When planning a safari to the Masai Mara, one of the key decisions travelers must make is whether to take a short flight from Nairobi or travel by road transfer. Each option has its advantages, but both come with environmental costs, particularly in terms of carbon emissions. This guide compares the carbon footprint of both options and explores the true cost of your safari if you choose to offset these emissions by purchasing carbon credits.
Comparing Carbon Footprints for Air and Road Transfers from Nairobi to Masai mara
1. Air Transfer: Nairobi to Masai Mara
Flying from Nairobi’s Wilson Airport to one of the airstrips in the Masai Mara is a convenient option, especially for travelers looking to save time. The flight distance is approximately 225 kilometers and typically takes around 45 minutes each way.
Carbon Footprint of Air Transfer
A small safari aircraft, such as a Cessna Grand Caravan, is often used for these transfers. While more efficient than larger commercial jets, these small planes still produce a significant amount of CO2. The typical carbon emissions for this type of flight are estimated as follows:
- One-way flight (Nairobi to Masai Mara): 0.12 to 0.15 metric tons of CO2 per passenger.
- Round-trip flight: 0.24 to 0.30 metric tons of CO2 per passenger.
Considering a flight emits around 240 to 300 kg of CO2 per passenger for a round trip, this is a substantial environmental impact for a relatively short journey.
Carbon Credits to Offset Air Transfer
To offset these emissions, you can purchase carbon credits. Carbon credits generally cost between $10 to $20 per metric ton of CO2.
- To offset the 0.24 to 0.30 metric tons of CO2 emitted by a round-trip flight, you would need to spend approximately $2.40 to $6.00 on carbon credits.
2. Road Transfer: Nairobi to Masai Mara
Driving from Nairobi to the Masai Mara is a longer journey, taking 5 to 6 hours and covering about 270 kilometers. Safari vehicles, particularly Toyota Land Cruisers, are the most common mode of road transport. These vehicles are designed for off-road driving and are ideal for safaris, but they are diesel-powered, which contributes to higher carbon emissions.
Carbon Footprint of Road Transfer
A 2013 Land Cruiser Series 79 consumes around 12 to 15 liters of diesel per 100 kilometers on average. For the 270-kilometer journey, a one-way trip would require 32 to 40 liters of diesel, which translates to CO2 emissions of approximately:
- One-way road trip: 86 to 107 kg of CO2 per vehicle.
- Round-trip: 172 to 214 kg of CO2 per vehicle.
For a full vehicle (typically 4-6 passengers), the emissions per passenger are lower, but for individual travelers, this could mean a similar carbon footprint to flying.
Carbon Credits to Offset Road Transfer
Using 2.68 kg of CO2 per liter of diesel burned, the cost to offset a full vehicle’s emissions would be slightly lower than air transfers:
- Offset cost for round-trip road transfer (per vehicle): The total CO2 emissions would require purchasing $2 to $4 worth of carbon credits, based on the carbon footprint for the vehicle.
If you’re traveling with 4-6 passengers, the individual contribution would be lower, averaging about $0.50 to $1.00 per person.
3. The True Cost of Your Safari: Environmental Impact and Offsetting
While the costs of carbon credits to offset your emissions are relatively small in comparison to the total cost of a safari, the true cost goes beyond just monetary value. The decision to purchase carbon offsets reflects a commitment to sustainability and the long-term preservation of the ecosystems you’re visiting. Safaris are meant to appreciate and protect wildlife, and offsetting your carbon footprint ensures that future generations can enjoy these experiences as well.
Key Considerations:
- Road Transfer: While the carbon emissions for a road transfer are similar to air transfers on a per-person basis (when fewer passengers are involved), road trips offer more flexibility for eco-conscious practices such as route planning and fuel-efficient driving.
- Air Transfer: While convenient, air transfers have a higher per-person impact when fewer passengers are on the flight. For travelers who prioritize time over environmental impact, carbon offsets are an essential option.
- Sustainability: For the eco-conscious safari-goer, choosing electric safari vehicles at the destination, staying at eco-friendly lodges, and minimizing waste can further reduce the overall carbon footprint.
Can You Offset with Tree Planting?
While purchasing carbon credits is the fastest way to offset emissions, tree planting is another viable option. A single mature tree can absorb about 22 kg of CO2 per year. To offset the 0.24 to 0.30 metric tons of CO2 from a round-trip flight or road transfer, you would need to plant around 11 to 14 trees. However, keep in mind that this is a long-term solution, as trees take years to reach maturity and absorb substantial CO2.
Impact of Using Electric Vehicles on Carbon Footprint for Road Transport
Using electric vehicles (EVs) instead of diesel-powered Land Cruisers can significantly reduce the carbon footprint of road transfers to the Masai Mara. EVs produce zero tailpipe emissions, meaning that the carbon footprint is primarily dependent on how the electricity used to charge them is generated. In Kenya, with a significant portion of electricity coming from renewable sources (such as hydropower, geothermal, and solar), the carbon emissions from EV charging are far lower compared to diesel vehicles.
Here’s a comparison of the carbon emissions and respective offsetting costs between diesel-powered and electric vehicles for a round trip from Nairobi to the Masai Mara:
Table: Carbon Emissions and Cost of Offsetting – Diesel vs. Electric Vehicles
| Transfer Method | Transfer Cost (USD) | Carbon Emissions (Round Trip) | Carbon Offsetting Cost (USD) | Net Cost (USD) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Air Transfer | $350 per person | 0.24 – 0.30 metric tons | $2.40 – $6.00 | $352.40 – $356.00 |
| Road Transfer (Diesel Land Cruiser) | $500 per vehicle | 0.17 – 0.21 metric tons (172-214 kg) | $1.72 – $4.20 | $501.72 – $504.20 |
| Road Transfer (Per Passenger in Diesel Land Cruiser) | $125 per passenger (4 passengers) | 0.03 – 0.05 metric tons (43-53 kg) per passenger | $0.43 – $1.06 | $125.43 – $126.06 |
| Road Transfer (Electric Vehicle) | $500 per vehicle | 0 metric tons (using solar-charged EV) | $0.00 | $500.00 |
| Road Transfer (Per Passenger in Electric Vehicle) | $125 per passenger (4 passengers) | 0 metric tons | $0.00 | $125.00 |
| Road Transfer (2WD Vehicle) | $350 per vehicle | 0.17 – 0.21 metric tons (172-214 kg) | $1.72 – $2.68 | $351.72 – $352.68 |
| Road Transfer (Per Passenger in 2WD Vehicle) | $88 per passenger (4 passengers) | 0.03 – 0.05 metric tons (43-53 kg) per passenger | $0.43 – $0.67 | $88.43 – $88.67 |
Key Insights:
- Electric Vehicles (EVs) produce zero tailpipe emissions, meaning there are no direct carbon emissions from the vehicle itself. This significantly reduces the carbon footprint of the trip compared to diesel-powered vehicles.
- In the case of solar-powered EVs, where the electricity used to charge the vehicle comes from solar panels or renewable sources, the total carbon emissions remain effectively zero, and no carbon offsets are required.
- Diesel Land Cruisers still emit 172-214 kg of CO2 for a round trip, making them less eco-friendly and requiring carbon offsets to neutralize their impact.
Cost Comparison
| Transfer Method | Net Cost (USD) | Carbon Emissions | Cost Per Person | Carbon Offset (USD) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Air Transfer | $352.40 – $356.00 per person | 0.24 – 0.30 metric tons CO2 | $352.40 – $356.00 | $2.40 – $6.00 |
| Road Transfer (Land Cruiser) | $501.72 – $504.20 per vehicle | 0.17 – 0.21 metric tons CO2 | $125.43 – $126.06 per person | $1.72 – $4.20 |
| Road Transfer (2WD Vehicle) | $351.72 – $352.68 per vehicle | 0.17 – 0.21 metric tons CO2 | $88.43 – $88.67 per person | $1.72 – $2.68 |
Conclusion:
- 2WD road transfers are the most cost-effective option, especially for groups of 4 passengers, offering significant savings compared to both air transfers and Land Cruiser transfers. The per-person cost is as low as $88.43, far below the cost of air transfers.
- Air transfers offer the fastest option but come at a much higher price per person and a greater carbon footprint. Even with carbon offsets, the net cost of flying remains higher.
- Land Cruiser transfers provide a good middle ground, offering better comfort and off-road capability at a reasonable cost, especially for groups. However, they are more expensive than 2WD options and still produce notable emissions.
What these figures tell us;
- 2WD road transfers are the most economical, offering 75% savings and being 4 times cheaper than air transfers.
- Land Cruiser transfers provide an off-road advantage while still being 64% cheaper and producing much lower emissions.
- Opting for road transfers, especially with 4 passengers sharing, is both cost-effective and environmentally friendly, making it the best choice for eco-conscious and budget-savvy travelers.
For travelers focused on both budget and environmental sustainability, the 2WD vehicle offers the best balance of affordability and lower environmental impact.