Chaos unfolded in the Maasai Mara this week when tourists ignored park regulations and obstructed the wildebeest’s annual migration across the river.

On Tuesday, August 19, wildlife advocates Cheetah Guardians shared a video on Instagram showing visitors jumping out of safari vehicles and crowding the riverbank, leaving less than a metre between themselves and the animals.

Some even forced wildebeests back into the crocodile-infested river, putting both humans and wildlife at risk. Shockingly, the person filming claimed the incident occurred under the supervision of a ranger and demanded $20 (Sh2,584)

“This is the Maasai Mara today: chaos without management, no rules or limits, unethical guides, negligent rangers, and reckless tourists,” Cheetah Guardians said.

The account highlighted that similar incidents have repeatedly endangered wildlife, citing the 2023 death of cheetah Imani’s daughter and the recent encirclement of Nashipai’s daughter Naimutie by over a hundred safari cars.

Last month, Wildlife guide and photographer Nick Kleer shared images and videos on Instagram showing dozens of safari vehicles obstructing the Mara River, forcing wildebeests to scatter in panic.

“These ancient migration routes, shaped by instinct and generations of survival, were blocked by humans who should know better. The herds were forced to scatter. Some ran for cliffs and jumped in panic,” he said.

“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,” Kleer added.

Kleer also noted that his small group maintained a safe distance to allow passage for the animals, highlighting the contrast with others who ignored regulations.

The Tanzania Association of Tour Operators condemned the actions as “unethical safari practices” that threaten the safety of both tourists and wildlife.

Executive Director Elirehema Maturo emphasised that such behaviour undermines one of nature’s most spectacular events.

Training sessions have been conducted for over 1,000 guides to reinforce ethical safari practices, and Tanzania National Parks has stated that vehicles involved have been identified and disciplinary action will follow.

According to regulations made by the national reserve, when more than five vehicles are wanting to see an animal, viewing time is restricted to 10 minutes. Vehicles waiting to see the sighting must stay 100 meters away.

During the migration, vehicles should never block a river crossing by parking too close to the crossing point, and they should not drive through animal herds. Anyone who breaks the rules may face an on-the-spot fine of Sh10,000 (about $77.5), and rangers have the right to remove the vehicle and people out of the park immediately.

From July to October each year, the Maasai Mara becomes the stage for one of the most breathtaking wildlife spectacles on earth. More than two million wildebeests, zebras and gazelles trek from Tanzania’s Serengeti to Maasai Mara in search of greener pastures and water, with the dramatic crossings of the Mara River serving as the highlight of the migration.

During the migration, animals face natural dangers, including crocodiles and lions, and depend on uninterrupted migration routes.