Narok County Government in South West Kenya has partnered with Reuters Plus, the branded content studio of the world’s largest international multimedia news provider, to launch ‘Moments of Wonder’, a global campaign documenting the evolving world of Kenya’s Maasai Mara National Reserve and surrounding conservancies.
The new campaign showcases the benefits tourism brings to the region. These include new opportunities for the Maasai people, female empowerment and the creation of local guardians who are protecting the remarkable wildlife for future generations.
The ‘Moments of Wonder’ campaign comprises a digital interactive experience, including five videos and six first-person articles exploring the lives of the Maasai, impactful photo stories documenting the annual migration of the wildebeest, experiential listicles and a 360o video of the Maasai ‘jumping dance’.
The content hub shines a spotlight on the personal lives of the Maasai, including Micael Kalo, a hunter turned protector who helps the local community understand the importance of lions for tourism and the wider ecosystem, and Lorna Seela Nabaala, a driver-guide and part of a new generation of women bringing their unique skills to jobs traditionally reserved for men.
The Narok County Government plans to double the number of tourists who visit the Maasai Mara Natural Reserve each year. Between June and September the reserve is fully booked, compared to the low season where some properties are forced to close.
Narok County Governor Samuel Tunai said they chose Reuters Plus for its international reach and presence in 115 countries: “Today we have the great pleasure of partnering with Reuters Plus as our lead media partner of the greater Mara. We are looking forward to their journalistic approach helping to bridge the gap between the high and low tourism seasons and showcase our wonderful region to the world.”
Reuters Senior Vice President, Sales and Content, Munira Ibrahim said: “Our ‘Moments of Wonder’ campaign brings to life the emotional journey of the Maasai. The visually striking content, backed up with world-class editorial, documents the Maasai’s incredible balancing act between adapting to new ways and preserving the wildlife.”
She continues: “This campaign is a celebration of one of the world’s natural wonders, the wildebeest migration and the wildlife that make up the rich tapestry of the area, as well as the role that tourism plays in ensuring the long term survival of the Maasai Mara Nature Reserve and surrounding conservancies.”