NICE Safaris

(Nature and Inter-Cultural Expeditions Safaris)

www.nicesafaris.com

Johnson Ole Kaunga, a Laikipia Maasai, runs NICE Safaris in Kenya , which specializes in eco-travels among Kenya ’s Maasai and Samburu communities. NICE informs its clients about the potential negative effects of their travel in Kenya and encourages them to make responsible travel choices. On a NICE safari this is achieved by:  

• - the use of indigenous Maasai and Samburu managed wildlife sanctuaries.
• - the use of locally owned and operated accommodations, which includes Maasai manyattas. NICE avoids internationally owned hotels because it wants the money generated by visitors to benefit local people directly. Doing this also removes the need for scarce resources to be diverted to provide special tourist facilities.
• - the use of locally produced food.
• - the employment of local people wherever possible. This allows clients more opportunities to mix with local people, and the Maasai in particular. This again puts money directly into local hands, which addresses poverty at the community level.
• - the use of local transport when possible. Not only is this fun and adds variety to a safari, it also provides more chances to met locals and channel money into the right hands.
• - taking measures to protect the natural environment while on safari by reducing waste such as plastic water bottles.
• - providing clients with information about local religions and customs, history and politics.

Ten percent of NICE’s profits is used to support indigenous community-based projects.

A list with a difference: What Johnson suggests we do before and after going on safari in Kenya.

• - Find out about our destination. Buy relevant guidebooks and learn about the culture, politics, geography, religion and customs of Kenya . This knowledge will be reinforced by our NICE Maasai guide.
• - Arrive equipped with some basic words and phrases in Maa or Samburu. A few words (even just hello, please and thank you) will go a long way towards developing communication and understanding with local people.
• - Find out what constitutes appropriate behavior and learn about and respect the customs and beliefs.
• - Dress respectfully. It is very easy to offend local people by not covering up or dressing appropriately.
• - Purchase locally made goods and use locally provided services. Try to put money into the local economy by encouraging trade and the local manufacture of goods and crafts.
• - Pay a fair price for the goods and services you buy. Haggling is often a part of local life, but don’t go too far and keep a realistic perspective. What is a trifling sum to you could be a significant amount to a local family (perhaps worth something important to them, such as a meal).
• - Ask permission to photograph or video. How would you like it if a stranger came along and took photos of you going about your everyday life; hanging out the washing, going to the gym or walking the dog?
• - Avoid conspicuous displays of wealth, especially in very poor communities where you are a guest. Remove watches, rings and expensive jewelry.
• - Don’t make promises you can’t keep about sending pictures, gifts, etc.
• - Support local community or environmental projects.
• - When you return home think how you can support programs to help the country you’ve been privileged enough to visit.
• - Save the environment, carry out litter, take bio-degradable soap, burn toilet paper, don’t throw away plastic bags.

Johnson has invited me to Kenya to visit the Maasai and Samburu communities with which he works. Watch for more about NICE safaris in future newsletters. Meanwhile, Johnson and I will talk on the phone when I get to Arusha in January.

06-01-2008