Interviewee

Daniel Ole Nalepu

A Maasai guide in the Mara Conservancy

Interviewer

Alison M. Jones

NWNL Director and Photographer

At Mara Conservancy’s “Hippo Pool” in Mara River, Kenya on February 26, 2015

Introductory Note

Dedicated Kenyan, British and American conservationists have worked hard to protect the amazing diversity of wildlife and natural balance of Kenya’s renowned Maasai Mara ecosystem. One of the natural great events that draws tourists to this corner of Maasai Land is the annual spectacle of thousands of zebra and wildebeest migrating north from Tanzania’s Serengeti National Park to the wetter plains of Kenya’s Maasai Mara.This event, which many refer to as one of the greatest Natural Wonders of the World, draws global interest and a very significant income for Kenya. 

The Maasai value that and know, as do scientists and conservationists, that that the economic boon of tourism depends heavily on the continuing health of the Mara River. If the Mau Forest (this river’s source) is destroyed, the river will dry up, thus ending these spectacular migrations that bring in critical tourism dollars.   

Maasai giraffe family on banks of Mara River

Outline

ECOLOGICAL VALUE of the MARA RIVER
ECONOMIC VALUE of the MARA RIVER

Key Quote  We, as Maasai, worry if the Mara River gets low and close to drying up, because not only will the wildebeest and zebras die of hunger and thirst, but so will the other animals that live in the river, like the hippopotamus and crocodiles. — Daniel Ole Nalepu

All images © Alison M. Jones, unless otherwise noted. All rights reserved.

ECOLOGICAL VALUE of the MARA RIVER

NWNL  Daniel, thank you for taking me out today on this game drive to document the amazing wildlife here in your homeland. What are your thoughts as a Maasai – and as a guide – on the significance of the Mara River to this region and to the amazing diversity of wildlife here?

DANIEL OLE NALEPU This Mara River is the destination of our annual wildebeest migrations from Tanzania in July, August and September. Millions of animals come from the Serengeti National Park across the border to Kenya’s Maasai Mara National Reserve. They come during the dry season and cross this river to find green grass.

However, in the push to find water and food, thousands of our wildebeest – and the zebras that come with them – die in this river when they are crossing it. It’s quite an amazing sight to see the crocodiles in the river attack them. Photographers, scientists and many others are very interested to observe this.

Zebras often cross the river before the wildebeest, braving an army of hungry crocodiles


NWNL  As a photographer, I certainly agree! The migration provides an amazing opportunity to watch and photograph millions of wildebeests and zebras, as well as predators that follow them, such as lion, cheetah and leopard that lurk on the outskirts of these herds, attacking and feeding on the weaker prey.

Daniel, for eons your people, the Maasai, have lived in this region – now known and celebrated as the Maasai Mara National Reserve. What concerns or appreciation do your fellow Massai have on the role of the Mara River?

DANIEL OLE NALEPU  In our culture we believe it is very important to protect the Mara River. We understand it is the reason we have these migrations of wildebeest seeking water from the river and green grasses from our local rains. It is also important for so many other wild animals here. 

Zebras huddle quietly during a rainstorm on green Mara Plains


We, as Maasai, worry if the Mara River gets low and close to drying up, because not only will the wildebeest and zebras die of hunger and thirst, but so will other animals that live in the river, like the hippopotamus and crocodiles. Without the Mara River, many species will suffer, and their populations will be in trouble. So, you see this Mara River is very important because it is what brings the migration.

ECONOMIC VALUE of the MARA RIVER

NWNL  You say the wild animals that populate this area year-round and the migrations that come into these plains are important to the Maasai. Why is that – and has it always been so?

Maasai ostriches (with their pink necks) and a common zebra are two of the hundreds of species on the Mara-Serengeti plains


DANIEL OLE NALEPU  The wildlife we have here is very important for us, especially because the diversity of animals brings many visitors to this river on safaris – and we, the Maasai, benefit economically. 

Their tourism income is very important to us as we struggle these days to maintain our cattle herds – especially during dry times. So, it’s good to take care of the wildebeest and the Mara River. Yeah! 

NWNL  “Asante sana!” [Thank you! in Swahili.] And in your language, Daniel, “Ashooleng!” [Thank you! in Maa.]

DANIEL OLE NALEPU   “Karibu sana!” [You are most welcome!” in Swahili.]

A well-camouflaged cheetah gazes across the Mara Plains searching for its next meal

Posted by NWNL on August 8, 2024.
Transcription edited and condensed for clarity by Alison M. Jones.

All images © Alison M. Jones, unless otherwise noted. All rights reserved.