The Travel Foundation – an independent UK charity which aims to help the outbound travel industry manage tourism more sustainably – is helping Maasai villages in Kenya develop sustainable tourism experiences for visitors from which they can benefit economically.

The scheme is centered around five Maasai villages in the Mara Triangle – Enkereri, Iikinye, Enkutoto, Hardrock and Olonana – which previously competed for visitors but are now being brought together to form the Mara Triangle Maasai Tourism Association.

Previously the villages only made money through selling souvenirs to tourists and 96 per cent of the tour fees paid by tourists went to intermediaries. A new transparent system is now being set up by lodges in the area which organise tours, which will see the entry fees go directly to the villages.

Joint workshops have also been held to educate the villagers about their role within the Kenyan tourism industry and the benefits of tourism to the community.

“The villagers were losing around US$11,500 (£4,640, 6,900 euro) a month in potential income,” said Dr Cheryl Mvula, who initiated the project.

“This is a lot of money for these five small villages. If they retained this money, in one month they could install a borehole and get access to clean water. In two months, the 300 children currently out of school in these villages could afford transport fees and go to school.

“We are talking about real changes to people’s lives – and all through their own efforts to engage responsibly with the tourism industry in Kenya. Although it is early days, with the support of the local lodges for the new payment system, we are optimistic that the benefits will be real and lasting.” Details: www.thetravelfoundation.org.uk