This archive report was first published on 17 July 2020.
Socially Distant Safaris in Maasai Mara ¶
With the relaxation of Covid-19 travel restrictions, Kenyans are flocking to Maasai Mara for socially distant safaris, where they can experience the thrill of the wild without the fear of contracting coronavirus.
These safaris, priced slightly lower than before, offer guests the opportunity to wake up to the roar of lions and elephants, away from the fears of contracting the virus.
Porini Mara Camp, situated in Ol Kinyei Conservancy in Maasai Mara, has reopened its doors to guests, with two families already making reservations in the six-tent camp.
‘We’ve opened Porini Mara Camp, and we’re receiving guests,’ said Mohanjeet Brar, the director of Gamewatchers Safaris & Porini Camps, in an interview with BDLife.
Guests at the camp are required to wear masks throughout their stay, have their temperatures checked, and baggage sanitized before entering the camp.
The lodge will offer two meal times, allowing guests and staff to social distance, and will continue to offer bush walks, day and night game drives, and sundowners as part of the itinerary.
‘We expect them to wear masks throughout, their temperatures will be checked and baggage sanitised before entering the camp,’’ Mohanjeet said.
Other tented camps in Maasai Mara, such as Zebra Plains Mara Camp, have also reopened, with Alfred Korir, the owner, operating at half the bed capacity in line with the guidelines.
‘I’m adopting a wait-and-see attitude because the local borders may be opened but the international visitors need some assurance from their governments before they come,’ Alfred said.
Despite the challenges, the reopening of the tented camps is expected to bring in income for locals in Maasai Mara, Laikipia, and Samburu, who had lost their livelihoods when tourists stopped coming.
‘We expect to bounce back better and stronger,’ Mohanjeet said.
Other luxury tented camps, such as Mahali Mzuri, owned by Sir Richard Branson, are also opening their doors in August, just in time for the wildebeest migration.
‘We have always remained optimistic that we may be able to open this summer and we are thrilled to open just in time for the annual Great Migration,’ said William Odhiambo, the general manager of Mahali Mzuri.
Domestic air travel is also on a rebound, with Safarilink Aviation reporting an increase in bookings for flights to the coast and Mara.
