TOURISTS FLOCK MARA AHEAD OF WILDEBEEST MIGRATION

Kenya: Tourists have started arriving at the world famous Masai Mara Game Reserve ahead of the spectacular wildebeest migration.

More than 100 tourists have checked in at the Sarova Mara to witness the migration of hundreds of wildebeests from Serengeti National Park in Tanzania to Kenya.

The Standard on Saturday sought to know from the tourists why they had ignored the travel advisories that were recently issued by the US and UK.

Phill Nordstrom from USA said they have enjoyed their stay and have seen nothing of great concern, and urged fellow countrymen to continue visiting Kenya.

Jody Mattena a tourist and medical volunteer from USA who is in the country for the fifth time concurred with Nordstrom.

“The hospitality of the Kenyan people is just amazing. The wildlife that one gets to see is unmatched in the whole world. The annual wildebeest migration caps it all, and that is what has really made Kenya my favourite destination,” said Nordstrom.

He said even in America one can fall victim to terrorism and appealed for the lifting of the travel ban.

On her part, Mattena said she has been visiting the Masai Mara since 2005, and has never been worried about safety. She said she is at ease at the park more than any other place in the world.

“We do medical and educational work with Tabibu Comrades.  You can relax and retreat here more than any other place. We have made friends with the Maasai and feel more at home here,” she said.

Dominic Posche from Australia said it is wrong for the West to single out Kenya saying terrorism is a global threat. Posche is visiting the country for the second time.

“I’m currently working in Southern Sudan and my boyfriend is working in Ivory Coast. We decided that Kenya is the best place to meet because the wildlife, nature, the safaris are the best in the world,” she said adding that she has visited South Africa and Namibia but they cannot match the Kenyan experience.

Feel safe

Posche said they feel safe in Kenya, adding that just like any other big city in the world, one needs to be careful.

“I would not be scared to come again and again. The country is just extraordinary and will invite some of my friends to come and have the experience too,” she said.

Imndials Mtolahs from Dubai described Kenya as a paradise and wondered why one should even issue travel ban against the country.

“I have never had an issue with Kenya. I always feel safe and I would challenge those who thought of not coming to the country because of the advisories that they will be missing out on wonderful experience,” he said adding that whenever he feels like going for a vacation, his first choice will always be Kenya.

Steven Keriga, Assistant Lodge Manager Sarova Mara, said the tourists booked in a week ago and the lodge is expecting to operate at 70 per cent bed occupancy to 100 from now till August when the wildebeest migration ends.

Although most hotels in the game reserve are still operating below 50 per cent bed occupancy, Keriga said the streaming of tourists is welcome ahead of the high season.

He admitted that the last three months were tough on all players in the industry, but Sarova Mara did not lay off staff.

Kenya Tourist Board Managing Director Muriithi Ndegwa, says the number of Chinese visitors to Kenya increased by four per cent in 2013-2014, making the Asian country one of the top ten tourist source markets.