Eco-Tourism Kamungi Banda
Improving livelihoods in the Kamungi Conservancy through eco-tourism in partnership with Tsavo Trust.
Issue
Kamungi Conservancy is located along the northern boundary of Tsavo East National Park in the Tsavo Triangle, and it faces significant environmental and social challenges. While the area is home to a rich diversity of wildlife, including elephants and lions, increasing human-wildlife conflict and habitat degradation threaten these species. Local communities, dependent on agriculture and livestock, often leading to clashes with wildlife over limited resources, further straining the delicate balance between wildlife conservation and individual community member’s needs. There was growing pressure for sustainable solutions which would protect wildlife habitats while fostering economic growth for the people in the area. Without support and partnership, both wildlife populations and the community’s well-being were at risk.
Action
Tofauti, in partnership with Tsavo Trust, took decisive steps to address these challenges by part sponsoring the development of Kamungi Banga Eco-Tourism Lodge. The eco-lodge was designed as a sustainable tourism initiative that could generate income for the local Taita community while promoting wildlife conservation. Constructed using eco-friendly materials and employing local workers, the lodge embodies low-impact development practices. Beyond offering accommodation, the project emphasized the involvement of the Kamungi community through cultural exchange programs, local employment, and conservation education. Tofauti and Tsavo Trust also collaborated on wildlife preservation programs in the surrounding area to protect key species and reduce human-wildlife conflict.
How?
Construction of a small eco-tourism facility on the boundary of Tsavo East National Park within Kamungi Conservancy.
Provide training to Kamungi members in administration, hospitality, cooking and cleaning etc. Through this training, members of Kamungi will obtain the skills to manage the facility and entertain guests and have full-time employment.
The proposed project activities will positively impact the WaKamba people of Kamungi (245 households and approximately 2,450 members).
There will be a direct benefit to 6 Kamungi members who will be directly employed.
The Kamungi Community will benefit from development projects that are implemented using revenue generated from this site.
The long-term goal is to pave the way for the community’s journey toindependence.
Impact
The establishment of Kamungi Banga Eco-Tourism Lodge has had transformative effects. Economically, the lodge has provided a sustainable income stream for the local community, offering jobs and boosting small businesses. Culturally, it has fostered a deeper understanding between tourists and the Taita people, empowering the community to share their heritage. Environmentally, the lodge has played a critical role in safeguarding wildlife by funding anti-poaching efforts and habitat preservation initiatives. Additionally, the focus on conservation education has raised awareness about the importance of protecting the region’s unique ecosystems, ensuring that both people and wildlife can thrive in harmony.
Through this partnership, Kamungi Banda’s stands as a model of how eco-tourism can be leveraged to address complex conservation challenges while creating tangible benefits for the people of the area.
