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Maasai Mara lodges, camps cash in on domestic tourists

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Visitors throng the game reserve for Easter. file photo | nmg

Lodges and tented camps at the Maasai Mara game reserve have recorded over 70 per cent bed occupancy.

A spot check by Business Daily on Monday established that local bookings were at 80 per cent while the rest are by regional and international tourists.

Majority of the domestic tourists are from Nairobi, Nakuru, Thika and neighbouring Uganda.

Sarova Mara Camp, Serena Lodge, Keekorok Lodge, Sopa Lodge, Kichwa Tembo and Kempinski Olare Mara, Mara Intrepids are some of exclusive establishments that have recorded high bookings.

Keekorok lodge manager Mr John Kiruti, said 70 per cent of  the 150-bed capacity facility visitors will be from Asia while the rest will be citizens and Kenyan residents.

“The hotel will be full throughout the weekend. I will have to give up my house, a three bedroomed unit, to accommodate visitors,” he said.

Mr Kiruti said alternative accommodation for extra visitors will be sought, adding that they will have to distribute them to neighbouring tented camps.

“The hotel has been booked until after the New Year holiday. We are grappling with accommodation as more visitors keep arriving,” said Mr Kiruti.

Mr Kevin Mwendwa, the general manager at Mara Intrepids and Mara Explorer, said as at last weekend, bookings stood at 96 per cent. 

“By Easter weekend, it will have hit 98 per cent. We started receiving bookings three weeks ago. Compared to last year,” he said.

Apart from locals and Indians, some tourists from the US, the Scandinavian countries and Germany are also expected.

“The park and the whole of the game reserve is green. Most animals that had moved out in search for pasture and water have returned.Visitors will definitely enjoy their stay,” said Mr Antony Ole Tira, Manager Matira camp at the shores of Mara River.

The reserve chief warden Samson Lenjirr said security had been boosted with more regular police officers, Administration Police officers, General Service unit and tourist police.