The annual wildebeest migration has kicked off in the Maasai Mara, with herds arriving in Kenya from Tanzania’s Serengeti National Park.
The arrival marks the beginning of one of the world’s most spectacular wildlife events, which attracts thousands of tourists to the Maasai Mara every year.
The wildebeest move between the Serengeti and Maasai Mara in search of fresh pasture and water, following the rains across the vast ecosystem shared by Kenya and Tanzania.
The migration is a major attraction for tourists, with many visitors travelling to Narok hoping to witness the famous river crossings and the movement of huge herds across the reserve.
The annual spectacle is also a major boost to Kenya’s tourism industry.
Hotels, lodges, tour operators, tour guides, drivers and other businesses in Narok County are expected to benefit from the increase in visitors during the migration season.
The arrival of the herds comes at a time when Kenya is seeking to strengthen the tourism sector and attract more international visitors.
The Maasai Mara remains one of Kenya’s most popular tourist destinations, with the migration playing a key role in attracting visitors from across the world.
However, the growing popularity of the reserve has also raised concerns over the impact of tourism and development on the ecosystem.
Conservationists have warned that poorly planned developments could interfere with wildlife habitats and migration corridors.
Kenya and Tanzania have also continued to work together to protect the wider Mara-Serengeti ecosystem, which supports the annual movement of wildlife between the two countries.
For now, attention is on the returning herds as tourists and wildlife enthusiasts prepare for the dramatic scenes expected in the Mara in the coming weeks.
The migration offers Kenya another opportunity to showcase its wildlife while supporting businesses and communities that depend on tourism.