The MMNR is one of the most famous protected areas
in the world, and is among the highest visited
protected
areas in Kenya. It is not only a major tourism hub
in its own right, but also plays a crucial role as
a
driver of tourism in Kenya as a whole. As with any
highly popular and intensely used visitor
destination,
which in this case many visitors regard as the
highlight of their trip, it is essential that the area’s
visitor services
(such as handling at gates and visitor amenities)
and infrastructure (such as roads and airstrips) are of
the
world-class standard which visitors are
increasingly expecting. In addition, and in order to ensure both
the
protection of the area’s sensitive natural
resources and a high quality visitor experience, it is also
essential that
all existing services and infrastructure, and any
developed during the implementation period of this plan,
be
compatible with, and where possible support, the
fostering and maintenance of the optimal use patterns
and
visitor distribution within the Reserve that this
management plan and MMNR managers are striving to
create
(as set out in more detail in the MMNR Zonation
& Visitor Use Scheme).
