ARUSHA: THE Tanzania National Parks Authority (TANAPA) is set to deploy advanced technologies to address several critical issues in managing tourist activities during the Serengeti wildebeest migration.
The technologies will tackle problems such as overcrowding at viewing sites, speeding, off-roading and delays at entry gates.
At a recent stakeholders’ meeting in Arusha, TANA PA Deputy Conservation Commissioner Mr Massana Mwishawa highlighted the need for technological intervention to manage congestion and unethical practices at the wildebeest crossings in northern Serengeti.
“TANAPA is also improving essential infrastructure, including roads, following funding from the central government. We have deployed five patrol vehicles along the Mara River to enforce regulations and alleviate congestion at the Kogatende site,” Mr Mwishawa said.
To promote responsible tourism, TANAPA is conducting daily awareness sessions for tour guide. This initiative is crucial given the growing concerns from tourism industry players about the impact of human activities on the annual wildebeest migration, a phenomenon that attracts millions of dollars in tourism revenue.
The migration, which involves approximately two million wildebeest crossing between the Serengeti and Maasai Mara Reserve in search of grazing land and water, is a major draw for tourists.
However, the increasing number of safari vehicles, high speeds and reckless driving are placing substantial stress on the conservation area and its biodiversity.
During peak tourist season, the northern Serengeti, spanning 4,000 square kilometres, can see up to 600 vehicles daily, carrying around 4,200 tourists. Mr Wilbard Chambulo, Chairman of the Tanzania Association of Tour Operators (TATO), expressed concerns about reckless driving at Kogatende area, a key viewing site.
He warned that without immediate action, Koga tende could become a dusty, unsightly area. “Drivers of ten race, ignore regulations and crowd animals, disrupting their natural behaviours and endangering their lives,” Mr Chambulo said.
A study by Dr Emmanuel Massenga from the Tanzania Wildlife Research Institute (TAWIRI) supports the concerns, revealing that vehicle congestion in the northern Serengeti affects both wildlife and the safari experience.
During peak periods, up to 600 vehicles contribute to severe congestion at critical migration sites.
The stakeholders’ meeting proposed several recommendations, including establishing special zones with additional fees for prime viewing sites like Kogatende, Ndutu and Moru.
A new booking system is suggested to control tourist numbers, with a minimum three-day stay at Kogatende recommended to enhance visitor satisfaction and conservation efforts.
The meeting also emphasised the need for better infrastructure, such as improved picnic sites and game-viewing areas. Education, management of invasive species and habitat restoration, including tree planting, were also highlighted as important measures.
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Serengeti National Park, famed for the great migration, remains a premier wildlife sanctuary, hosting over 1.5 million wildebeest, along with thousands of zebras and gazelles annually.
The Mara River crossing is a dramatic highlight of the migration, underscoring the park’s significance for both conservation and tourism.
