Tourists from the United Kingdom (UK) have been urged to plan their Safari travels to Africa - including Kenya -in the next five years.
Urging tourists to make travel plans between 2023 and 2027, The Times newspaper, a leading UK media outlet, revealed that game parks like Masai Mara and national reserves in the African Continent were on the verge of depletion.
The paper warned of climate change and other challenges that were posing a threat to Safaris, especially in Kenya and South Africa.
“The weather is no longer a safe bet as the climate continues to change with last year offering the most dramatic and convincing evidence yet of its effects,” The Times warned.
Wildfires were pinpointed to have destroyed tens of thousands of square miles of game parks and reserves which greatly reduced the number of wildlife according to the paper.
With the prolonged drought in the continent, the paper revealed that rivers were drying up hence affecting the tourism sector.
“The global tourism industry will face disruption as tourists will be forced to abandon their destinations. Most tourist destinations will see their natural attractions deteriorate and a few will simply disappear,” The Times warned.
On top of the list of destinations that will no longer be viable in the future is the Masai Mara in Kenya. The paper foresaw a reduction in game Safaris due to climate change which will see wildlife migrating or dying.
Other parks that have been affected by wildfires as a result of climate change include Tsavo East and West National Parks as well as Aberdare National Park.
The report by The Times came at a time when Narok County Government announced a plan to make Masai Mara sustainable amidst prolonged famine and drought.
On February 2023, Narok Governor Patrick Ntutu signed into law a Maasai Mara National Reserve (MMNR) Management Plan.
The plan enhances the reserve’s tourism product and provides a high-quality and proactively managed wildlife viewing experience for visitors.
