Narok County bans private vehicles for game drives in Maasai Mara

Narok County Government has prohibited the use of private vehicles for game drives within the Maasai Mara National Reserve.

In a statement on Wednesday, the county said the ban stems from growing concerns over misconduct and environmental degradation witnessed within the reserve.

The directive follows a formal letter dated June 3, 2024, from the Maasai Mara Chief Park Administrator, highlighting the persistent misuse of private vehicles and its adverse impacts on the reserve's ecological balance.

According to the county, numerous incidents of misconduct have been reported by drivers and occupants of private vehicles, which display blatant disregard for reserve regulations.

In addition, escalating cases of environmental degradation within the reserve premises also prompted action. Such cases include littering, noise pollution and unauthorised gatherings, including "Kupiga Sherehe" and partying.

“These activities contravene stipulated reserve protocols, posing threats to the area's ecological balance,” the county said.

There were also persistent incidents of private vehicles deviating from designated paths, creating unauthorised routes and exacerbating the risk of environmental damage.

“These off-road excursions frequently result in vehicle entrapment, necessitating extensive rescue operations, often extending into the deep of the night,” the county said.

It also stressed the importance of adhering to the directives set forth by the Chief Park Administrator.

To ensure the safety and compliance of park exploration, it added that sanctioned vehicles will be accompanied by proficient guides extensively trained in reserve protocols.

With these measures put in place, the County said it aims to mitigate the adverse effects of misconduct and environmental degradation, ensuring the preservation of the natural heritage for future generations.

The Maasai Mara, a pivotal source of revenue for Narok County, attracts hundreds of thousands of tourists annually, drawn by its rich wildlife including giraffes, lions, elephants, cheetahs, leopards, rhinos, and buffalos.

The implementation of the ban aligns with the Maasai Mara National Reserve Management Plan, Spatial Plan, and Greater Mara Ecosystem Plan, enacted in February 2023, aimed at regulating visitor numbers, particularly during peak seasons such as the wildebeest migration from June to September.