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Tag: Maasai Mara National Reserve

  • Kenya, Tanzania strengthen cooperation to protect Mara basin

    Kenya, Tanzania strengthen cooperation to protect Mara basin

    The Mara River basin stakeholders have reaffirmed their commitment to preserving the Mara ecosystem, recognizing it as a symbol of their shared natural heritage.

    During the 13th Mara Day celebrations held in Sekenani, Narok West Sub County, speakers highlighted the critical importance of the Mara River and its basin, which flows through both Kenya and Tanzania, as a lifeline for millions of people and wildlife.

    Principal Secretary for the State Department of East African Community, Abdi Dubat, representing Cabinet Secretary Beatrice Askul, emphasized that the Mara River basin is home to millions of wild animals, including the globally renowned wildebeest migration.

    He pointed out that the natural resource significantly contributes to tourism, provides vital ecosystem services, and enriches the cultures of the communities living within the basin.

    “The river originates from the Mau escarpment and flows 395 kilometres, passing through the Maasai Mara National Reserve and Serengeti before draining into Lake Victoria,” Dubat said.

    Despite its vital role, the PS expressed concern about the threats posed by climate change, human activities, and environmental degradation in the Mara basin.

    He stressed the need for continued cooperation between Kenya and Tanzania to ensure the sustainable management and conservation of this shared resource.

    “Our joint commitment to protecting the Mara River basin is not only a duty but a legacy we must preserve for future generations,” he added.

    Dubat also reiterated the Kenyan government’s pledge to plant 15 billion trees over the next decade as part of efforts to combat environmental degradation and strengthen the ecosystem’s resilience.

    He emphasized that rejuvenating forests and landscapes will secure a sustainable future for rivers, wildlife, and livelihoods, aligning with the government’s Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda.

    The PS praised the cooperation among East African nations, reflecting the true spirit of regional unity through shared resources.

    He encouraged further joint initiatives, research collaborations, and shared policies to protect the Mara River and its ecosystem for posterity.

    East Africa Legislative Assembly (EALA) Member of Parliament David Sankok echoed the call for unity in conserving the Mara River, stressing that working together will ensure the river continues to nurture life and inspire future generations.

    Lake Victoria Basin Executive Secretary Dr Masinde Bwire called for continued collaboration between Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda on environmental conservation, highlighting the importance of transboundary efforts.

    Narok Deputy Governor Tamalinye Koech, representing Governor Patrick Ntutu, emphasized the significance of the Mara basin as a tourism hub and urged stakeholders to preserve the ecosystem for future generations.

    He praised the ongoing cooperation to protect the iconic ecosystem, home to the world-famous wildebeest migration.

    Other notable attendees included Narok Governor’s wife Agnes Ntutu, Maasai Mara University Vice-Chancellor Professor Peninah Aloo, and delegates from Tanzania, Uganda, and several Kenyan counties, including Nakuru, Bomet, Kericho, and Kisumu.

    This year’s Mara Day theme, ‘Flowing Forward Together: Conserving the Mara Basin for Biodiversity and Climate Resilience’, underscored the importance of joint conservation efforts.

    The Maasai Mara National Reserve, home to millions of species and a major tourism attraction earns Narok County over KSh 3.5 billion annually, highlighting its importance as both a natural and economic resource.

  • Tourism CS nominee explains why Maasai Mara fees were hiked

    Tourism CS nominee explains why Maasai Mara fees were hiked

    Tourism Cabinet Secretary CS nominee Rebecca Miano has retreated that there were things that needed to be done to make Maasai Mara National reserve among others to be more competitive in the tourism sector.

    Speaking during the vetting exercise to the National Assembly Appointments Committee members, Miano sighted that the rates for Maasai Mara had not been increased for the last 15 years despite the cost of managing the parks and many other costs going up.

    She highlighted that if approved and assumes office she will make informed decisions in executing her mandate as a Tourism CS and that an engagement with stakeholders recommended that there should be a review of the rates applicable to raise enough finances to manage and improve the National Reserve.

    She further added that there no empirical data showing tourists have shifted to sites beyond Kenya, and what needed to be done was diversifying the origin of our guests.

    rShe called for the need to attract new markets like the Middle East and Japan to spur our tourism and package the country as a product to be consumed and sold all over the world.

  • Hotels at the Mara reaping big this festive season

    Hotels at the Mara reaping big this festive season

    Hoteliers in the world-famous Maasai Mara National Reserve are reaping big profits ahead of this year’s Christmas and New Year festivities.

    A spot check at the game reserve shows most hotels, lodges and camps have reported full bookings signaling booming business.

    Sarova Mara Cave Camp Manager Nicholas Maina said they have been experiencing high season since July when the wildebeest’s migration season started.

    “Unlike other years which were affected by Covid-19 pandemic, this year has experienced a boom in business as tourists have been flooding the hotel,” he said.

    He projected an increased number of tourists as Christmas draws closer and the new year celebrations, adding that the hotel management was fully prepared to accommodate the visitors.

    Maina said this year, the hotel has received an increased number of domestic tourists unlike other years where the number of domestic tourists is very low.

    “Most of the domestic tourists are newly wedded couples or families that come for holiday in the game reserve. We encourage more domestic tourists to tour the game reserve to enjoy the rich fauna and flora in the world-famous game reserve,” he said.

    He said the Sarova Mara Cave Camp has a whole package ranging from accommodation, recreational and dining experiences, adding that the facility has undergone required renovation to suit their clients.

    He lauded the county government for creating a conducive environment for tourists ranging from improved road network in the park to improved security.

    Recently, the Reserve’s Chief Park Warden Stephen Minis welcomed visitors from all walks of life to come to the game reserve.

    He said over 300 game rangers have been deployed to patrol the park to ensure that visitors’ safety is guaranteed.

    Minis also cautioned tourists against flaunting some laid down park rules, saying those who failed to follow the guidelines set by the county government will risk being arrested and prosecuted.

    “Those visiting the game reserve should observe the rules and regulations set. Among them is: avoid over speeding while at the park, do not litter around the park, don’t hoot to scare the animals among others,” said.