*Why Maasai Mara is Still Called a Game Reserve* `Maasai Mara is still referred to as a Game Reserve due to historical, social, and legal reasons:` ```1. Traditional Ownership and Management Unlike National Parks, which are typically managed by the central government through the Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS), Game Reserves like Maasai Mara are managed by county governments or local communities. Maasai Mara falls under the jurisdiction of the Narok County Government, which manages it on behalf of the Maasai community. 2. Indigenous Community Rights The Maasai Mara is part of the traditional land of the Maasai people. Declaring it a National Park could restrict the community from using the land for certain cultural practices, such as livestock grazing. By recognizing it as a Game Reserve, the local community maintains direct involvement in land use and benefits economically from tourism. 3. Community-Based Conservation The Game Reserve model supports collaboration between the community, local government, and private investors in tourism. This ensures that the benefits of tourism directly reach local residents—unlike National Parks, where most revenue goes to the central government. 4. Unique Ecosystem and Wildlife Although Maasai Mara is globally renowned for its exceptional wildlife and natural events like the Great Wildebeest Migration, this doesn’t change its legal status. Being a Game Reserve does not imply it’s of lesser quality—it simply reflects a different management structure that allows for community participation.``` ```In summary: Maasai Mara is not a National Park because it is community land. Its status as a Game Reserve allows the Maasai people to actively participate in conservation and benefit from tourism, while preserving its world-famous natural wonders.``` `FINDINGS & RESEARCH BY Pitia Africa Tours & Safaris` *lets travel together*