Developing a Prosperous Mara-Serengeti Community

The Wildlife Tourism College of Maasai Mara (WTC) is a vital wildlife tourism training institution for the Maasai people of Kenya. The WTC builds on the legacy of the Koiyaki Guiding School (established in 2005), which has graduated over 300 trained Maasai safari guides. The college’s mission is to strengthen the employment prospects of young Maasai who show a passion for wildlife and conservation, but who may not be able to afford tuition fees.

Wildlife tourism accounts for about 80% of all tourism in Kenya, with almost 30% coming from the country’s flagship Masai Mara ecosystem. Yet, 80% of youth in the Mara region are unemployed and lack access to high-quality, post-secondary education programs. The Wildlife Tourism College of Maasai Mara aims to resolve this employment crisis, while supporting thousands of additional community members and safeguarding fragile natural habitats.

The courses offered by the Wildlife Tourism College of Maasai Mara are:​

• Nature Tour Guiding & Hosting – Certificate (1 year)
• Hospitality Management – Diploma (2 years)
• Wildlife & People – Diploma (2 years)
• Decreasing Impact of Climate Change – Diploma (2 years)
• Short Course Development – one to four weeks

Located in the Pardamat Conservation Area in the heart of the Mara ecosystem, the college’s main objectives are:

Reaching 80% employment upon course completion in a wider variety of fields and locations, with increased seniority and gender balance.

Welcoming over 5,000 annual visitors (from high school and tertiary graduates to knowledge seekers) to increase support for conservation.

Increasing the amount of environmental and social research in the Mara region by 50%.

Facilitating land-lease payments that support conservation in the Pardamat Conservation Area and the livelihoods of 850 landowners and their families.

The Wildlife Tourism College of Maasai Mara works closely with local and international organisations on programs that span the areas of ecotourism and natural resource management, rooted in the sustainable development goals.

 

Go2Africa’s Partnership with the Wildlife Tourism College of Maasai Mara

Go2Africa has pledged to donate $5 to the Wildlife Tourism College of Maasai Mara for every trip booked with us that includes a night at one of our selected Kenya partners*.

* These 8 Kenya lodge partners have been selected based on their investment in community, environment and wildlife projects: Alfajiri Villas, Angama Camps, Asilia Africa, The Safari Collection, Porini Camps, Governors’ Camp Collection, Sanctuary Retreats, Saruni.