Private Cars Banned In The Maasai Mara
The Narok County Government has prohibited the use of private vehicles in the Maasai Mara National Reserve.
In a memo dated June 3, Chief Park Administrator Alex Nabaala stated that, under the new directive, driving through the game reserve using the specified means will be prohibited going forward.
“This is In line with the implementation of the Maasai Mara Management Plan, we have banned the usage of private vehicles for game drives,” read the memo in part.
The new directive allows only safari trucks, safari land cruisers, and safari vans to go on game drives in the park.
The directive is expected to go into effect immediately, as announced by the Chief Administrator.
Previously, the park allowed members of the public to go on game drives in the parks using their vehicles, especially 4-wheel drives that could navigate the bumpy terrain.
This directive follows another, in which entry fees to the facility were increased on January 1, 2024.
Non-resident travellers are now required to pay Ksh13,100 (USD 100) per day, while adults are expected to pay Ksh 6,550 (USD 50) per day for children aged 9 to 17.
Meanwhile, from January to June 30, 2024, park entry will be free for children aged 8 and under.
From July 1 to December 31, 2024, non-residents will be charged Ksh 26,200 (USD 200) per day for adults, while fees for children aged 9-17 years will be Ksh 6,550 (USD 50 per day) per child. Children under the age of eight will be free to enter the park.
Furthermore, these directives come after the Kenya Wildlife Service announced plans to privatize 13 hotels.
In a tender notice, KWS stated that it had identified potential sites for the development of hotels and luxury camps.
The directive followed another announcement by Tourism Cabinet Secretary Alfred Mutua, who revealed talks with American investors about establishing facilities in the country’s national parks.
“I held talks with US Ambassador Meg Whitman during a courtesy call at my office in Nairobi,” the Cabinet Secretary stated at the time.
“Our talks focused on mutual interests, exploring the potential for American investors to establish tourist facilities in our parks and reserves through private-public partnership arrangements.”
Private Cars Banned In The Maasai Mara
