A viral video capturing unethical safari behaviour at the Kogatende Crossing in Tanzania's Serengeti National Park has reignited fierce debate around wildlife tourism practices.
Tourists and guides were seen standing outside vehicles, obstructing wildebeest at a river crossing during the Great Migration. The Tanzania National Parks Authority (TANAPA) swiftly issued a statement condemning the behaviour. 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.
The Tanzania Association of Tour Operators (TATO) also weighed in, calling the actions at Kogatende a serious breach of ethics. “They do not reflect the standards of professional safari operations in Tanzania,” said TATO’s Executive Director Elirehema Maturo. “Such behaviour violates the TATO Safari Guide Code and Ethics.”
TATO recently trained over 1 000 safari guides ahead of peak season to reinforce best practices. “We must hold each other accountable,” Maturo said. “The future of the industry depends on safeguarding our tourism resources.”
“The migration is one of the last great natural spectacles on Earth and it depends entirely on the freedom of movement across ancient, instinctual routes,” said wildlife guide and photographer Nick Kleer who originally captured the scene.
“When vehicles block access to crossing points, the herds panic. Some scatter, others leap from cliffs and many fail to cross altogether. It causes chaos, injuries and unnecessary deaths.”
Kleer, who has documented the migration for years, warns that such behaviour doesn’t just endanger wildlife but also erodes the Serengeti’s reputation as a top-tier destination.
“When tourists see guides allowing crowds out of vehicles, yelling and filming, it cheapens the experience. Word spreads. The image of the Serengeti suffers.”
Kleer emphasised that guides are more than drivers; they are also educators and stewards. “They shape how tourists behave. A well-trained guide explains the sensitivity of a crossing. If a guide allows guests out at a crossing, they’re sabotaging the very thing people came to see.”
He also pointed to lack of regulation and enforcement as root causes of the issue. “There has been a huge increase in lodges – even in sensitive areas. While having more travellers isn’t inherently bad, poor enforcement allows this surge to spiral out of control. Rules exist but enforcement is almost non-existent.
“Authorities need to enforce existing rules and revoke licences for repeat offenders. There should be penalties for companies that fail to train their guides. Vehicle numbers at crossings should be capped, and there should be educational campaigns aimed at tourists and operators.”
Serengeti versus the Mara
While Kleer hasn’t yet visited the Maasai Mara this season, he acknowledged that, in past years, Kenya’s side of the migration faced similar issues. However, he has heard positive reports this year, suggesting a shift toward better crowd management.
This shift appears real. In Kenya, years of concern about wildlife harassment have led to reform. According to Valery Joanne Super, Co-Founder of Emboo Camps, this year’s crossings have been “quiet” and more respectful. “There are lots of wildebeest around and guests are behaving in a respectful way. None of the dramatic scenes we witnessed in previous years,” she said.
Calvin Cottar, Director of Cottar’s Safaris, credits this to better governance. “Narok County now enforces the Maasai Mara Management Plan. The reserve is correctly staffed and managed by professionals,” he said.
Mohanjeet Brar, MD of Gamewatchers and Porini Camps, agrees. “There’s better equipment and more professionalism on the ground. An Earth Ranger tracking programme is now operational,” he noted. However, he warned that mass tourism remains a concern. “Vehicle numbers are still an issue. More camps are opening near the park and, while increased fees aimed to reduce crowds, the results are mixed.”
Brar added that, although the fee hikes are necessary, the timing creates tension among travellers. “The way it was implemented wasn’t ideal. Some guests had to pay more despite booking early. A dynamic fee structure that varies by season could help spread out numbers.”
According to Felix Migoya, Chairperson of the East Africa Guides and Drivers Association, the root cause lies in weak law enforcement and shifting tourist patterns. “More travellers are choosing the Serengeti over the Mara due to Kenya’s higher park fees. Kenya is now more of a transit point. That’s why traffic is lighter on our side.”
