Kenya's Maasai Mara honored for world's greatest wildlife migration

Kenya's Maasai Mara national reserve in Narok county has been officially recognized in the World Book of Records as the site of the "World's greatest annual terrestrial wildlife migration".

The World Book of Records is a global organisation that documents and certifies extraordinary achievements and promotes awareness of global heritage, peace, and conservation. Its certification of the Maasai Mara places the reserve in a distinguished class of internationally recognised natural wonders.

The distinction celebrated the dramatic seasonal movement of over 1.5 million wildebeests, zebras, and antelopes across the Serengeti in Tanzania to the Maasai Mara park—the largest land animal migration on Earth.

In a letter released on Tuesday to Narok governor Patrick Ole Ntutu, World Book of Records President Santosh Shukla, praised Kenya's conservation leadership, saying the listing honors "not only the natural phenomenon but also Kenya's role in environmental preservation, global biodiversity and sustainable eco-tourism."

The great migration at the Maasai Mara is one of the planet's most awe-inspiring natural events that draws thousands of visitors each year and plays a major role in maintaining ecological balance in the East African region.

Kenya's Tourism Cabinet Secretary Rebecca Miano on her social media called the recognition a "historic milestone," crediting local communities and the Narok county government for preserving the integrity of the ecosystem.

"This is not just a win for Kenya —it is a win for the planet," she said.

Miano said the recognition will further elevate Kenya's position as a premier sustainable tourism destination and underscores the government's commitment to conservation-led tourism.

"The Great Migration is not just a breath-taking spectacle—it is a profound symbol of ecological balance, resilience, and the interconnectedness of nature," she said.

Kenya's Narok Governor Ntutu in a statement said the accolade validated the county's efforts to modernize and safeguard the reserve through improved infrastructure, ranger training, and digital conservation tools.

Ntutu underscored the critical role Kenya plays in the continuity of the migration, particularly as herds cross into the Mara to mate and graze, contributing to the health of the entire ecosystem.

The Maasai Mara, home to over 25 percent of Kenya's biodiversity, remains a top destination for global ecotourism. "We celebrate it with joy and extend a warm invitation to the world: come and witness this marvel of nature with us. We invite the world to witness this marvel of nature," Ntutu said.