By Mboneko Munyaga
The Tanzania National Parks Authority (TANAPA) has imposed a one-year ban on six tour guides for breaching park regulations. The six, who also serve as safari drivers for various tour companies, will not be permitted to undertake any professional work in Tanzania’s national parks during this period.
According to TANAPA Conservation Commissioner Musa Kuji, the guides violated professional ethics by allowing tourists to disembark from vehicles and block a major wildebeest crossing point at the Kogatende section of the Mara River in the Serengeti. This disruption caused confusion and panic among the animals. In some instances, tourists were even allowed to sit on vehicle bonnets during game drives.
The incidents, which occurred between July 20 and 29, 2025, came to light after South African guide and wildlife photographer Nick Kleer shared footage of the blocked crossing. The video quickly went viral and The Arusha News also reported the story in its July 26–August 1 2025 edition under the headline: “Tour drivers in hot soup.”
Those banned are Tareto Samwel of Asilia Lodges & Camps Ltd, Lucas S. Manonga of L & L Tanzania Safaris Co. Ltd and Edmund I. Burra of Nomad Tanzania Ltd, all of whom, according to TANAPA, committed the offences on July 21, 2025; Elidanos J. Tito of Lapwing Company Ltd, whose violation occurred on July 24; Richard A. Ngowi of R & R Tanzania Specialist Ltd, on July 25 and Ombeni J. Mbise of Africa Scenic Safaris Ltd, on July 28.
Tanzania Tour Operators Association (TATO) Executive Director, Mr Elirehema Maturo, welcomed TANAPA’s decision, saying it would deter future violations of wildlife protection laws.
“This is a commendable move by TANAPA and all stakeholders should support it,” he said.
He added that TATO had produced a Safari Code of Conduct and Ethics booklet, translated into nine languages, to encourage compliance with conservation laws among safari guides and tourists.
However, Tanzania Tour Guides Association (TTGA) Chairman, Mr Lembris Loipuko, while agreeing that the drivers were wrong to allow passengers to disembark, argued that there were underlying reasons for their actions. He cited a broken bridge at the crossing point, allegedly unrepaired for the past two years despite TANAPA’s awareness of the matter. This, he claimed, had led to vehicle congestion on one side of the river, limiting the viewing experience.
Mr Loipuko also relayed the account of Mr Lucas Manonga, who insists he did not allow his passengers to leave his vehicle. According to Mr Manonga, tourists from other vehicles leaned on his car, creating the impression that he too had let passengers out. Mr Loipuko said Mr Manonga’s priority was to have his name cleared. It was unclear at the time of reporting whether TANAPA had an appeals process in place.
In letters to the tour companies employing the affected guides, TANAPA stressed that disembarking from vehicles during game drives was strictly prohibited, particularly in ecologically sensitive areas such as river crossings during migration. The authority warned that such breaches not only threatened wildlife, but also endangered visitor safety and diminished the quality of the safari experience.
The Mara River crossing, which occurs between July and September, is regarded as one of the most dramatic spectacles of the Great Serengeti Migration, attracting thousands of tourists from across the world. Any disturbance during this time can have lasting effects on migration patterns and the survival of wildebeest, zebras and other species. Wildlife experts note that migration routes and behaviours are often ingrained in the animals’ genetic memory.
Conservationists warn that irresponsible tourist behaviour can disrupt natural processes and put both animals and humans at risk.
“The Serengeti is a delicate ecosystem,” one wildlife researcher explained. “When tourists interfere with migration routes, it can cause stampedes, injuries or even deaths. In some cases, animals may avoid traditional crossing points altogether.”
This latest disciplinary action is part of a wider effort by TANAPA and industry stakeholders to enforce strict compliance with park rules. In recent years, the authority has increased patrols, introduced heavier penalties and worked closely with tour operators to educate visitors on responsible safari conduct.
“These measures are essential to protect our natural heritage and to ensure that all tourism activities in national parks follow established regulations,” TANAPA stated.
The ban will remain in force until mid-2026, meaning the prohibited drivers will miss out on participating in next year’s migration season.
