The annual wildebeests migration in the Masai Mara attracts tourists from different parts of the world. [Photo/courtesy]After more than seven years of dismal arrivals, tourists from UK and US are trooping back to Masai Mara as the annual peak season gets underway. Currently, hoteliers say arrivals from the two countries in the last three weeks have surpassed those from China that has, for the last almost five years, been the dominating source market to the Mara.This year’s season started almost a month early after the first group of about 20,000 wildebeests crossed Mara River from northern Serengeti plains in Tanzania. Ecologists say the gnus are running away from drought sweeping Serengeti National Park. The presence of wildebeests has enticed carnivorous, making game drives easy and exciting for visitors.The Great Wildebeest Migration in the Masai Mara is one of the New Seven Wonders of the World. It is easily referred to the world’s wildlife cup. As a result, lodges and tented camps inside the park are recording increased bed occupancy, with some going up to 80 per cent since the migration started two weeks ago.Sarova Mara Game Camp, Keekorok Lodge, Ashnil Mara, Mara Intrepids and Mara Explorer camps, Serena Mara Lodge, Angama Camp, Kichwa Tembo Camp and Kempinski Olare Mara Camp have in the past two weeks seen bed occupancy jump to between 50 per and 80 per cent. “Most of our visitors are from US and UK,” said Kevin Mwendwa, general manager, Mara Intrepids and Mara Explorer.Hoteliers are happy of the return of UK and US tourists, saying unlike those from China and other countries, they are good spenders. Mwendwa said tourists from UK were not expected because of effects of Brexit and the recent elections that helped weaken the Sterling Pound.Isaac Kasura, manager, Entumoto Safari Camp within Siana Conservancy told Travelwise hoteliers were optimistic that when direct flights from US to and from Nairobi start, more American tourists will visit the country and the Mara.“Hotels that have been out of business for long and tour operators will benefit,” he said. Heritage Hotels CEO Mohammed Hersi says more international wildlife enthusiasts are expected in the Mara during the pinnacle season, adding that tourists from UK, US, Germany, Canada, Australia, Japan and China will be the majority.“The arrivals is a testimony that Kenyan is still the most preferred destination in Africa and the world,” he says. Thomas Were, general manager Ashnil Mara, said the camp will be busy following a surge in bookings during summer in the northerm hemisphere. Easy access of the reserve to and from the Coast via the Standard Gauge Railway will boost arrivals further.“Most of our clients visit the beaches before coming to Mara for game safaris. The new railway transport has now made that easy,” he said. And according to Theophilus Shumwe, the manager, Tipilikwani Camp, the unit will remain booked the whole of June and July, but there could be a three-week lull in business in August because of the General Election.“There are many would be visitors who have indicated that they will be visiting after the General Election. But most will be visiting between now and August,” he said.Among visitors to the park last week were Christine Pernick of California, US who is also the proprietor of Pawspet Resorts in her country and Larry Boughter, an engineer from Arizona, who were visiting the Mara for the second time in 15 years. They said there is a renewed interest from Americans in Kenya.“Most people want to visit Kenya; those who have been here like us want to come back,” said Pernick. Patrick Wanjohi, the managing director, Into Africa Eco Travel which operates in Kenya and Tanzania, says indications are that most tour operators will be in business for only two months between next month and October when the season ends.“Many tourists will be visiting next month and after the General Elections. Up to now, there are no cancellations,” he said. Wanjohi said tour companies will be in good business, picking and dropping tourists at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport and at Syokimau Railway Station.Lily Waddington, the proprietor of Osero Camp and a director with Magical UK Travel Ltd says during the season, there will be daily flights between London’s Heathrow Airport and JKIA, adding that most visitors will be destined for Mara and the Coast.“After many years of marketing, our efforts are now bearing fruits. This year’s season both in the Mara and the Coast will be like in the 1980s and early 1990s when coming of tourists from UK was just like the day follows the night,” she says.

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