Lodges and camps in Kenya’s Tsavo East and West and Amboseli national parks are enjoying brisk business following a rise in international tourists coming for game viewing.
Kenya Association of Hotelkeepers and Caterers (KAHC) Tsavo and Amboseli Branch Chairman, Willie Mwadilo, says visitors to the three parks have been increasing since December 2017.
He said lodges and camps were currently enjoying occupancy of between 70% and 90% compared with between 30% and 40% in the same period last year.
Mwadilo attributed the surge in foreign wildlife lovers to the peace enjoyed in the country, unlike 2017 when tourism was affected by political uncertainty over the August 8 General Election.
He added that the lodges and camps in the parks were receiving safari seekers from Poland, Italy, Germany and France.
He said the facilities would continue to be busy till after the Easter holiday when the low season sets in.
Mwadilo, who is also the General Manager of Sarova Salt Lick Game Lodge and Sarova Taita Hills Game Lodge, said the lodges had occupancy of 90% and 85% respectively.
“At Sarova Salt Lick Game Lodge, we have guests from Poland, Italy, France and Germany, while at Sarova Taita Hills Game Lodge, we have locals attending conferences,” he added.
Ashnil Hotels MD, Rajan Bhandari, said the Ashnil Aruba Lodge in Tsavo East National Park, was doing well following a rise in international visitors coming for game drives.
He noted that the lodge had guests from Belgium, France and Italy, adding that the inbound tourist flow had boosted occupancy in the properties in Tsavo.
“February is looking good, as the international tourists, who come for beach holiday in Mombasa and other coastal resorts also visit Tsavo for game viewing.”
Kenya Safari Lodges and Hotels CEO, Victor Shitakha, said Voi Safari Lodge had 90% guest numbers this month compared with 30% in the same period in 2017.
He added that the property had guests from Croatia, Poland and Italy, saying visitor numbers would continue to rise till after Easter.
“There are chartered airlines from Italy, Poland and Germany, which bring tourists from Milan, Warsaw, Frankfurt and Munich,” he explained.
