The Maasai Mara migration has begun, with high occupancies that defy Kenya’s recent security issues.
But other tourist attractions in the country are not faring that well.
The wildebeest migration began late last month and hotels in its vicinity are reporting occupancies of 80% and more. Commented Rosemary Mugambi, sales and marketing director of Serena Hotels, Lodges and Resort: “The peak season kicks in this month and the occupancies for Mara Serena Safari Lodge over the next three months look good – our expectations are for occupancies of between 85% -90%. The lodge is well located in the Mara triangle within the migration routes and as per reports from the lodge, the sightings of the migration are good already. Very exciting.”
Maria Luijten of tour operator Southern Cross Safaris, agrees saying there were even safari dates in July, August and September that were fully booked.
By contrast, coastal resorts such as Mombasa and Lamu are suffering the fallout of the Mpeketoni incident last month, causing a sharp occupancy drop. This past weekend’s attacks in Lamu and Tana River counties will add fuel to the fire.
Dr Ibrahim Mohammed, Kenya’s principal secretary of commerce and tourism, issued statements on the incidents. “The recent incidents in Lamu Country have occurred on the mainland whereas the popular tourist resorts are located on Lamu Island, a Unesco World Heritage Site. Lamu Island has not experienced any incidents in recent months.
“The government is taking steps to address insecurity in the affected areas and the country at large, including recruitment of an additional 10 000 police officers.”
Mohammed’s second statement followed the death of a Russian tourist shot in a robbery attempt on Sunday July 6, a kilometre away from the heritage site of Fort Jesus in Mombasa. Mohammed pointed out that the shooting did not occur in Fort Jesus itself, a protected facility that remains secure for visitation.
Mohammed said patrols by the Tourist Police Unit (TPU) have been stepped up in and around Mombasa’s Old Town. He urged visitors to use only the services of licensed operators and guides and to observe the usual personal safety precautions.
Meanwhile the Kenya Tourist Board is expecting a sum of Sh200m (R24,3m) from government to fund a marketing campaign to counteract the negative publicity the country has endured over its security issues.
