5 Lessons investors in the safari & Tourism in Kenya can learn from the recent floods in the Maasai Mara

Luxury establishments like Emboo River Camp, Mara Napa Camps, JW Marriott, and Ishara Camps were among those severely affected. These high-end properties, known to be ultra Luxury, suffered significant property damage.

The recent floods in Kenya have caused immense losses for investors, with billions of dollars' worth of investments washed away in the Maasai Mara. Both the Talek and Mara rivers broke the banks, flooding the area and destroying many properties along its banks.

I have enumerated below, 5 main lessons for investors learn before embarking on a journey to build a camp, resilient to floods and natural disaster.

1. Adhere to the 50 meter rule.

Observing building and planning laws is crucial for investors in the tourism and safari industry, as recent events in the Maasai Mara have demonstrated. Many camps in close proximity to rivers found themselves particularly vulnerable during the floods, highlighting the necessity of adhering to regulations.

In Kenya, regulations stipulate that camps should be built a minimum of 50 meters away from rivers to mitigate risks associated with flooding. However, some investors have circumvented these laws, constructing camps dangerously close to water bodies. Had these regulations been followed diligently, a significant number of camps could have been spared from the devastating effects of the floods.

While it's understandable that investors seek to provide guests with picturesque views of the river, innovative solutions can achieve this while maintaining a safe distance. One such approach is constructing ramps closer to the river, offering guests stunning views without compromising safety.

Government authorities play a vital role in ensuring compliance with these regulations. In contrast to Kenya, Rwanda has effectively implemented a 50-meter rule along its water bodies. During a my recent study on water-based ecotourism in Rwanda, investors expressed frustration with this regulation, citing concerns about stifled innovation. However, the strict enforcement by the Rwandan government underscores the importance of regulatory oversight in safeguarding both investments and the environment.

Thus, the lesson for investors is clear: adherence to the 50-meter rule is imperative. Failure to comply not only exposes your investments to significant vulnerabilities, as witnessed in the recent floods in the Maasai Mara.

2.Risk Management Strategies

Implementing robust risk management strategies is essential to minimize the financial impact of unforeseen events like floods. This may involve investing in flood-resistant infrastructure, securing adequate insurance coverage, and establishing emergency response plans to ensure the safety of guests and staff.

3. Environmental Conservation

The recent floods serve as a reminder of the importance of environmental conservation in protecting wildlife habitats and preserving the natural beauty of destinations like the Maasai Mara. Investors should support initiatives aimed at sustainable development and responsible tourism practices to safeguard the long-term viability of the industry.

4. Collaboration with Local Communities

Building strong partnerships with local communities can provide investors with valuable insights into environmental risks and mitigation measures. Engaging with indigenous peoples and local stakeholders can foster mutual understanding and cooperation in addressing shared challenges such as flood management and sustainable tourism development.

5. Adaptation and Resilience

Flexibility and resilience are key attributes for businesses operating in dynamic environments like the tourism industry. Investors should be prepared to adapt their strategies in response to changing circumstances, whether it be implementing flood-proofing measures, adjusting itineraries to accommodate weather-related disruptions, or investing in innovative technologies to enhance guest experiences while minimizing environmental impact.

These are just a few of the lessons to be learned, but there are many others that investors should consider before embarking on the journey of building and developing a safari camp or safari business in Africa. With over 10 years of experience working in the tourism industry in Kenya, I can offer valuable advice and mentorship to help you make informed decisions before investing your money.

Feel free to contact me at [email protected] or send me a message on WhatsApp at +254728788207.