i just received a report from a client who spent 5 days in the masai mara.
that particular client used to travel at least once a year to the masai mara since 2003.
he travelled during different seasons means during peak season july/august and over christmas.
he reports that the behaviour of the minibus drivers has become so rude in comparison to last year in view to the animals that he has already decided NOT to travel to kenya anymore!
there is still no "code of conduct" invented. also the minibus drivers have to proof neither any kind of guiding experiences nor any qualification other than a driving licens.
a pride of lions is constantly surrounded by up to 30 cars! a leopardess was surrounded by countless cars from early morning until the park closes
the drivers interfere with cheetah hunts so that cheetahs lose their kill respectively don't have a chance to hunt.
that all sounds so negative that i cannot imagine how it is going to be if kenya triples its tourists numbers as hoped for by the government!
kenya always has had the label "mass tourism destination" which makes it difficult to marketl.
gladly i'll be able to experience the masai mara soon and afterwards i decide whether to promote the MM in the future.
