The development and promotion of new tourism
attractions in the greater Mara not only has the
potential
to provide a conservation compatible source of
income for community members living around the area,
but
can also help to reduce visitor pressure on the
core Reserve itself. There are a number of attractions
around
the Reserve that have either been used in the past
and are in need of some rehabilitation, or that have not
yet
been developed but have the potential to be of
significant appeal to tourists.
One of the most popular of these sites outside the
MMNR is Leopard Gorge, which was made famous by
the BBC television programme Big Cat
Diary. Located just to the north of the Musiara area, this
steep-sided
gorge walled in by granite ridges is one of the
best places in the Mara to find leopards and other big
cats.
However, this gorge was also the site selected for
the development of a lodge, which although stopped
on
account of its potential negative environmental
and tourism impacts, this did not happen before some
construction
work began in the area. Evidence of this
development remains on the ground in the gorge, and
is
undermining the quality of the visitor experience
in this area. As such, and in order to support the
enhancement
of tourism in this area, MMNR management will take
the lead in the rehabilitation of this site,
and
provide any additional technical and/or logistical
support to this rehabilitation as necessary.
In addition, the Nyakwere Forest in Trans Mara
District has also been highlighted as a potential
tourism
attraction beyond the Reserve’s boundaries.
This substantial forest area has significant potential for
walking
safaris, which could provide an important source
of revenue for local communities, and would provide
an
excellent complement to the vehicle-based game
viewing on the plains below the escarpment. MMNR
management
will therefore liaise with communities in the area
as well as interested tour operators with regard
to
establishing this activity. As appropriate,
management will also provide ongoing support to enhance the
es-
tablishment and smooth running of this initiative
through, for example, helping with the identification
of
walking routes, providing or enhancing the
training of guides, and helping with marketing through
incorporation
the activities into MMNR marketing materials and
awareness raising. In addition, MMNR management
will also raise awareness with tourism operators
both in and around the Reserve to ensure wide
awareness
of the opportunities that have been
developed.
