News of Kenyas increased park fees in the Maasai Mara reservehas stimulated a lot of debate amongst Tourism Update readers, with Shannon commenting: The issue is the park has been highly subdivided into private conservancies that are now just farms for high density cattle and goat with sporadic grazing wildlife sightings. Fences and overgrazing from domestic production animals have not only blocked local migrations but significantly reduced the carrying capacity for any other animal.
Wildlife are being driven from the farm lands that are encroaching on their habitat. Its a conservation nightmare that needs urgent attention. No surprise that visitor numbers are increasing in a decreased game-viewing area. No amount of money will improve this unless private conservancy classification is changed to expand the Maasai Mara National Reserve. If funding is directed to reclaiming conservancies then its worth it.
Colin Fryer added: It is important to hold centre of mind that the financial aspect of a visit to Africa is only one part of the equation. Authenticity, unique experience and a life-enhancing experience by the visitors is held within their mindset when the visit is completed. Quality and authenticity will always call for a higher financial investment and yet, will be the sustainable attraction into the future. We need to focus outside of the financial box to create the brilliance of attraction.
