The use of private vehicles for game drives has been banned at Kenya’s Maasai Mara National Reserve, in a bid to control the number of visitors entering the park during the high season running from June to September.

In an official press release published on June 5, the Narok County Government affirmed the banning of private vehicles, following a directive sent to all gates and airstrips, by Chief Park Administrator Alex Nabaala on June 3. 

The new directive permits entry only to approved safari trucks, safari land cruisers and safari vans, in line with the Greater Maasai Mara National Reserve’s 2023/2032 Management Plan.

The Narok County Government said that the banning was necessitated by a ‘series of compelling factors’, including instances of misconduct, environmental degradation and persistent deviation of private vehicles from designated routes.

“The Narok County Government emphasises that sanctioned vehicles are accompanied by proficient guides, extensively trained in reserve protocols, ensuring safe and compliant exploration of the park. It is imperative for all concerned parties to adhere to the directives set forth by the Chief Park Administrator.”