After receiving the Notice from Narok County Government informing industry stakeholders of the proposed change from a 24hr ticket to a 12hr (6AM to 6PM) ticket, the industry under the auspices of KTF engaged the County Government to suspend this move to January 2024 and pave way for discussion in the interim period.  The request was not responded to before the stated implementation date of 1st July, 2023 and the change in ticket validity has since been implemented.
 
Currently, the daily park entry ticket for Maasai Mara National Reserve expires at 6:00pm irrespective of what time one entered the Reserve.  There are no additional charges for the period 6:00pm to 6:00am for those residing in properties inside the Reserve but those residing outside have to vacate the Reserve at 6:00pm.
 
This development has caused severe disruptions to safaris which had largely been sold on a 24hr ticket taking into account the respective time of entry.  KTF has since sought an urgent meeting with the Narok Governor, which we are informed has been granted and will take place once he is back in the country.
 
The following are the key issues that the County will clarify shortly ahead of the KTF meeting: -
  
1. Transit: We are informed that Gate Staff manning the Gates are refusing transit to operators and insisting that they pay Park Fees.  Our understanding was that transit through the Reserve was to be granted but with a specified time limit within which one should exit.
  
2. Departure Time: Some members have reported challenges with departure from the Reserve on the last day and being asked to pay Park Fees.   Our understanding was that all departures by 10:00am will not attract park fees.
  
3. Airstrip Transfers: Some members have safaris that depart by air for clients residing outside the Reserve.  Our understanding was that all Airstrip transfers would be facilitated as along as the clients are taken straight from the gate to the Airstrip

Source: https://katokenya.org/