GEOG 323: Regional Geography of Africa with special reference to East Africa

Tourism in East Africa

Factors Favouring Tourism

East Africa is an important tourist destination in the world due to several factors as follows:
Endowed with tourism resources such as Flora and fauna, Herds of animals/wildlife grazing on savanna,
Flock of birds, Scenic topography, Lakes, Pristine coastline and beaches and Bracing climate
Large tracts of land as wildlife reserves for animals: Protections from poachers and expanding human
occupancy. Several animal such as elephants, rhinoceros, hippopotamus, lion, leopard, cheetah, zebra,
giraffe, buffalo and many kinds of antelope and gazelle. These animals serve as important tourists
attractions; visitors are mostly Europeans and North America
Important National Parks such as Masai Mara, Tsavo, Amboseli in Kenya, Serengeti, Selous, Ugalla and
Rungwa in Tanzania and Queen Elizabeth and Marsabi in Uganda.
Unique Ecosystem: e.g. Lake Nakuru National Park famous for birds (flamingos) ; Malindi and
Wantamu Marine Park beautiful coral reefs and numerous (200) species of fish) in clear waters; Fine
beaches of the Indian Ocean coast: clear waters and good conditions for swimming, boat ride, surfing
etc.; Magnificent Scenery associated with mountainous areas: Mts. Kenya, Elgon, Ruwenzori, Meru and
Kilimanjaro excellent viewing, walking and climbing
In Kenya, most national parks and reserves are located beside scenic lakes, on the slopes of huge
volcanic peaks and within rift valleys, providing spectacular settings for wildlife observation. Uganda is
famous for its mountain gorillas. It's also home to the source of the Nile River, and has 1,200 species
of birds
Varied climate: 25C to 28C along the coast (Mombasa); 16C to 19C in highland / plateau areas
(Nairobi) and lower in highland region. There is abundant sunshine all year round in most parts of East
Africa, has become very appealing to visitors from temperate regions of the world.
Culture and way of life of the people. E.g. the Masai people attract a lot of visitors promotes cultural
tourism
Institutional arrangements: Ministerial support e.g. Ministry of Tourism in Kenya and Parastatal bodies
eg. Kenya Wildlife Services (KWS)-responsible for wildlife management and conservation. Kenya Tourist
Development Board (KTDB)- promotes local investment in tourism enterprises and Tanzania Tourist
Board support tourism initiatives. Open foreign investment policy: hotels, travel business. There is also
a vibrant hospitality sub-sector- Airlines, travel & tours businesses e.g. Kenya Airways, Kenya
Association of Tour Operators (KATO), Kenya Association of Travel Agents (KATA) etc.
Importance of Tourism

Foreign exchange earnings: Tourism is the third foreign exchange earner in Kenya after tea and
coffee. In Uganda tourism brings in more foreign currency than the top two exports, coffee and
fish, combined.
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Source of employment generation for many. The hospitality services, travel and tours,
transport, entertainment, tour guides in the wildlife reserves, mountainous areas and along the
coast all provide forms of employment.

Promotion of other economic activities at tourist sites: e.g. local arts, handicrafts

Promotion of national, regional, & local development: through improved infrastructure and
enhances image of destination areas.

Basis for resource conservation: the creation of national reserves conserves the biodiversity
and unique ecosystems.

Preservation of cultural identity & arts through cultural tourism, sale of handicrafts.

Challenges of the Tourist Industry

Insecurity: pirate attacks on cruise ships, terrorist attacks e.g. 1998 US Embassy bombings in Kenya &
Tanzania, West Gate Shopping Mall Attack. The tourism sector in Kenya exhibited steady growth in most
years since independence and by the late 1980s had become the countrys principal source of foreign
exchange. But in the late 1990s, tourism relinquished this position to tea exports, because of a
terrorism-related downturn. The government and tourist industry organizations have taken steps to
address the security problem and to reverse negative publicity. Such as steps include establishing a
tourist police and launching marketing campaigns in key tourist origin markets. Tourism has seen a
substantial revival over the past several years and is the major contributor to the countrys economic
growth. But recent West Gate attack is likely to affect the industry
Ecological modification/destruction e.g. Pollution of lakes and persistent decline of water, Drought &
degradation
Destruction of wildlife and natural resources poachers kill animals for meat or for sale, others trade
parts of animals such as the ivory and rhinoceros horns
Physical connectivity in terms of roads, air and waterways poor road networks hinder access to certain
tourists sites
Natural calamities such as flood and hurricanes at various tourists sites deter people from visiting such
areas.
Diseases e.g. Ebola
Inadequate skilled manpower and expertise in the field of tourism and hospitality industry
Lack of infrastructure- social services such as hospitals. Most tourist sites are in remote areas therefore
need such facilities.
Poor communication networks mobile phones, internet.
Low government support limited capital investment

Reference: http://www.eturbonews.com/31337/tanzania-president-calls-competitive-east-africantourism