Eco-Tourism
Eco Tourism became necessary following creation of safari routes over the years; what was a safari circuit turned out to an establishment of a relationship between the traveler/crew and the regular residents of these routes. The association was appreciated and development over time with the residents constructing facilities which were necessary for the traveler i.e. bathrooms, shops and even gift curio curios. This initiative proved very necessary resulting in income generating provisions for the poor locals. Today the local authorities as well as the international community are greatly encouraging further eco tourism establishments by suggesting diversification towards areas which are not served by the tourism network. It was in this line that Woni Safaris created the Ngu Nyumu Circuit which is located approximately 45 miles/70 kilometers south of Nairobi. This was in conjunction with its past clients who offered to assist and in the process, setting up initiatives that foster economic development through sustainable growth of local cultural activities. The Ngu Nyumu Circuit visits a local farm, a local school; a women’s self help group and an income source facility. These segments show the visitor the ways and standards of life for majority members who earn under a dollar on a lucky day. Eco tourism provides for this circuit donations as well as opportunity for the locals to sell their wares to the traveler and in the process the creation of supplementary resource. EDUCATION – Woni Safaris through this initiative has established to provide education to bright pupils from these poor families. To date Woni Safaris with the assistance of its international partners educates a total 7 pupils and increases this by a minimum of one annually. SELF HELP GROUP – Woni Safaris works with a women’s self help group which undertakes projects to improve their only main income source – farming. These projects are basket weaving, jam making and more recently construction of a pre-school as schools in this area are very far for 5 year olds + to travel to daily – a distance of approximately 2 miles. YOUTH PROJECT – Woni Safaris has assisted to establish a wood carving project where youth members produce the famous wood carvings for tourist sales. For every tree felled 2 others are planted from a subsidiary project run by this group to ensure that the environment is maintained. FRIENDS OF THE ELEPHANT FOUNDATION – from the international front Woni Safaris works with this foundation headquartered in Holland and with a division in Belgium who have played a significant role in fostering of orphaned baby elephants. ASSIST – Please follow this link to ASSIST! Thank you. |
