The Maasai People

Just as the name suggests, Maasai Mara is close to the Maasai ethnic group natural habitat in both Kenya and Tanzania.
Their story of origin says that they came up from heaven ( a man and woman) together with their herd of cattle that was their livelihood. (Though this does not entirely explain their fixation on cattle keeping even in the busy Nairobi city) Over time they were responsible for the death of many wildlife species as they defend their cattle but efforts have been made to enlighten them on wildlife conservation.
As part of their rites of passage of a boy being initiated into adult hood (moran) from childhood, they were required to go into the bush and kill a lion each to prove their bravery. This practice has thankfully been replaced by other rites.
In collaboration, the Kenyan and Tanzanian government have come up with measures to ensure that the Maasai and wildlife live symbiotically in one environment. Now they are employed as tour guides in the park since they know the depths of the park and survival tactics in the wild. With employment it ensures that they have other avenues for making a living.
Their women make beautiful bangles and memorabilia that tourists are attracted to.
Since it is originally their land, they are entrusted to protect the park land from further human encroachment, thus protecting the wildlife.
Lastly, The Maasai are Kenya's tourist attraction; how many people do you come across in a red shuka, a long stick, standing on one foot for hours on end?