A long-serving Maasai Mara tour guide has stirred controversy after claiming that Tanzania is intentionally preventing wildebeests from crossing into Kenya during the annual migration.
Charles Lukokolo, who has guided tourists in the Maasai Mara for three decades, argued that the famed migration, once the heartbeat of the local tourism industry, has slowed drastically, leaving visitors disappointed.
The wildebeest migration is regarded as one of the greatest natural spectacles on earth, attracting global attention each year. Millions of wildebeests, accompanied by zebras and gazelles, typically journey from Tanzania’s Serengeti National Park to Kenya’s Maasai Mara National Reserve in search of greener pastures. The perilous river crossings, where the herds face predators and strong currents, are especially popular with international tourists, boosting Kenya’s tourism revenue significantly.
However, Lukokolo lamented that the migration is no longer as predictable or as spectacular. According to him, some tourists spend long hours in the reserve without witnessing the once-thrilling scenes.
He alleged that Tanzanian authorities were deliberately obstructing the animals’ movement, a claim that has sparked debate in conservation and tourism circles. Industry players now fear the decline could threaten livelihoods and Kenya’s tourism reputation.
By Kenyans