Hundreds of wildebeest from Serengeti plains in Tanzania have gathered along the Mara River ready to cross into Kenya.
This will kick off the annual tourism peak season in the Masai Mara Game Reserve.
Tourists who started arriving in the reserve from last week are camping along the banks of the river to watch the spectacular migration.
“We have been here since last week waiting for them to cross. We want to be among the first visitors to watch the amazing event,” said Owen Benet from Bristol, UK, who is visiting the country for the first time with his family.
Apprehensive
Hoteliers who say they expect good business during the season, which will be on until October, are apprehensive that most tourists might keep off the reserve because of the recent terror attacks in Mombasa and Garissa.
“The attacks happened when we were preparing to receive guests. Unlike last year, most tourists might opt not to come to Kenya out of fear,” said a manager of a tented camp outside the park.
Further interviews indicated that unlike in the past, most hotels have not been fully booked.
Additional police have been deployed to all hotels and airstrips to check on tourists’ arrivals and departures.
“There will be round the clock security surveillance to ensure that tourists are safe. The public should also be vigilant and report to the relevant authorities people with ill intentions,” said Narok police boss Peterson Maelo.
Petition over roads
He spoke as tour operators petitioned the Government and Narok County Council to improve roads inside and outside the park for their clients to access the reserve unhindered.
