NAIROBI, KENYA – Kenya’s tourism watchdog has issued a stern warning to the public about a sophisticated fraud scheme involving fake luxury lodges purportedly located in the world-renowned Maasai Mara National Reserve and surrounding conservancies. The Tourism Regulatory Authority (TRA) confirmed on Thursday, October 30, 2025, that criminals are using the names of non-existent establishments to scam unsuspecting tourists and exploit unemployed Kenyans.

In a public notice, TRA Director-General Norbert Talam identified two fraudulent entities at the center of the scam: 'Hotelio Gallare Game Camp Kenya Ltd' (also marketed as Gallera, Galleria, or Gallary) and 'Zebrina Gazebo Game Lodge Kenya Ltd'. These companies have been falsely claiming to operate within the Maasai Mara and the adjacent Naboisho Conservancy in Narok County, luring victims with bogus booking deals and fraudulent job offers.

“TRA confirms that no such facilities exist in the Maasai Mara region and cautions the public against engaging with anyone claiming to represent them,” Mr. Talam stated in the announcement. The authority has received numerous complaints, particularly from job seekers who were deceived into paying fees for fake 'Tourism Health or Food Handlers Certificates' as a prerequisite for employment that never materialised.

A Threat to Kenya's Reputation

This scam emerges as Kenya's tourism sector, a cornerstone of the national economy and a top foreign exchange earner, is in its peak season. Such fraudulent activities pose a significant threat to the country's reputation as a safe and reliable premier tourist destination. Industry experts have previously warned that a rise in sophisticated online fraud, including cloned websites and fake tour operators, could erode visitor trust and reverse post-pandemic recovery gains. Scammers often use polished websites and stolen branding to appear legitimate, making it difficult for potential victims to detect the fraud until it is too late.

The impact extends beyond financial loss for individuals, potentially diverting international visitors to competing destinations perceived as more secure. The Kenya Tourism Board (KTB) has previously flagged such schemes as a systemic risk requiring a multi-faceted response, including better verification systems and public awareness campaigns.

A Pattern of Deception

This is not an isolated incident. The Maasai Mara region has been a target for similar employment scams in the past. In April 2021, a police investigation was launched after thousands of young Kenyans were defrauded by a non-existent 'Mara Crescent Resort', which collected 'facilitation fees' for jobs that did not exist. Victims, some of whom had travelled from as far as Mombasa and Kisii, were left stranded at the park's gate after discovering they had been conned. The recurring nature of these scams highlights the vulnerability of desperate job seekers to exploitation.

Official Advisory and Protective Measures

The Tourism Regulatory Authority is urging extreme vigilance from both the public and industry players. “We wish to remind the public to stay alert against unlicensed or rogue operators. Always verify that the facility or tour operator you book with is licensed by TRA,” the authority advised. A comprehensive list of all officially licensed tourism operators and facilities is available for public verification on the TRA's official website, www.tra.go.ke.

Mr. Talam described the fraudsters' actions as criminal and called on anyone who has fallen victim or possesses relevant information to report the incidents immediately. Reports can be made to the Tourism Regulatory Authority, the specialized Tourist Police Unit (TPU), or any local police station. This collaborative approach aims to track down the perpetrators and prevent further harm to individuals and the tourism sector at large.

As the high season continues, travelers planning safaris are strongly advised to book exclusively through verified and licensed lodges and tour operators to avoid falling prey to these elaborate online scams. Similarly, job seekers in the hospitality sector should never pay upfront for certificates or document processing as a condition of employment, as this is a common tactic used by fraudsters.