A viral video this week captured tourists exiting safari vehicles and crowding the banks of the Mara River, blocking a herd of wildebeest in the midst of the Great Migration. Some animals were even forced back into crocodile-infested waters. The footage, shared by wildlife defenders Cheetah Guardians on Instagram, showed the tourists less than a meter from the migrating animals an appalling breach of park rules.
“This is the Maasai Mara today: chaos without management, no rules or limits, unethical guides, negligent rangers and reckless tourists,” Cheetah Guardians declared. “The outcome is always the same: it is the wildlife that suffers, and too often, dies.”
Wildlife photographer Nick Kleer, who witnessed similar scenes last month, said, “These ancient migration routes… were blocked by humans who should know better. The herds were forced to scatter. Some ran for cliffs and jumped in panic.” He added, “The rangers who blocked these passages today are meant to be custodians of the wild. In my opinion, they ended up being as bad as poachers.”
The Tanzania Association of Tour Operators condemned the behavior as “unethical safari practices” that endanger both visitors and wildlife.
In response, Tourism and Wildlife Cabinet Secretary Rebecca Miano unveiled a four-point action plan, drawn up with Narok County and the Kenya Wildlife Service. The plan includes stiffer enforcement of reserve rules, more rangers at sensitive crossings, clear accountability for tour operators and penalties for those who allow rule-breaking.
The Maasai Mara National Reserve’s Chief Warden, Stephen Ole Minis, clarified that the incident took place at the Purungat (South) Bridge an official viewing point where guests may disembark under ranger supervision. He explained that the bridge was flooded that day, and visitors had stepped out while waiting for waters to recede. When wildebeest began crossing unexpectedly, rangers swiftly ordered everyone back into their vehicles within a minute. He asserted that no animals were harmed.
Still, wildlife advocates say this episode reflects a deeper, persistent problem. Reports of overcrowding and unregulated access have long hinted at the pressure tourism places on this delicate ecosystem. Thought leaders now urge stronger policies and buffer zones to protect the revered migration spectacle.
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