Serengeti National Park gateway now faces threat from mass tourism

Arusha. The northern gateway for the world-renowned annual wildebeest migration across Serengeti National Park is facing imminent threats from burgeoning tourism undertakings.

This iconic migration, the largest of its kind on the planet, sees nearly two million wildebeest traverse the Serengeti and Maasai Mara Reserve each year in search of fresh grazing and water.

The spectacle draws nearly 1.9 million tourists annually generating more than $1.6 billion in revenue per annum, but now the very tourism industry profiting from its wonder has turned out to be its worst enemy, threatening to tear it down.

Read: Just how many wildebeest are there in Serengeti? We're about to find out!

During the peak tourist season, the northern Serengeti gateway—a relatively small area of 4,000 square kilometres—can be overwhelmed by an average of 600 safari vehicles daily, carrying around 4,200 visitors craving to witness this natural wonder.

The influx of vehicles has led to severe congestion and environmental degradation, particularly in Kogatende, a prime viewing spot for the migration.

Mr Wilbard Chambulo, a key tourism investor and Chairman of the Tanzania Association of Tour Operators (Tato), has raised a red flag against reckless driving by safari vehicles at the joint stakeholders meeting in Arusha.

Drivers often exceed speed limits and disregard conservation regulations to compete for the best viewing spots.

“This behaviour threatens the delicate ecosystem and may degrade Kogatende into an unsightly, dusty field, if not addressed,” Mr Chambulo said.

Tourist vehicles frequently break regulations by driving off established tracks, creating congestion, and crowding around wildlife, which blocks the animals’ migration routes and disrupts their natural behaviour.

The competitive nature of tourism, where drivers can earn substantial tips by delivering visitors to sensational sights such as predator kills, exacerbates these issues.

Mr Chambulo passionately pleaded with the government to designate the Wildebeest crossing site, as a ‘tourism hotspot zone’ where tourists should be paying a premium package to see the greatest wildlife spectacle on earth.

“I’m sorry, the wildebeest migration, is one of nature spectacular phenomena that drives tourism demand in Serengeti, let’s make it a special zone for tourists to purchase as premium package to experience the star falling episode” he noted.

In its efforts to foster excellence and responsible tourism practices, Mr Chambulo explained, Tato has developed a comprehensive safari guide code of conduct and ethics booklet.

This initiative aims to elevate safari-guiding standards across Tanzania, reaffirming Tato’s dedication to sustainable tourism and preserving the country’s natural and cultural heritage.

Key features include professionalism in dress, language, and behavior; adherence to national laws; and respect for privacy and inclusiveness.

Read: Serengeti voted world's third best nature-based destination

Additionally, it promotes minimal wildlife interference and cultural sensitivity towards local communities, ensuring a respectful and enriching experience for tourists.

A fresh study by Dr Emmanuel Massenga from the Tanzania Wildlife Research Institute (Tawiri) highlights the severity of the situation.

Serengeti National Park receives nearly 17,500 safari vehicles annually, with the northern Serengeti alone handling around 600 vehicles daily during peak seasons.

This congestion not only diminishes visitor experiences, but also causes significant distress to wildlife, disrupting their natural patterns and potentially endangering their lives.

Dr Massenga noted that the overcrowding of seasonal and permanent tented camps in northern Serengeti, offering a total of 1,036 beds, further compounds the challenge.

He emphasised that the excessive vehicle traffic and close proximity to wildlife are detrimental to both the ecosystem and the overall safari experience.

To address these challenges, the Tanzania National Parks Authority (Tanapa) Deputy Conservation Commissioner Mr Massana Mwishawa announced plans to deploy the cutting-edge technologies to manage overcrowding, speeding, and off-roading, as well as upgrading roads with government funding.

Awareness campaigns are also underway to promote responsible tourism among tour guides.

Additionally, stakeholders are proposing the creation of special zones with higher fees for prime viewing sites like Kogatende, Ndutu and Moru.

A new conservation-sensitive booking system and the establishment of minimum stay requirements are also recommended to balance visitor satisfaction with conservation needs.

The ongoing discussions stress the importance of infrastructure improvements, such as developing picnic sites and proper game viewing areas, alongside strengthening education on conservation practices and managing invasive species along the Mara River.

As one of the world’s most renowned wildlife sanctuaries, Serengeti National Park remains unparalleled for its natural beauty and scientific significance.

The annual migration, featuring over two million wildebeest, 200,000 zebras, and numerous gazelles, is a testament to the raw power and endurance of nature.

Ensuring its survival requires a concerted effort to address the impacts of tourism while preserving the integrity of this extraordinary natural phenomenon.