinations offer different experiences and therefore should be on the list of all visitors
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