Kenya has urged tourists to sample the twin migration experience of the annual wildebeest migration in the world’s famous Maasai Mara and the whale migration in the coastal region.
Najib Balala, Cabinet Secretary, Ministry of Tourism and Wildlife said that both migrations position the east African nation as the go-to destination for both safari and beach.
The Kenyan official noted that every year, humpback whales migrate from Antarctica to warmer climates, congregating in Kenyan waters between July and August to calve and mate.
“Both migrations peak between July and September, which means that Kenya can host a ‘Twin Migration’ experience, a unique wildlife phenomenon, incorporating both the bush and the beach product. We are certain that the twin migration will continue to position Kenya as the home to natural and iconic experience as well as diversity of products offering. After spending two months breeding and nursing their calves, the whales then make their journey back to Antarctica around September. In East Africa, the whales travel up to 4,000 kilometres to reach their chosen area to take care of their newborns.’’
Najib Balala, Cabinet Secretary, Ministry of Tourism and Wildlife
Balala also appreciated community efforts in protecting marine life and the promotion of sustainable tourism at the coast.
He expressed the government’s commitment to environmental and wildlife conservation.
Betty Radier, KTB’s CEO, said the wildebeest and whale migrations are the two top destination experiences that visitors need to explore more together.
“We are going to market them together in such a way that people can go and visit the wildebeest migration in safari then culminate that with the whale migration at the Kenyan coast.”
Betty Radier, KTB CEO
Kenya had made efforts to protect its game reserves, forests and beaches – one of which is the banning of single-use plastics these areas.
The country intends to market the two experiences together to ensure that visitors have the chance to enjoy alternative natural experiences.
