Kenya tourist arrivals in Mara drop as wildebeests return to Tanzania

Wildebeests migrating back to Tanzania.  [PHOTO: FILE]

By KIPCHUMBA KEMEI

Tourist arrivals in the Maasai Mara Game Reserve dropped by about 50 per cent over the weekend compared to 98 per cent in the previous one, hoteliers said.

They observed on Sunday that the drop was expected and it had no connection with the Westgate Mall terrorist attack or travel advisories by foreign governments.

“We expected the arrivals to plummet around this time when wildebeests are migrating back to Tanzania where they came from in mid-July. There is nothing unusual. It is not connected to the Westgate Mall attack or the recent travel advisories by the US and the UK,” said Theophilus Shumwe, Camp Manager at Tipilikwani Mara Camp.

More arrivals are expected during the Easter weekend next year.

Arrival of tourists and other visitors is expected to peak again in mid-December to early January.

A survey by The Standard in most exclusive tented camps in various conservancies, however, established that they were fully booked, with proprietors saying they expect more arrivals even after the peak season, which is on a homestretch, ends.

“We expect more visitors even after the season ends. We have not received any cancellations even after Westgate Mall was attacked by terrorists,” said William Siara, a consultant tour guide with the exclusive Oleleshwa Camp outside the park.

Siara added that travel advisories were uncalled for, saying terrorist attacks were a global problem.

Hoteliers spoke as security remained tight in the Mara, with the General Service Unit checking arrivals at Sekenani, Oloolaimutia, Musiara, Oloololo and Talek gates. The Kenya-Tanzania border has also been secured, police sources said.