NAIROBI, Kenya, Aug 8 – The County Government of Narok has condemned a recent clip that showed tourist vehicles disturbing cheetahs hunting wildebeest at the Maasai Mara National Reserve.
In a statement, the devolved unit said that it regretted the unfortunate occurrence.
“We wish to refer to a disturbing video clip circulating on social media involving a number of tourist vehicles disturbing cheaters while hunting a wildebeest at the Maasai Mara National reserve,” the county’s Chief Officer for Tourism and Wildlife, Samuel Leposo, said.
“This is an illegal and undesirable act from the tour /driver guides and guest behavior and the County Government of Narok regrets this unfortunate situation happening while we are implementing the first phase of the Maasai Mara National reserve management plan,” Leposo added.
Leposo said that visitors at the animal reserve should keep a 25-meter distance from all animals and wait at least 100 meters for others to finish viewing before approaching if there are five vehicles already viewing the animals.
“Meanwhile, it is notified to our partners that a number of tour guides have been charged, warned and a repeat of this act will lead to ban from accessing the National reserve,” he added.
“With immediate effect the Chief Warden have established a cheater protection and monitoring unit to complement the work of the (AAHU) Anti animal harassment unit.”
