What does Daniel, our Masai host, have in common with Robert Redford the Hollywood legend? Well more than you might think. You see, Daniel was an extra in the movie OUT OF AFRICA as it was filmed partly in a valley close to where he lives. We believe that Daniel stole every scene in the movie that he was in.
The global tourism industry is a mega trillion dollar activity with tour operators focused on profits and commissions. On the one hand it appears they are active social citizens who see themselves as change agents. On the other hand, they may be ignoring the sheer bread and butter issues of óvertourism’. At this stage, is doesn’t appear that the global tourist industry knows how to respond.
Whether its grandma sitting on her 3 seat lounge as she takes it home on a motorbike, or the acrobatic antics of a bus conductor, transport in Nairobi can be a life threatening scenario. A point of view that using local transport providers supports the local economy is a valid one. And in these days of ‘responsible tourism’ it makes good sense. But travelers in Nairobi may be wise to revisit decisions about how they get around.
