The government has moved to calm concerns over visitor safety and conservation at the Maasai Mara National Reserve after a video showing tourists stepping out of their vehicles near wildlife caused an uproar online.

The viral footage captured during the wildebeest migration showed visitors standing close to animals, a situation that posed serious risks both to themselves and to the reserve’s reputation as a global tourism destination.

According to the Narok County Government, the incident happened at the flooded Purungat Gate, where tourists had alighted from their vehicles while waiting for water levels to subside.

Tourism Cabinet Secretary Rebecca Miano, in a statement on Wednesday, August 20, 2025, clarified the circumstances but said the government was still troubled by the images, noting they could harm Kenya’s standing as a world leader in conservation and sustainable tourism.

“The Ministry of Tourism and Wildlife has noted the widely circulated footage from the Maasai Mara showing visitors outside their tour vans in close proximity to wildlife during the ongoing wildebeest migration. The County Government of Narok, through the Chief Warden, has clarified that this occurred at the flooded Purungat Gate, where visitors had alighted while waiting for the water to subside,” the statement read in part.

“While this context is important, the Ministry remains deeply concerned by the images, given the global sensitivity surrounding conservation and the Maasai Mara’s critical role in Kenya’s international reputation.”

Miano further emphasized the importance of the Mara, saying: “Kenya is a global leader in conservation and sustainable tourism, and the Maasai Mara wildebeest migration is one of the world’s most extraordinary natural events and a wonder of the world. The government remains steadfast in its commitment to protecting our natural heritage, ensuring that conservation efforts are upheld as a cornerstone of our national identity and global reputation.”

To prevent a repeat of such incidents, Miano outlined strict measures including enforcement of park rules requiring visitors to remain inside vehicles except in designated areas, holding tour operators accountable with disciplinary or legal action against drivers and companies that breach regulations, increased ranger presence at sensitive points of the migration, and enhanced visitor education through signage and awareness campaigns at key gates and viewing sites.

She said these steps are necessary to safeguard both human life and conservation gains.

“Kenya’s tourism future is anchored in our ability to protect both visitors and wildlife. We must act decisively to preserve the Maasai Mara’s integrity, uphold visitor safety, and demonstrate Kenya’s unwavering commitment to conservation,” Miano stated.