Joseph Isangura
The iconic wildebeest migration through Serengeti National Park faces escalating threats due to a rapid increase in tourism.
This extraordinary migration, the largest of its kind worldwide, sees nearly two million wildebeest crossing the Serengeti and Maasai Mara Reserve annually in search of new grazing grounds and water.
The migration attracts around 1.9 million tourists each year, generating over $1.6 billion in revenue. However, the very tourism that profits from this phenomenon now jeopardizes its future.
During peak season, the northern gateway to the Serengeti—a small region of 4,000 square kilometers—struggles to accommodate up to 600 safari vehicles daily, carrying about 4,200 visitors. This influx has caused severe congestion and environmental damage, particularly in Kogatende, a key viewing area.
Read More; Tourism Surge Threatens Serengeti Migration
Wilbard Chambulo, a leading tourism investor and Chairman of the Tour Operators Association, has raised alarms about the detrimental effects of this tourism boom. At a recent meeting in Arusha, he criticized reckless driving, speeding, and violations of conservation rules by safari drivers competing for prime viewing spots.
To combat these issues, Mr. Massana Mwishawa, Deputy Conservation Commissioner at the Tanzania National Parks Authority (Tanapa), has unveiled plans to introduce advanced technologies to control vehicle numbers, enforce speed limits, and prevent off-roading. The government will also fund road upgrades to improve traffic management and mitigate environmental harm.
