As a measure to address overtourism in the Maasai Mara and, as a carefully calculated strategy to fortify the ongoing conservation initiatives within the reserve, the Nairobi County Government (NCC) in Kenya has, this month, revised the entry fees to the reserve.

The NCC stated that the adjustments will play a pivotal role in safeguarding wildlife, enhancing infrastructure and offering crucial support to the local communities.

Non-resident adults will pay US$200 while children will pay US$50. 

“This injection of financial resources aims to elevate and sustain the already extraordinary Maasai Mara safari experience for current and future generations,” the NCC circular stated.

Along with the fee adjustments, the NCC has implemented a 12-hour rule which stipulates that visitors will be charged from 06h00 to18h00. Furthermore, those entering the park for the morning hot air balloon safaris will be required to pay the full park fees for the day.

Support for the increase

“I support the increase as it will reduce overtourism. We should charge less park fees to the least visited but excellent parks like Meru, Kora, Ruma, Kapnarok, Kitui Game Reserve, Tsavo, and Tugen Hills,” said Jagi Wajii, an investor in the Mara.

“Most people will tell you it was unjustified but I honestly believe that the numbers going to Mara before had far exceeded the capacity of the park to the detriment of the environment and animals,” he added.

Hilton Walker, Chief Marketing Officer Great Plains Conservation agreed, noting that nightly rates at the Réserve-Collection safari camps in the Maasai Mara are all-inclusive, including the return airstrip road transfers, all scheduled inter-camp air transfers from Nairobi Wilson and/or the applicable park and concession fees for guests.

For guests staying at our Explorer-Collection, Mara Expedition Camp, the nightly rate does not include the daily park fee.

“That said, we have not found that the park fees, regardless of cost, have materially impacted enquiries for guests to stay at any of our camps,” said Walker.

Against the increased fees

However, while most stakeholders agree that something needs to be done to prevent overtourism, many believe that this is extortion and will negatively impact tourism in the Mara.

“The park fees are too high and while the intention was good, the fact that the US$200 ticket is only valid for 12 hours is a big problem. The migration ends after September and the low season kicks in until Christmas yet those fees remain in the low season. They should be reduced to US$130,” suggested Nelson Ole Reiya, owner Oldarpoi Mara Camp.

More to consider

“Tourism is more affected in my opinion by the recent disturbances and uncertainty than the park fees. For overseas tourists most don’t even know how much they are paying as they just pay the final figure. It’s more residents and citizens of Kenya affected,” commented Alan Dixon, CEO of Kenyan tour operator, Let's Go Travel.

Gaurav Bhandari, a board member for the Tour Operators Society of Kenya told Tourism Update: “Together with the introduction of a daily US$200 park fee  plus a Royalty fee of $80 per night charged upon those staying inside the Reserve, the Mara is becoming expensive.”

He suggests other strategies that the county government can implement  to curb overtourism.

“The increase would make some sense if the camps and their numbers were controlled. It would make more sense if things like hot air balloon rides and flights into the Mara were controlled. Even if you make the charge US$1 000 there are still those who will travel. But if you reduce the frequency of travel you can then work on preventing over tourism.

Why not consider the closure of the Mara in the wet months? Also, they can shut down the park after Easter for three months till July to allow some regeneration,” Bhandari recommended.

He elaborated: “You have an average of 20 hot air balloons daily each carrying 16 pax, why is this not being controlled? The rate of the balloon safari hasn't gone up. You have on average 10 planes a day in the high season carrying between 12 to 35 pax. Those rates haven't gone up. Agreed, people come to see the migration, but what is the alternative?”

In addition, he suggests that there should be enforcement of all National Environmental Management Act protocols for camps in the Mara that are available for public inspection. In addition, there should be an economic survey to establish the cost analysis of reduction of the 24-hour park fees rule to the 12-hour rule.

“Public review of the Mara Management Plan should be done with consultation by all investors in the Mara, tour operators and including involving local researchers and scientists,” concluded Bhandari.