120 Maasai Morans abandon herding for tour guiding

More than 100 Maasai morans have abandoned cattle herding for tour guiding in a new initiative meant to involve the local community in the conservation of the Maasai Mara Game Reserve.

The 120 morans, who were trained for three months, graduated in a colourful ceremony that culminated in the launch of the Maasai Tour Guides Association.

The training was sponsored by Prescott College in the US. Lecturers from the university conducted the training.

The training, conducted at the Olesere Talek Tour Guiding School, also focused on educating participants on wildlife conservation and management.

Sarova Mara Lodge Manager Kioko Musyoki said the initiative will address a shortage of professional tour guides who are conversant with the region.

“What we lack is proper training and accreditation process,” he said.

According to the Kenya Tour Drivers and Guides Association, there are about 4,500 registered guides in Kenya.

“We have 200 silver guides, 4,280 bronze and 20 gold holders. To move from bronze to silver you have to have practiced for a minimum of three years,” explained James Gichina, the association’s chairman.

Silver holders are the most advanced in that they can differentiate the sounds of birds and identify animal droppings, skeletons and social structures, among others.

The tour guide association’s patron, Meitamei Ololdapash, said the initiative will not only provide employment opportunities to the Maasai youths but also promote conservation of the unique Maasai Mara ecosystem.

Mara Meru Cheetah Project coordinator Elena Chelysheva said the tour guides will promote wildlife conservation, which in turn will help in fighting poaching.