Ex-Nigeria leader Goodluck Jonathan visits Mara

Former Nigerian President Goodluck Jonathan arrives in Narok for a three-day private visit to Maasai Mara Game Reserve. He is expected to witness the annual wildebeest migration. PHOTO | GEORGE SAYAGIE | NATION MEDIA GROUP

What you need to know:

  • Goodluck Jonathan has been booked at the new Angama Mara Lodge at the Oloololo conservancy.
  • Narok Governor Samuel Tunai received the former president.

Former Nigeria president Goodluck Jonathan is in Kenya for a three-day tour of the Maasai Mara Game Reserve to witness the wildebeest migration.

Mr Jonathan, who is accompanied by his wife and two children, has been booked at the new Angama Mara Lodge at the Oloololo conservancy.

Narok Governor Samuel Tunai received the former president who flew in two private commercial planes, one carrying Kenya State security and the second with him and family members.

Mr Jonathan, who refused to address the press on his arrival to the Mara, is the second dignitary to visit the reserve in less than a fortnight after the King of Swasiland-Mswati III. The king was booked in the same lodge six days ago.

The owner of the hotel Nicky Fitzgerald said this tourism peak season is different from the past as prominent personalities from across the world have been calling for bookings.

“We have received Mr Jonathan, King Mswati III, a Chinese prominent family and we are expecting other royalties,” said Ms Fitzgerald.

Ms Fitzgerald said United States of America President Barrack Obama’s visit last month was a boost for tourism in Kenya.

The trooping in of world leaders to Kenya is expected to boost the tourism sector, which is recovering from travel advisories.

Britain has withdrawn travel advisories against Kenya and America is expected to follow suit. “Starting of direct flights between Kenya and the US as Obama promised would really promote trade and tourism,” said Ms Fitzgerald.

WILDEBEEST

Governor Tunai welcomed the former president and praised the back-to-back visits by renowned world leaders and the withdrawal of travel advisories, saying it is a boost to the sector.

Mr Tunai, who is also the Council of Governors tourism committee chairman, said more than 500,000 tourists from all over the world are expected to witness the spectacular crossing of wildebeest across the crocodile-infested Mara River.