Industry stakeholders are reporting a shift in the primary demographic travelling to Kenya for the Great Migration this year.
Pippa Strong, Regional Sales and Product Director at Abercrombie & Kent East and Southern Africa, says: “Luxury lodges are still full but there’s availability at mid-range and budget camps, which is unusual for this time of year. It shows changing traveller demographics.”
Despite a reported 4% dip in occupancy rates, Narok County’s revenue tells a different story. “Narok has now overtaken Nairobi County in own-source revenue, collecting nearly KSh3 billion (US$23.2 million) in the first quarter of this financial year,” says Calvin Cottar, Director and Owner of Cottar’s Safaris. “That shows the high value of this destination.”
However, others have raised concerns about the growing number of accommodation establishments opening just outside of the reserve, which could ultimately continue problems with overcrowding during the migration season.
Mohanjeet Brar, MD of Gamewatchers Safaris and Porini Camps, said: “More camps are opening along the park boundaries and, although the increased park fees were meant to reduce numbers and make the Mara a premium destination, the reality is more complex. There’s only so many tourists and vehicles you can have in an area without significantly impacting wildlife, especially the predators.”
Brar notes that the Mara’s surrounding communities remain key to its preservation and supporting wildlife areas outside of the main reserve can play a role in improving livelihoods.
“There are about 22 conservancies outside the reserve that host large amounts of wildlife,” he says. “We need to ensure communities continue to benefit from conservation. Without that, setting aside land for wildlife isn’t sustainable.”
Global recognition
Another positive development is recognition of the Maasai Mara National Reserve as the “World’s Greatest Annual Terrestrial Wildlife Migration” in the World Book of Records (UK).
Kenya’s Cabinet Secretary for Tourism and Wildlife, Rebecca Miano, welcomed the acknowledgement, calling it “a proud moment for Kenya and a validation of ongoing conservation efforts in the iconic reserve”.
She says: “This recognition further elevates Kenya’s position as a premier sustainable tourism destination and underscores our commitment to conservation-led tourism.”
Anne Kariuki, Sales Manager: East Africa for &Beyond, says: “This accolade offers an added layer of prestige. It’s expected to enhance the Mara’s appeal – particularly for first-time visitors – and could stimulate renewed interest from key markets like the UK.”
Kariuki admits that booking conversions have been slower this year due to global economic uncertainty. “That said, the increased park fees are a move towards sustainable, low-impact tourism – challenging for mass tourism but ideal for those seeking deeper, richer wildlife experiences,” she says.
Strong agrees that the World Book of Records (UK) recognition brings welcome global attention and highlights the Mara’s unique place in the world. However, with increased visibility comes greater responsibility.
“For the Mara to truly benefit from this recognition, enforcement of park rules and guiding standards must be strengthened, especially when it comes to driver behaviour. Protection of the park’s fragile ecosystem must remain the top priority,” says Strong.
