📝 usncan Note: Lessons From Tanzania’s Serengeti Region
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Each year, the great migration sweeps across the Serengeti in Tanzania. Millions of wildebeest, zebras and gazelles make their way across East Africa in what is considered one of the greatest wildlife experiences in the world. However, this year, the spectacle was overshadowed by controversy when videos surfaced of tourists leaving their vehicles and crowding dangerously close to the animals in order to get the best pictures and videos.
Conservationists, guides, rangers and park officials condemned this behavior and warned that it not only put travelers at risk, but it also disturbs the fragile ecosystem of the migration itself. What should have been a moment of awe for tourists, quickly became a cautionary tale about human intrusion and overtourism.
We talked to East African safari specialists about the incident and asked what should be done moving forward.
An Isolated Incident?
“While any footage such as that which has done the rounds on social media is distressing and unfortunate, it’s important to understand that these isolated incidents don’t represent the norm in Tanzania’s well-managed parks,” says Kieran Day, CEO of Elewana Collection. “The Great Migration is one of nature’s most extraordinary phenomena, and Tanzania has decades of experience hosting visitors safely and responsibly. The vast majority of river crossings occur without incident. Tanzania’s tourism industry employs over 1.5 million people and generates significant revenues that directly funds conservation efforts protecting these incredible ecosystems. When managed properly—which is the standard practice—these moments remain the rare privilege they should be, contributing to both wildlife protection and community prosperity.”
Day believes that Tanzania’s safari industry represents one of conservation’s greatest success stories. He says every visitor directly contributes to protecting vast wilderness areas and supporting communities who are wildlife’s best guardians. Day says: “The migration isn’t just one story—it’s 12 months of different chapters, each offering unique spectacles. By choosing Tanzania and traveling during various seasons, visitors ensure this model continues thriving, funding the protection of ecosystems that are irreplaceable global treasures. Tanzania’s commitment to sustainable tourism means that future generations will inherit landscapes and wildlife populations that are healthier than ever; that’s the real story worth telling.”
What Went Wrong
So what went wrong? “Overtourism in Tanzania is fueled by rapid tourism growth, a heavy concentration of visitors in the Northern Circuit, weak regulatory enforcement, and increasing infrastructure development within protected areas,” says Vanessa Dean, Head of Experience, Mahlatini Luxury Travel. “Without a shift toward dispersing tourism to lesser-visited parks, implementing stronger regulations, and prioritizing sustainable practices and planning, the pressures on these key ecosystems are likely to intensify. The Mara–Serengeti ecosystem is under mounting pressure, particularly around key migration crossings. The growing number of vehicles in these areas is placing immense stress on wildlife and disrupting one of the world’s most spectacular natural events. This fragile ecosystem is being steadily eroded, largely due to a troubling lack of effective regulation.”
Dean believes that to curb irresponsible operator behavior requires stronger regulations and robust enforcement, particularly around key migration crossing points. “Traffic must be better managed in these sensitive areas to reduce pressure on wildlife. Guides should undergo comprehensive training before being allowed to operate in national parks, ensuring they fully understand and uphold ethical wildlife viewing standards,” says Dean. “Reckless conduct by guides or operators must not be tolerated, and clear, enforceable consequences should be applied to those who violate park regulations.”
International tour operators also play a critical role by choosing to partner only with ethical companies that prioritize responsible guiding, conservation, and respect for local communities and the environment. It’s also essential for visitors to do their research and book with reputable tour operators who prioritize conservation and are committed advocates of sustainable, ethical tourism.
Traveling Outside Peak Season
Encouraging travel outside peak migration times is one way to ease pressure while still offering exceptional safari experiences. “The Serengeti and Mara remain outstanding year-round, with excellent game viewing, fewer crowds, and better value during quieter seasons,” says Dean.
Day explains that the great migration is visible in different locations throughout all 12 months. The Serengeti, Ngorongoro, and other parks showcase incredible biodiversity beyond the river crossings—from the dramatic calving season in February to excellent predator viewing during the green season. “This nature and adventure based tourism is absolutely vital: it funds anti-poaching efforts, supports vast tracts of land set aside for biodiversity and its protection and provides livelihoods for entire communities. The industry’s economic impact ensures that wildlife conservation remains financially sustainable. Every visitor becomes a conservation partner, making safaris not just spectacular experiences but meaningful contributions to Africa’s wildlife future.”
Visiting Other Safari Areas
There are also remarkable, but less-visited areas, within Kenya and Tanzania. Says Dean: “Nyerere and Ruaha in southern Tanzania, and Meru, Samburu, and Laikipia in Kenya, offer rich wildlife encounters with fewer visitors and strong conservation values.” By encouraging travel during off-peak seasons and greater exploration of these lesser-known destinations, East Africa can help protect the Serengeti–Mara ecosystem while supporting a more balanced and sustainable tourism model. Beyond East Africa, other lesser-visited parks across southern Africa also provide great safari experiences. In Zambia, South Luangwa stands out for its rich biodiversity and lower tourist density, while Kafue—one of Africa’s largest national parks—remains underexplored despite its incredible variety of wildlife. In Zimbabwe, Mana Pools offers a unique, seasonal safari experience with fewer visitors, and Hwange provides excellent game viewing with significantly lower tourist numbers compared to more commercialized parks. In Botswana, both the Central Kalahari Game Reserve and the Makgadikgadi Pans remain quiet, offering rare wildlife encounters—including the annual zebra migration.
During Peak Season Migration Season
So what should be done when travelers visit during the peak season? “Limit vehicles numbers at sensitive locations and hotspots such as migration crossing points,” says Dean. “Additionally, strengthen regulation and enforce with strict penalties.” She says there also needs to be mandatory guide training and licensing before guides can operate in the parks.
Is Overtourism to Blame?
“Tanzania welcomes only a fraction of the visitors that other global destinations receive, and the vast majority of experiences occur without any issues,” says Day. The key, he says, is smart distribution—spreading visitors across Tanzania’s vast array of national parks and conservation zones and throughout the year when the migration offers different but equally spectacular viewing opportunities. “Tanzania’s government continues strengthening regulations and guide training, working closely with the tourism industry to maintain the highest standards,” says Day. “This collaborative approach has made Tanzania a model for sustainable tourism in Africa, where visitor experiences and wildlife welfare go hand in hand.
Encourage Travel Throughout the Year
“Tanzania’s year-round appeal is remarkable—the green season transforms landscapes into lush paradises with dramatic skies and incredible photographic opportunities, while shoulder months offer intimate wildlife encounters without crowds,” says Day. Beyond the famous Serengeti, parks and designated conservation areas provide extraordinary experiences with minimal visitor impact. The industry is successfully promoting travel to the region year round, showing travelers that Tanzania delivers phenomenal safaris in every season. This diversification strengthens conservation funding across more areas while creating employment opportunities in communities throughout the country—a true win-win for wildlife, people, and visitors seeking authentic experiences.
