In anticipation of the upcoming wildebeest migration beginning in July 2024, the Maasai Mara National Reserve has implemented a ban on private vehicles for game drives within the park.
This directive, issued by the Narok County government, aims to manage the influx of tourists more effectively.
Chief Park Administrator Alex Nabaala issued a letter informing the public that only designated safari vehicles will be permitted for game drives. “In line with the implementation of the Masai Mara management plan, we have banned the use of private vehicles for game drives. The vehicles that will be used for game drives are only the Safari trucks, Safari Land Cruisers, and Safari vans,” Nabaala stated.
Those responsible for manning the park’s gates and airstrips have been instructed to enforce the new regulations strictly. Consequently, both local and international tourists must now hire a Safari truck, Safari Land Cruiser, or Safari van to access the park.
The great migration is a renowned natural phenomenon involving the annual journey of over one million wildebeest, 400,000 zebras, 12,000 elands, and 300,000 Grant’s and Thomson’s gazelles. These animals migrate from the Serengeti National Park in Tanzania to the Maasai Mara region in Narok County, Kenya.
This policy change is part of a broader effort to preserve the natural environment of the Maasai Mara and enhance the overall experience for visitors during the peak tourist season.
