TANAPA takes precautionary measures to ensure safety of tourists

TANAPA Assistant Conservation Commissioner Corporate Affairs, Catherine Mbena

By Lake Zone Watch writer

The Tanzania National Parks (TANAPA) has advised tourists and other game viewers visiting the Serengeti National Park not to disembark at the Kogatende crossing site as a precautionary measure to ensure their safety in the area.

Under TANAPA rules, the Kogatende crossing site number four is a forbidden location for tourists to disembark from their vehicles as the area is regarded as risky.

The advice is contained in a statement issued yesterday by the Arusha-based organisation’s Assistant Conservation Commissioner in-charge of Corporate Affairs, Catherine Mbena.

The statement follows video footage and still pictures circulated in social media depicting tourists disembarking from their vehicles at Kogatende crossing site.

It said TANAPA rangers stationed at the Kogatende outpost promptly responded to the incident by instructing the tourists to return to their vehicles affirming that disembarking in that area was a violation of established procedures.

“Exiting vehicles in unauthorised zones disrupts wildlife movements and poses significant risks. Lion, leopard, and other predators often accompany wildebeest migration, making such actions potentially life-threatening to tourists,” the statement explained.

It concluded that the TANAPA authorities have identified all vehicles involved in the particular breach of park regulations and stern measures would be taken against the driver guides operating the tour vans.