Ecotourism often claims that it preserves and "enhances" local cultures. However, evidence shows that with the establishment of protected areas local people have illegally lost their homes, and most often with no compensation (Kamuaro, 2007).
Pushing people onto marginal lands with harsh climates, poor soils, lack of water, and infested with livestock and disease does little to enhance livelihoods even when a proportion of ecotourism profits are directed back into the community.
The establishment of parks can create harsh survival realities and deprive the people of their traditional use of land and natural resources.
Ethnic groups are increasingly being seen as a "backdrop" to the scenery and wildlife.
The local people struggle for cultural survival and freedom of cultural expression while being "observed" by tourists.
Local indigenous people also have strong resentment towards the change, "Tourism has been allowed to develop with virtually no controls.
Too many lodges have been built, too much firewood is being used and no limits are being placed on tourism vehicles.
They regularly drive off-track and harass the wildlife.
Their vehicle tracks cris-cross the entire Masai Mara.
Inevitably the bush is becoming eroded and degraded" (Kamuaro, 2007).