Supporting Sustainable Tourism activities in Kenya
This UN World Tourism Day, the call to action is clear: it’s time to rethink how we travel.
This year’s theme, “Tourism and Sustainable Transformation,” challenges us all to embrace experiences that protect the planet and empower communities.
Supporting rather than spoiling local natural and cultural landmarks, celebrating nature and the people of Kilifi, our vision is to be the lifestyle destination celebrating Kenya, so at Vipingo Ridge, we’ve long embraced this philosophy. We believe that true luxury lies in a travel experience that is both unforgettable and impactful.
Recently recognized with a Gold Ecotourism Certification by Ecotourism Kenya, Vipingo Ridge demonstrates how a world-class destination can blend conservation, community benefit, and guest enjoyment into a truly transformative model of tourism.
Here are some of the unique activities that bring sustainable tourism to life at Vipingo Ridge:
Ranger Walks
Guided by our Rangers, who you can meet in our blog - Behind the Scenes: Life as a Wildlife Ranger guests embark on walks within the 2,000 acre Wildlife Sanctuary, revealing the hidden stories of the land from native plants and wildlife. This journey also introduces the ongoing habitat protection efforts. These low-impact experiences encourage a deeper connection with nature.
Game Drives
Eco-sensitive game drives offer close encounters with wildlife while adhering to strict guidelines that minimize disturbance. Guests learn first-hand about conservation challenges and the importance of protecting biodiversity corridors within the development, the concept of ‘wildlife corridors’ mirrors the national scale of this practice across Kenya.
Kitchen Garden Tours
In the heart of Vipingo Ridge Beach Club, a thriving kitchen garden demonstrates sustainable agriculture in action. Visitors discover composting methods, water-smart practices, and organic farming techniques that supply fresh produce to the resort kitchens. Led by women of the community, this tour of the climate-smart garden project explains how the women have sought independance and food empowerment. From learning about verticle growing techniques and diversifying the diets of their families, this project has impacted 300 homes to date in the local community.
Coral Workshops
At the Vipingo Ridge Beach Club, on the white sands the community coral workshop introduces guests to the fragile beauty of marine ecosystems. From reef ecology to restoration initiatives, these sessions by the local conservation and welfare organisation, raise awareness of the urgent need to protect oceans and coastal livelihoods. This is the workshop visited by King Charles III and proudly displays the plaque commemorating his visit in November 2023.
Community Snorkeling
The Marine Conservancy at the Vipingo Ridge Beach Club is called the ‘Lagoon of Life’ by the BBC. Linked to the work of the coral workshop, there is an opportunity to join a guided walk out to the lagoon to experience the rehabilitation of the underwater ecosystem first hand.
By snorkelling with local guides, guests not only enjoy the wonders of the marine world but also directly support community livelihoods. This inclusive approach ensures that conservation and tourism create shared value.
Plant a Tree
Tree-planting sessions allow visitors to leave a lasting mark, contributing to reforestation and habitat restoration. Each tree supports soil health, carbon capture, and the broader fight against climate change. We organically grow our own native seedlings and the team will explain more about our rewilding efforts that have transformed the former sisal estate to a biodiverse and green development that Vipingo Ridge is now known as.
E-Bike Safaris
With 2,000 acres to explore we have mapped a number of trails to experience the forests, waterways and rewilding work. Electric-powered bikes provide a fun, eco-friendly way to explore trails and landscapes. They reduce emissions and noise while giving visitors the chance to travel at a slower pace, in harmony with the environment.
Sustainable Golfing
Vipingo Ridge is home to East Africa’s only PGA-accredited golf course, designed with sustainability at its core. From electric carts and water-efficient irrigation to the employment of local caddies, the course proves that even luxury leisure can align with environmental and social responsibility.
Tourism as a Force for Good
World Tourism Day 2025 reminds us that travel is about more than places it’s about people, planet, and purpose.
At Vipingo Ridge, each activity is more than recreation; it’s an opportunity to learn, to contribute, and to be transformed. Whether walking with rangers, planting a tree, or supporting community snorkel guides, visitors take part in experiences that balance enjoyment with impact.
Tourism, when done sustainably, strengthens ecosystems, uplifts communities, and inspires travelers to be stewards of the places they visit. This World Tourism Day, Vipingo Ridge stands as a shining example of how tourism can truly be a force for good.
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