The Tourism Regulatory Authority (TRA) has sounded an urgent alarm over a rising wave of fraud targeting travelers and job seekers through fake game lodge listings in the Maasai Mara and Naboisho Conservancy.
In a public notice issued on Thursday, the agency revealed that scammers have been impersonating two non-existent facilities; Hotelio Gallare Game Camp Kenya Ltd (also called Gallera, Galleria, or Gallary) and Zebrina Gazebo Game Lodge Kenya Ltd, falsely claiming to operate within the iconic wildlife destinations of Narok County.
According to TRA, the fraudsters have been luring unsuspecting tourists and job seekers with fake offers, including bogus job advertisements demanding payment for Tourism Health or Food Handlers Certificates.
“TRA confirms that no such facilities exist in the Maasai Mara region and cautions the public against engaging with anyone claiming to represent them,” said TRA Director General Norbert Talam.
“The public is further advised to remain vigilant and avoid making payments for job placements or document processing in the tourism sector.”
Talam stated that these actions are criminal and urged anyone who has fallen victim or has relevant information to report the incidents to the Tourism Regulatory Authority (TRA), the Tourist Police Unit (TPU), or the nearest police station.
The authority warned that fraudsters are taking advantage of Kenya’s booming tourism season to deceive both visitors and job seekers. TRA reiterated that all legitimate tourism operators and facilities are registered in its official online database, which the public can access to confirm authenticity before making any financial commitments.
“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 added.
The warning comes amid growing reports of employment scams in Kenya’s hospitality sector, where con artists exploit desperate job seekers. Tourists planning safaris to the Maasai Mara are urged to book only through verified lodges and operators listed on TRA’s registry to avoid falling victim to these sophisticated online scams.
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