Kenya’s Tourism Sector Set to Ride on Mara Wildebeest Migration

Highlights

• Kenya tourism sector is set to ride on spectacular wildebeest migration which has already embarked.
• The journey will see thousands of wildebeest cross the Mara River; the sight makes Mara the tourist destination of choice from July through August of every year.
• The migration which has begun, the animals crossed the Sand River Gate crossing point from July, 20 — a spectacle witnessed by tourists from the UK, US, Australia, India and Russia.
• Hoteliers in the Mara said virtually all lodges and camps would be fully booked in the three weeks when about 1.8 million wildebeest leap across a crocodile-infested Mara River.
• Lodges and camps in the Mara are receiving impressive bookings as international visitors flock in to witness this wonder of the world.
• Hotel industry recently reaped big for hosting delegates who attended the 6^th Global Entrepreneurship Summit co-hosted by Kenya and the US three weeks ago.
• Some of visitors who attended the GES have extended their stay in Kenya to observe the breathtaking wildebeest migration.

Kenya tourism sector has suffered and has remained in the doldrums for quite some time due to the challenge of security.

Some foreign consulates have led travel advisories slapped on some parts Kenya but the government effort in curbing the issue of insecurity has led to some loosening their stance.

Lifting of travel advisories by the UK and the visit by US President Barack Obama for the GES has immensely boosted the ailing tourism business.

According to Narok County commissioner Arthur Osiya, security has been tightened at all lodges and camps in the reserve.

More than 100 General Service Unit officers have been deployed to secure all entry points to Maasai Mara. The officers also to conduct round-the-clock patrols at the centre.