WILDLIFE AND TOURISM

WILDLIFE
These are untamed animals (fauna) and plants (flora) existing in their natural habitat.

Wildlife depends on many environmental factors like soils, climate, relief and drainage.
Different regions have different soil types which supports a variety of vegetation.
Climatic conditions differ from region to region. A combination of all or some of these
factors creates different habitats for different fauna and flora.

Factors affecting distribution of wildlife

1. Type of vegetation- Wildlife in East Africa is determined by the vegetation cover

of the habitat in which wildlife is found. E.g. heavily forested areas have
elephants, gorillas, baboons and chimpanzees. Savannah regions have
buffaloes, impalas, cheetahs and leopards.
2. Climate- Areas with low rainfall have savannah type of vegetation and therefore
more herbivores while wetter regions like mountain areas have elephants,
baboons and buffaloes. Snakes are found in warm areas.
3. Relief- Flatter regions have more herbivores compared to rugged landscape
4. Drainage/ Presence of water- Some wild animals are found In seas, lakes,
rivers,swamps and oceans. E.g. fish, hippos, crocodiles and coral polyps.

5. Soil affects fauna.

6. Human activities - displace wildlife

Game Reserves, National Parks and Sanctuaries

A game reserve or a National Reserve is an area set aside for wildlife conservation. The
area is managed by a County Council or Local Authorities. There are limited human
activities in reserves like grazing of domestic animals. Most reserves are mainly
inhabited by herbivores. Game reserves are also set up and owned by individuals e.g.
in Laikipia district. Animals in privately owned ranches are slaughtered to provide game
meat to major hotels in Nairobi and Mombasa.

National Parks

A National Park or a national game park is a large area of public land set aside by the
government for preservation of its scenic, recreational, scientific or historical
importance. It is also defined as a large area set aside for the propagation, protection
and conservation of wildlife in their natural habitat and in which hunting is prohibited. It

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is given special protection by the government. It is normally fenced off and is managed
by government agencies. The agencies collect entry fees to parks, take care of animals
and assist in resolving people animal conflict. In Kenya, National Parks are managed by
KWS, in Uganda by Uganda Wildlife Authority and in Tanzania by Mali Hai. No human
activity is allowed except visiting by tourists.

Sanctuaries

These are places protected by law where endangered wild animals and birds can live
and breed without interference. They can also be defined as specific areas established
to give protection to a specific animal community which is either threatened with
extinction or is only found in a particular area. Such species are conserved and
protected from extinction. Some sanctuaries are found within main game reserves or
parks while others are found on their own. The protection controls the migratory habits
of protected species. Examples of sanctuaries include: Mwaluganje National Reserve in
Kwale (elephant sanctuary), TanaRiver Primate Reserve (rare species of monkeys and
baboons, L. Baringo Reptile Park, Nakuru Sanctuary in L. Nakuru National Park (for
rhinos),Ngulia Sanctuary in Tsavo West National Park, Meru Sanctuary in Meru
National Park (for rhinos), Aberdare Sanctuary in Aberdare National Park (for rhinos)

Significance of wildlife- Page 67 Karuggah

● They are a major tourist attraction and foreign exchange.

● They create employment opportunities - in National parks/ tourist Hotels.
● Tourism creates a large demand for food leading to agricultural
development
● Some animals provide raw materials for industries.
● Some animals are a source of game meat - eland, crocodiles.
● Conservation of wild animals stimulates the development of roads/
increased accessibility in some otherwise remote areas.
● Conservation and preservation of wild animals in the national parks and
game reserves help provide alternative land use in semi-arid areas
unsuitable for agriculture.
● The government earns revenue - licenses for hunting, local entry fees.
● They promote research activities - for medicines etc.

Problems facing wildlife in E. Africa

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 1. Poaching – This is the unlicensed and uncontrolled killing of wild animals for
hides, skins, horns and meat. This illegal killing has reduced the animal
population making some animals extinct.
2. Clearing vegetation or human encroachment. Population increase has put
pressure on existing land. Forests are cleared for agriculture, settlement and
industrialization. This has led to migration of wild animals.
3. Insecurity – Game parks that are affected by banditry or civil war like Kora or
Kidepo Valley are affected by animal migration. Tourists also do not visit such
places.
4. Pollution – Dumping of industrial wastes in rivers and lakes has contributed to the
death of many wild animals. E.g. Pollution in L. Nakuru from industrial wastes
has led to the death of many flamingoes and migration to other lakes.
5. Overpopulation of animals – Tsavo had excess elephants thus creating desert-
like conditions.
6. Natural calamities/ Changing climatic trends – Drought and floods have led to
mass destruction of vegetation and wild animals. Other animals migrate to other
areas leading to a reduction in the number of species.
7. Forest fires – Fires may be started by poachers, smokers or lightning. This
destroys the natural habitat of wildlife and causes death of many animals or
mass migration due to food shortage.
8. Uncontrolled tourism – Tourists drive too near animals thus disturbing them when
they are sleeping, eating or breeding. This causes them to change their habits.
9. Pests and diseases – Pests like locusts destroy habitat causing a shortage of
food for wild animals. Lions in the Amboseli were affected by canine distemper, a
disease which caused death. Buffaloes are prone to pneumonia and diseases
from tsetse flies which make them weak and easily attacked.
10. Inadequate capital - This has led to few game rangers and patrol vehicles and
planes to monitor the parks and provide security so as to help reduce poaching.
11. Human- Animal Conflict – Animals stray into people’s farms and destroy crops.
Livestock may be killed by lions and leopards. Compensation may be little or
slow in coming. Hence people kill wildlife.

Management and Conservation of Wildlife in East Africa

Management of wildlife is the careful planning and control of wildlife resources.

Conservation of wildlife is the protection of wildlife resources for future generations.

Measures

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 1. Creating public awareness – The public is educated on the importance of wildlife
conservation through the media, posters and seminars. Wildlife conservation
education centres have been set up in L. Nakuru National Park, Tsavo National
Park and Nairobi National Park/ Encouraging joint ownership of parks with local
authorities/ Local communities who also benefit from the proceeds.
2. Enacting laws and regulations to curb poaching and game trade/ Imposing a ban
on hunting and trading of wild animal products – This is to help animals increase
and to reduce trade on products like elephant tusks and rhino horns.
3. Establishment of anti-poaching units – so as to guard parks and reserves against
poachers.
4. Establishment of N. Parks and game Reserves – so as to protect plant and
animal life from extinction and to preserve the habitats they live on.
5. Translocation of animals by law (this is the movement of animals , by man, from
one area to another with similar ecological characteristics) – Animals are moved
from areas where they face more danger to other parks, sanctuaries and
orphanages. / Provision of vet services to treat animals.
6. Encouraging individuals to set up game ranches for controlled hunting /Game
ranching – This is the rearing of specific kinds of wild animals in protected large
tracts of land. When this is done wildlife is exploited for meat and other products
and environmental conservation is encouraged. Examples of ranches include
Kekopei Ranch in Gilgil, Galana Game Ranch and Ndara Game Ranch in Tsavo.
Bamburi Nature trail and Giraffe Centre in Nairobi are in the same category.
7. Preventing soil erosion through afforestation and reafforestation programmes.
8. Pollution control through legislation.
9. Reclaiming wastelands to reduce pressure on existing agricultural land.
10. Research – On wildlife feeding habits, diseases, reproduction. E.g. KREMU
(Kenya Rangeland Ecological Monitoring Unit gathers information on livestock
and wildlife so as to monitor ecological balance in the area.

11. Enhancing international co-operation to help enforce the existing laws and
conventions which protect wildlife especially endangered species.

12. Promoting ecotourism to reduce tourism related environmental damage that may
lead to extinction of species.

13. Constructing electric fences around the parks to minimize human- animal conflict.

14. Establishing the Ministry of Wildlife to oversee the conservation process/ creating
anti-poaching units to track down and arrest poachers/ forest guards to protect
forests.

Why is it necessary to conserve wildlife?

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 ● To maintain genetic diversity.
● To preserve wildlife for future generations /posterity.
● To protect endangered species of plants and animals.
● To attract tourists thus earning foreign exchange.
● To use wildlife for research and education.
● To maintain aesthetics for recreation.
● To provide material for medicinal extracts.
● To ensure sustainable utilization of the species.

Ways in which game reserves are of benefit to the communities living near them.

● Game reserves offer employment opportunities to the communities living near

them. / The management of game reserves provide social amenities to the
communities.
● The communities are allowed to graze their animals in the reserves.
● Access roads to the game reserves benefit the communities.
● Income earned from the game reserves by the local authorities is used to provide
services to the communities.
● Sometimes members of the communities are given meat when the animals have
been culled.
● Educational institutions located near the game reserves have easy access for
educational tours.

Effects of drought on wildlife in Kenya

● Shortage of pasture and water causing loss of life of animals and drying up of
plant species.
● Prolonged drought which leads to migration of animals to areas that have
sufficient supply of food and water./ Some animals migrate to neighbouring
countries reducing the number of wild animals.
● Forest fires break out during drought causing environmental degradation and
destroying the habitat for wildlife.
● Wild animals invade farmlands destroying crops./ Some are killed as they search
for food.

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TOURISM

Tourism is an economic activity where people travel to visit places of interest either for
leisure, business or education.

Ecotourism is the development and management of tourism while conserving the

environment. The community living around the tourist attractions is involved in the
management and conservation of the site and gains economically from the proceeds.

Domestic tourism is when residents of a country visit places of interest in the country./
Touring of a country for leisure and adventure by the residents of the country.

International Tourism is when visits are made by tourists to other countries./ Visits of
persons from one country to places of interest in another country.

Why do people travel?

● For leisure
● To take a break from work
● To avoid winter
● For adventure like mountain climbing
● For religious reasons like pilgrimages to Mecca, Jerusalem, Rome
● To carry out research

Factors which hinder the development of domestic tourism in Kenya

1. High cost of accommodation and transport. – Many people in Kenya are poor/
low income earners and cannot afford to go on holiday.
2. Poor roads to National Parks and reserves. – Some roads are impassable during
the rainy season thus discouraging people from visiting such sites.
3. Inadequate campaigns and advertisement on tourist sites. – Thus many Kenyans
are unaware of beautiful and interesting attractions in their country.
4. Familiarity with tourist attractions. – Many Kenyans are familiar with existing
tourist attractions and do not appreciate their beauty and value, thus few local
people visit.
5. Negative attitude towards local tourism. – Some people think it is a waste of time
and money. Sometimes people are faced with a negative attitude from service
people in the industry.
6. Insecurity from poachers and gangsters. – These scare people from visiting the
parks.

Reasons for encouraging domestic tourism in Kenya

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 1. It earns the government revenue which could be used in the development of
other sectors.
2. It encourages Kenyans to learn more about their country and use their leisure
time well./ Helps Kenyans become familiar with different parts of the country.
3. It encourages the use of accommodation facilities which are underutilized during
the low tourist season./ To make use of tourist facilities during the low tourist
season.
4. It increases the consumption or sales of locally manufactured goods like
handicrafts or agricultural products.
5. It helps Kenyans appreciate their national heritage/ artifacts/ culture/ wildlife.
6. It increases employment opportunities for Kenyans thus raising their living
standards.
7. It enhances national unity through cultural and social interactions among
Kenyans/ different communities like through understanding and exchange of
values.
8. It promotes conservation and preservation of the environment.

9. It enhances circulation of money within the country./ promotes domestic trade.

10. It exposes Kenyans to a wide variety of recreational facilities.

Factors influencing tourism in Kenya Pg 84 - 86 Karuggah Please write under the

following points

● Climate
● Scenery
● Wildlife
● Historical sites
● Infrastructure
● Political Stability
● Publicity
● Accomodation
● Training Programmes
● Research programmes

Tourist attractions in Kenya Pg 86 - 87 Karuggah (Please list the main attractions

under the following headings:

● The main attractions at the coast.

● The main inland attractions

Significance of Tourism

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 1. Earns the country foreign exchange. Tourism is an invisible export when tourists
make payments in foreign currency e.g. for entry to parks, therefore foreign
exchange is obtained. It is then used for the development of other sectors like
roads.
2. Government Revenue Earner. This is earned through license fees, custom and
excise duty, VAT on tourism services, landing fees, taxes on employees in the
industry. This money is used in the provision of basic services like health,
education and roads.
3. Employment. Tourism creates many jobs in the economy like tour drivers,
guides, hotel staff, and game wardens. Indirectly it promotes self employment
e.g. people selling souvenirs, agriculture.
4. Development of infrastructure. This includes airports, road network, power and
water supply. This is provided to different tourist sites.
5. International Cooperation. Good relations develop between different nations
improving cultural understanding. It also enhances trade. Domestic tourism
promotes patriotism.
6. Conservation of wildlife. Endangered species of animals and vegetation continue
to survive through conservation to be available for tourism for future generations.
7. Establishment of training facilities.
8. Promotion of local industries like wood carving, basket making and soapstone
carving.
9. Promotion of agriculture. Food is produced and sold to hotels which feed tourists.

Problems facing tourism

1. Insecurity. Ethnic clashes, banditry, terrorism.

2. Poaching.
3. Poor transport during the rainy season.
4. High travel costs/ High tariffs. High accommodation charges cause tourists to
spend fewer days in the country or some prefer other countries with the same
attractions and are cheaper.
5. Civil strife in the region. People believe that when Kenya’s neighbours are at war
then Kenya is at war. To others Africa is one big country and is always at war.

Problems associated with tourism

1. Tourism has led to an increase in drug abuse. Trafficking of drugs. Some tourists
introduce young people to drugs to encourage use and abuse.
2. A number of youth especially at the coast have dropped out of school to become
tour guides/ beach boys/ sex workers/ curio sellers.
3. Tourism has led to pollution of the environment/ national parks/ game reserves.
Erosion of culture. E.g. the imitation of different ways of dress and manners.

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 4. Overemphasis on tourism has led to neglect of other sectors of the economy.
5. Tourism has led to an increase in crime/ insecurity.
6. Tourism has encouraged poaching/ illegal collection of marine resources.
7. Tourism has led to international terrorism/ piracy.
8. Erosion of some social values/ culture. Erosion of traditional values. This has led
to promiscuity and spread of diseases like HIV/ AIDS.Erosion of culture. E.g. the
imitation of different ways of dress and manners.
9. Increase in national debt. To compete with other countries, facilities of high
standards have to be put up. To do this the government seeks outside financial
assistance. If there is a decline in tourists, low income cannot repay the loans
leading to debt.

10. School dropouts. E.g. beach boys.

11. Erosion of traditional values. This has led to promiscuity and spread of diseases
like HIV/ AIDS.
12. Trafficking of drugs. Some tourists introduce young people to drugs to encourage
use and abuse.
13. Erosion of culture. E.g. the imitation of different ways of dress and manners.
14. Destruction of natural habitat. Pollution of parks caused by littering e.g. with
plastic bags or bottles is not attractive. People collect shells on the reefs
destroying habitats.
15. Increase in national debt. To compete with other countries, facilities of high
standards have to be put up. To do this the government seeks outside financial
assistance. If there is a decline in tourists, low income cannot repay the loans
leading to debt.

Future of Tourism in Kenya

Measures taken to improve the industry:

1. Political stability and security. This has made tourism continue flourishing. There
is a special police force trained on how to handle and protect tourists.

2. Conservation. Measures to conserve wildlife should be made as it is a major

tourist attraction. E.g. preventing poaching and eliminating pollution.

3. Improving tourist related facilities. There is an expansion of high class hotels for
accomodation. Infrastructure to remote parks should be well maintained.

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 4. Marketing of tourism. Increased tourist promotion is required. More offices should
be established in areas where promotion has not been done, like East and SE
Asian countries.

5. Development of new tourist attractions. The western and northern circuits in

Kenya have a lot of potential.

TOURISM IN SWITZERLAND

Factors that influence tourism in Switzerland

● Climate - Warm summer thus magnificent scenery like snow capped mountains,
lakes and waterfalls. In winter there are winter sports like skiing and ice skating.
and roads. Therefore there are tourists throughout the year.
● Scenery. There is beautiful scenery consisting of snow capped mountains,
glittering lakes, cascading waterfalls and glaciated landscapes.
● Geographical location. Switzerland is centrally located in Europe thus is easily
accessible from other European countries.
● Transport. Switzerland is well connected to other European countries by
railways, road, airways and waterways. It also has a well developed transport
network of electrified railways, cable cars, ski-lifts, boat trips, air services and
roads, These enable visitors to reach all tourist sites.
● Stability and policy of neutrality. Switzerland does not align itself with other
countries/ Does not align itself to the east or the west, thus it has cordial relations
with countries of the world. It has also enjoyed a peaceful and stable
environment which has guaranteed the safety of tourists and therefore tourists
come from all over the world.
● Diversity of language. The Swiss are able to communicate in major languages of
the world including German, French, English and Italian.
● Centre for international meetings. Switzerland is the headquarters of many
international organisations like the Red Cross, World Health Organisation. The
delegates who attend conferences tour various parts of the country.
● Hospitality. The Swiss are very hospitable and tourist personnel are highly
trained and efficient which encourages tourism.
● Accommodation. Switzerland has very many high class hotels which have high
standards of service. They also have package tours which lower the prices for
transport and accomodation.
● Financial Institutions. Switzerland is a centre of financial institutions. People who
travel for business end up visiting tourist sites.

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Tourist attractions in Switzerland

1. Beautiful Scenery. The country has beautiful scenery like the Alps, cascading
waterfalls, glaciated valleys and lakes. There are also medicinal spas which all
attract tourists.
2. Double climate. Switzerland has double climatic seasons which attract tourists.
During summer tourists view beautiful scenery like mountains and lakes. This
allows for swimming and sunbathing. There is also mountain climbing. During
winter there are winter sports like skiing and skating.
3. Zoos. Many wild animals in Switzerland have been tamed and put in zoos. These
attract visitors especially in the towns of St. Moritz and Montreuax.
4. Rich Culture. The Swiss have a rich and varied culture which has been
preserved over a long period of time. Many tourists are attracted to the beautiful
dance troupes.

Factors which make Switzerland receive more tourists than Kenya

1. Switzerland is centrally located in Europe which makes it easily accessible to

many tourists from Europe while Kenya is far away from Europe.
2. Some tourist attractions are found in both Switzerland and Kenya, hence tourists
prefer to visit those near home.
3. Political stability and peaceful atmosphere in Switzerland attracts tourists, while
in Kenya there are reports of insecurity.
4. Well developed and efficient transport and communication system in Switzerland
thus easy access to tourist sites. In Kenya, many roads are impassable in the
rainy season and thus it is difficult to access some sites.
5. More effective advertisement and promotion of tourism in Switzerland than in
Kenya. Switzerland has offices all over the world while Kenya has few.
6. Relatively fair charges for tourist services in Switzerland, while in Kenya charges
are high.

Significance of Tourism in Switzerland

1. Foreign exchange
2. Employment

Effects of Tourism in Switzerland

● Development of infrastructure.
● Creation of employment.

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 ● Earning the country foreign exchange.
● Promoting international understanding - through interaction of tourists from
different countries.
● Training of skilled manpower.
● Enhancing environmental conservation.
● Environmental pollution.
● High maintenance cost of tourism infrastructure.
● Erosion of the Swiss culture.

COMPARISON BETWEEN TOURISM IN KENYA AND SWITZERLAND

Similarities

● Switzerland has snow-capped mountain peaks while Kenya has Mount Kenya
which is covered by snow and both attract tourists.
● Both countries have waterfalls along their rivers.
● Kenya has many national parks and Switzerland has a national park.
● Both countries have springs which are considered as health spas and attract
tourists.
● Both countries have domestic and international tourists.
● In both countries package tours are encouraged.

Differences

KENYA SWITZERLAND

Has coastal beaches. Has lakeside beaches.

Wild animals are found in natural habitats. Wild animals are kept in zoos.

Has tropical climate - warm, sunny Has a temperate climate with cold winters
which encourage winter sports.

Varied and beautiful coastal scenery, Rift Has varied scenery of snow- capped
Valley mountains, glaciated landscape.

Far from Europe thus fewer tourists. Centrally located thus more tourists.

Reports of insecurity which scares Peaceful atmosphere in Switzerland

potential tourists. which encourages more tourists.

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Poorly maintained network making it Efficient transport system.
difficult to access tourist sites.

Kenyans speak few international More international languages are spoken

languages hence communication is thus there is ease of communication.
limited with some tourists.

Less advanced training of personnel thus Advanced training of personnel thus

lower quality of service. higher quality of service.

Accessibility to financial services is limited Accessibility of financial services and

to urban areas. facilities is widespread throughout the
country.

Most people have a low purchasing Most people have high purchasing power
power thus limiting their ability to travel as thus many travel as tourists.
tourists.

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