Kenya Ramps Up Tourism as Wildebeest Migration Begins
Kenya is turning up the heat on its tourism game as the breathtaking Great Wildebeest Migration kicks off. On Thursday, President William Ruto announced a bold campaign aiming to attract 5 million foreign tourists by 2027.
“We are focused on tourism that enriches both the visitor and the host, and transforms travelers into ambassadors for Kenya,” Ruto said at the launch of the 2025 Great Wildebeest Migration global livestream at the world-famous Masai Mara National Reserve.
Kenya’s tourism sector is on the rise, with international arrivals increasing by 15% to 2.4 million in 2024, up from 2.09 million in 2023, according to the Ministry of Tourism and Wildlife. Tourism earnings also jumped to a whopping 452.20 billion shillings (about $3.5 billion) from $2.92 billion the previous year.
Ruto highlighted Masai Mara as the crown jewel of Kenya’s attractions. Welcoming over 400,000 visitors annually, it’s home to the awe-inspiring Great Wildebeest Migration—the largest herd movement of animals on the planet, visible even from space!
“Sustainable tourism is a living reality in Masai Mara, where communities thrive, ecosystems flourish, and travelers leave enthralled,” Ruto said.
The Great Wildebeest Migration sees millions of wildebeest, zebras, and other herbivores journeying from Tanzania’s Serengeti to Kenya’s Masai Mara between July and October. Their dramatic river crossings, especially over the predator-infested Mara River, are a must-see spectacle for nature lovers worldwide.
Ruto urged both domestic and international tourists to explore Kenya’s diverse attractions—from “the thundering hooves of Masai Mara to the calm shores of our coast, from snow-capped peaks to sunlit savannahs.”
With initiatives to protect biodiversity, restore habitats, and engage local communities, Kenya is not just offering unforgettable experiences but also promoting sustainability.
For young adventurers and eco-conscious travelers, Kenya is rolling out the welcome mat. Will you answer the call?
