Unlocking Taita Taveta’s Tourism: A Pathway for People, Wildlife, and Prosperity in the Tsavo Landscape, Kenya

At the foothills of Taita Taveta County, Kenya, the vast plains of Tsavo stretch endlessly before you, revealing a landscape that feels both ancient and full of life with unique ecosystems.  

This remarkable region, home to Tsavo West and Tsavo East National Parks as well as community conservancies, is defined by sweeping savannas that sustain iconic wildlife, and breathtaking landmarks such as the Kasigau and Taita Hills.

Yet, despite all its natural and cultural richness, its potential as a unified tourist destination has often gone underappreciated and untapped.

Recognizing this, in October 2023, the Taita Taveta Wildlife Conservancies Association (TTWCA), with funding from Tui Care Foundation and facilitation by African Wildlife Foundation (AWF), developed a tourism circuit to create a well-defined route linking key tourist destinations and attractions across the region, that are be explored sequentially.

Why a Tourism Circuit for Community Conservancies in Tsavo?

For decades, Tsavo has been synonymous with its famed national parks. But surrounding these parks are several community conservancies and ranches — with a highlight of 8, namely Mgeno, Kasigau, Maungu, Taita Hills, Choke, Lumo, Teita Estate, and Lake Jipe, that brim with untapped opportunity.  

These conservancies play a vital role in safeguarding critical wildlife habitats, maintaining ecological connectivity, and supporting livelihoods — making them key to the future of conservation and sustainable tourism in the region.

The circuit was developed to unlock this potential by strengthening coordination, creating new tourism products, improving infrastructure, and positioning the conservancies as a competitive destination.  

“This collaboration to deliver the tourism circuit is redefining how we protect nature and support communities, paving the way for a future where people and wildlife thrive together,” says Kenneth Kimitei, Tsavo-Mkomazi Landscape Manager at AWF.

Addressing the Gaps

Despite its biodiversity and cultural richness, tourism in Tsavo remains fragmented. Collaboration among conservancies is limited, many attractions are overlooked, and inadequate infrastructure such as poor roads and insufficient facilities continues to hinder access. At the same time, community-led tourism initiatives have struggled to reach wider markets.

Like many communities living alongside wildlife and critical ecosystems, people in the Tsavo landscape also face resource scarcity, recurring droughts, and limited income options. The tourism circuit aims to address these challenges and ensure that it delivers benefits for both people and conservation.  

Sustainable tourism truly presents a viable solution — one that aligns with national priorities and global sustainability goals, as it builds on existing conservation progress, and strengthens community resilience.

“The circuit will showcase our unique offerings and position us as a signature destination." Cecil Peter Ndong’a, Manager at Mgeno Wildlife Conservancy, says. "Through this circuit, we're not just inviting tourists, we're creating an immersive experience that drives sustainable growth, community pride, and long-term economic impact."  

Tourist admiring some of the local made sisal baskets.

Empowering Communities

For local communities, the circuit represents a promise of shared benefits. As opportunities in tour guiding, transport, hospitality, cultural and experiential tourism will create jobs and strengthen economies. Revenue-sharing will further support schools, health facilities, and infrastructure, while cultural hubs preserve heritage.

“It also represents improved capacity and market access for locally made items like baskets from the sisal industry in the region, and leather products produced from the skin and hides from the livestock kept in the conservancies," Kimitei says.

Notably, for the circuit to thrive, infrastructure remains pivotal. Investments in good roads, clear signage, quality accommodation, and basic services like clean water and reliable transport are critical to enabling Tsavo to compete as a world-class destination that balances comfort with authenticity.  

Already, progress is evident. As a tourism agreement between Teita Estate Conservation Area (TECA) and Choke Conservancy demonstrates growing collaboration, while contributions to the Taita Taveta County Tourism Policy show how the circuit is shaping governance and investment opportunities.

Success for Tsavo will mean elephants roaming secure habitats, children attending schools funded by tourism, visitors engaging responsibly, and communities united under a shared vision of prosperity.  

Elephants in Tsavo National Park at a watering hole

How to Support the Circuit

Stakeholders, partners, and visitors all have a vital role to play in the success of the Tsavo Tourism Circuit. Active collaboration through open communication and resource sharing will strengthen the initiative, while promotion and advocacy will help share Tsavo’s story with a wider audience.

“We urge investment in community enterprises to enhance competitiveness, while promoting responsible tourism practices that keep conservation values at the core,” says Alfred Mwanake, Chief Executive Officer of TTWCA. “This plan is a milestone that links conservation with economic growth and improved livelihoods.”

By supporting the Taita Taveta Tourism Circuit, every visit, partnership, and investment becomes part of a larger journey — one that protects wildlife, empowers communities, and secures a thriving future for this iconic landscape.