I am a big fan of Africa and have met some incredible people in the industry on my frequent visits to the continent over the years. To cure my Africa fix when I am back home in Australia, I often resort to following those individuals on Instagram and checking out what they are getting up to for my daily does of bush life.
Imagine my horror when I saw Nick Kleer’s latest post about a recent incident that happened in Tanzania’s Serengeti National Park. For context, I have popped the video below, but in Nick’s words:
“This morning in Serengeti National Park, I witnessed some of the most shocking behavior I’ve ever seen. Not from the animals, but from the people meant to protect them.
Guides and rangers were allowing, and even encouraging, their guests to block wildebeest river crossings. Guests were out of their vehicles. Hundreds of people were crowding the banks. The wildebeest tried again and again to cross, but access was cut off repeatedly.
Some panicked and leapt from cliffs. Others were injured and will likely die. And yes, nature can be brutal, but this wasn’t nature. This was chaos caused by human interference.
This should never happen.
I’ve always held Serengeti in the highest esteem, but what I saw today was disgraceful. Something needs to change. Rangers must enforce rules. Parks must protect wildlife before profit or content.”
What Nick witnessed was absolutely disgusting behaviour by tourists and the safari guides who should have known better.
Since the incident went viral, the Tanzania National Parks Authority (TANAPA) swiftly issued a statement condemning the behaviour and rangers at the site responded by ordering the tourists back into their vehicles, reiterating that disembarking is strictly prohibited. TANAPA confirmed that the vehicles involved were identified and that disciplinary action would be taken against the guides responsible for this.
Over the years, I have worked at using my words and images from my African experiences to educate the travel industry and consumers on the importance of choosing the right company to book an African safari with.
Selecting the right African safari operator is about more than luxury accommodations or wildlife sightings. It ensures visitors support ethical safari practices, benefit local communities and protect precious ecosystems.
The Great Migration is one of the most awe-inspiring natural spectacles on Earth, drawing travellers from around the globe to East Africa each year. This epic journey sees over two million wildebeests, zebras and gazelles traverse the plains of the Serengeti in Tanzania and the Maasai Mara in Kenya in search of fresh grazing and water.
Spanning from around July to October in Kenya, the migration is a dramatic cycle of life and death, with river crossings—particularly over the Mara River—serving as the most iconic and perilous moments. Here, herds brave strong currents and lurking predators like crocodiles, while big cats and hyenas await on land. Beyond its breathtaking visual impact, the migration plays a crucial role in the region’s ecosystem, sustaining predators and fertilising the land, making it a cornerstone of East African wildlife tourism.
National parks like the Serengeti and the Maasai Mara are under pressure. In the Maasai Mara, visitor density is up to ten times higher than in other Kenyan parks and 17 times greater than in neighbouring Serengeti. During the Great Migration, sightings at river crossings can attract more than 300 vehicles at a single spot, disrupting wildlife and damaging grassland habitats.
Unregulated camp construction has introduced nearly 200 facilities, including many without proper licensing, while unaccredited guides add to the strain on both environment and visitor experience.
The true impact on animals and the environment
Crowds of safari vehicles at predator sightings interfere with natural behaviours, making it harder for lions, cheetahs and other species to hunt. Trampled vegetation reduces grazing grounds—and narrows corridors used by migrating wildebeests—leading to a significant decline in their numbers and time spent in the reserve.
Infrastructure stress also extends to climate‑driven flooding and drought. In early May 2024, heavy rainfall saw camps submerged, lodges destroyed and tourists stranded; some local wildlife—giraffes and gazelles among them—perished or had their habitat disrupted.
Why the right safari operator makes the difference
Reputable operators prioritise sustainable practices, such as operating within conservancies that limit visitor numbers, employ certified guides, and support local communities with leasing and revenue‑sharing models.
Community‑based conservancies employ Maasai staff, cap accommodations and enforce off‑road driving bans to protect the land and wildlife. Some operators have even embraced regenerative tourism, investing directly in land regeneration, education and community wellbeing.
Encouraging better safari experiences beyond overtourism hotspots
It is important that travel advisors educate travellers on exploring less crowded regions and seasonal alternatives. Safaris outside the Maasai Mara—such as walking safaris in Mara conservancies, under‑the‑radar destinations in Laikipia or Samburu—offer rich wildlife and cultural encounters with far lower impact.
Several operators now promote travel outside peak migration periods or to lesser‑known destinations, helping distribute tourism more evenly across East Africa.
How to pick a sustainable safari operator
Deon De Villiers, founder of Safari Guru, an Australian-based specialist African safari travel company, is a seasoned explorer and conservationist with a deep-rooted passion for Africa’s wild wonders. With over 20 years of hands-on experience in the heart of the African wilderness, Deon has earned his reputation as a true pioneer in the world of wildlife and safari adventures.
Deon says, “While tourism remains a crucial driver for conservation funding and awareness, unchecked visitor numbers can tip the balance—turning wildlife sanctuaries into stress zones. The industry must embrace best practices that align economic opportunity with ecological responsibility. Striking a balance is not optional; it’s essential, otherwise, our planet’s most treasured environments could face irreversible harm.”
When booking, travel advisors should follow some of these steps:
- Confirm the operator works in conservancies or reserve areas that enforce vehicle limits, trained guides and environmental certifications.
- Ask how they share revenue with local communities—for example through land leasing, employment or infrastructure investment.
- Inquire about efforts to diversify itineraries beyond the Great Migration season.
- Look for operators engaged in regenerative tourism and long‑term conservation projects.
Aligning with ethical operators not only safeguards wildlife and ecosystem health, it also delivers meaningful experiences and empowers local communities. It’s one of the best ways travel agents can uphold sustainable values and transform tourism into a force for good.
Main image: Nick Kleer
This story has been partly republished from Travel Monitor.
