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Rogue tourists? State warns against disrupting wildlife migration in Maasai Mara
Tourists watch the movement of wildebeests at Masaai Mara Game Reserve.
What you need to know:
- The ministry directed tour operators to strictly enforce park rules by ensuring visitors remain inside vehicles.
- CS Miano stressed that Kenya’s tourism future depends on safeguarding the Maasai Mara and protecting its wildlife.
The Ministry of Tourism and Wildlife has reassured the public of its commitment to conservation and visitor safety after a viral video showed tourists outside their vehicles during the ongoing wildebeest migration in the Maasai Mara National Reserve.
The footage, which circulated widely on social media, appeared to show tourists and tour operators blocking the movement of wildebeests as they attempted to capture photos, sparking public outrage over interference with the migration.
The Narok County Government, through the Chief Warden, clarified that the incident occurred at the flooded Purungat Gate where visitors briefly alighted as they waited for water levels to subside.
Tourism Cabinet Secretary Rebecca Miano, while acknowledging this context, said the images nevertheless raised serious concerns given the global significance of the Mara migration.
“Kenya is a global leader in conservation and sustainable tourism. The Maasai Mara migration is one of the world’s most extraordinary natural events, and we must protect both visitors and wildlife with the highest standards of conduct,” CS Miano said.
To strengthen safety and conservation measures, the ministry directed that tour operators must strictly enforce park rules by ensuring visitors remain inside vehicles except in designated areas.
More rangers will be deployed at sensitive migration points, while guides and companies that breach regulations will face disciplinary or legal action. The ministry will also improve signage across the reserve and intensify visitor education on safety rules.
CS Miano stressed that Kenya’s tourism future depends on safeguarding the Maasai Mara and protecting its wildlife.
“We must act decisively to preserve this wonder of the world and demonstrate Kenya’s unwavering commitment to conservation,” she said.
Meanwhile, Tourism Regulatory Authority (TRA) Director-General Nobert Tallam who visited the park following the incident, warned that stern action would be taken against those involved.
“We want to remind all tour guides and operators not to engage in unprofessional conduct such as blocking wild animals. We are going to take strong action, including penalties and licence revocation, against those found culpable,” Mr Tallam said.
The Maasai Mara wildebeest migration, often referred to as the “eighth wonder of the world,” draws thousands of visitors annually and remains one of Kenya’s most prized natural heritage assets.
