Wildebeests finally cross into the Mara

Thousands of wildebeests from Serengeti plains in Tanzania have finally crossed the Mara River despite a simmering row between Dar and Nairobi over fires on the migration routes.

Tens of hectares of vegetation have been turned to black ash, with smoke still visible on the horizon as more vegetation is razed on the Tanzania side.

Tourism stakeholders from Kenya have been pointing an accusing finger at their Tanzanian counterparts and the government for the fires that have delayed the event for about a month.

National vice-chairperson of Tour Guides and Drivers Association Andrew Mungatana on Monday said the annual wildebeest migration had attracted tourists from all over the world and Kenya stood to lose revenue if interfered with.

“How can this happen, nobody should interfere with the Mara ecosystem. Nobody owns this wildebeests, their movement is dictated by nature and not humans,” he said.

Most lodges and camps have for the last one month recorded impressive arrivals, with proprietors saying they expect more than 90 per cent booking before the peak season ends in mid-October.

“Things are looking up. We expect more visitors as the season reaches its climax,” said Matira Bush Camp director Antony ole Tira.

Mr Tira said the upsurge of tourist arrivals had stretched accommodation facilities to Narok town with most hotels fully booked. He said delay in the spectacular event had caused confusion among visitors.

The crossing of the wildebeests was a big relief for tourists and international journalists, who have been waiting for the world’s seventh wonder from mid-June.