Beyond the Safari: Rethinking Impact in Kenya

For many travellers, a visit to a Maasai village is a highlight of their first journey to Kenya. It offers a glimpse of culture, tradition, and heritage. As true as that may be, we must also acknowledge that much of this experience has, over time, been curated for visitors. While it can be fascinating and enjoyable, it is not the full picture of Maasai life.

This raises a larger question about authenticity in travel. Where do we, as visitors, truly connect with the realities of the places we explore? Beyond the staged moments, how do we engage with the issues that shape everyday life, whether it is water sanitation, poverty alleviation, or other community needs?

Travel, after all, is not only about what we see but also about how we contribute. Small, thoughtful choices can have a profound effect. Staying at a property that actively manages its carbon footprint, choosing operators that invest in local communities, or simply asking the right questions about impact… these actions matter.

Today’s traveler is more conscious than ever before. Many of our guests arrive already asking about sustainability standards, carbon neutrality, and ethical practices. This shift in awareness is pushing the industry forward. Green certifications, one seen as optional, are becoming essential. They provide credibility, setting a framework of strict criteria that properties must meet to prove their commitment.

Yet, while the potential is immense, the journey is far from complete. Kenya’s tourism industry is still defining what sustainability truly means in practice. It cannot be reduced to a marketing tagline or a symbolic gesture. Genuine sustainability requires long-term thinking, accountability, and systems that ensure both communities and ecosystems thrive.

At ZIA, we see sustainability not as an add-on but as the foundation of meaningful travel. The journeys we create are designed to go beyond the surface. Offering not only unforgettable experiences, but also opportunities to engage responsibly and leave a positive mark.

Travel should not just take you somewhere. It should change something, however small, for the better.