We would like to thank Nick Kleer, Safari Guide, for bringing attention to the unacceptable behaviors that several Safari operators, guides and guests during the recent Wildebeest Migration Crossing in Tanzania's Serengeti National Park. In a widely shared social media post, Nick recorded that many safari cars crowded the scene, disrupting the natural wildlife movement, and that some guests left the car. &Beyond was mentioned in the post, among other operators.
What is depicted in the video footage is completely in opposition to the operating standards, values and conservation ethics we maintain. We do not tolerate behavior that undermine the integrity of wildlife or the safety of our guests. Wildlife movement and sensitivity to natural behavior is at the heart of guide training, along with an unwavering commitment to guest safety. In this example, both were severely compromised, but that is deeply concerning.
Since then, we have been in contact with Nick, emphasizing understanding the seriousness of the situation. They also conducted internal investigations with a Tanzanian team, focusing on a series of interviews with the guide in question, guests in the vehicle, other guides who approached the scene and left, and local guide trainers. Additionally, GPS data from our vehicle fleet were reviewed and camera footage was collected. We make sure that one of our vehicles is present at the site as verified via GPS tracking, but neither the guide nor the guest left the vehicle at any point. This has been verified by Nick and photographic evidence. Our other guides chose to follow standard working protocols to avoid the area completely or leave when they noticed that the crossing was overcrowded. The assistant head guide reported the incident to Tanapa authorities, noting that other guests from safari operators left the vehicle during crossing.
We consider the context to be extremely important in this situation, as camera footage doesn't necessarily share the complete story. As a conservation and guide-led company, we were shocked and angry at the scene that unfolded. It is very intrusive to be involved in such cases, which holds themselves to the highest standards of conservation and guide training.
On approximately 09H35 on July 21, 2025, our bead guide arrived with guests at the expected Wildebeest Crossing location. The &Beyond vehicles were parked at a Tanapa-designated stop on the riverbank about 7 m east of the slope commonly used in the river. At this point, the vehicle had not interfered with the path of wildlife or the movement of nature. When we arrived there was only one other vehicle in that location.
Over the next time, the number of vehicles in this area increased significantly and very quickly. These vehicles not only blocked existing vehicles closest to river intersections, but also disrupt the natural movement of moving wild wildebeests that were moving from one river intersection to another. The increased number of surrounding vehicles following the thick bushes, steep river banks and the herds limited our vehicles and were unable to reverse the designated Tanapa stop area.
Increased vehicle presence led to Wildebeest detours. Our vehicles remained stationary, surrounded by surrounding vehicles and terrain, and we were unable to leave our sightings. Shortly afterwards, Wildebeest reversed the course again, heading back towards the vehicle, attempting to navigate around the other vehicles that were still towed. Our vehicle has not yet been working since we arrived at a Tanapa designated stop.
To promote the movement of the Wildebeest and avoid interference, the guide moved the vehicle about 2 meters ahead of the designated stop. This action created space for approaching Wildebeest to move freely behind the vehicle, accessing slopes and intersections. Other vehicles then took advantage of the opportunity to move into the open space the vehicles created to block more vehicles as well as stop the movement of the Nu and River intersection. Throughout the encounter, neither our guide nor our guests left the vehicle.
The incident sheds light on the broader challenges that need to be addressed in Tanzania. We are ready to work with all relevant local Tanzanian authorities and other operators, and more robust operating procedures and protocols have been implemented to ensure that they are implemented as quickly and quickly as possible. &Beyond welcomes the opportunity to work with conservation partners, communities and related stakeholders to ensure the continued protection of Serengeti's valuable ecosystem. Wildlife conservation means that we must remain at the forefront of all decision-making processes within protected natural reserves. It also believes in accountability, Tanapa encourages implementation of stricter policies and enforcement to prevent such incidents in the future, ensuring a more sustainable industry, particularly one of the world's biggest phenomena, with little negative impact on wildlife.
We are led by purpose. You are guided by our purpose. It is to create extraordinary travel experiences that make our world a better place through the care of wild places, wildlife and people. This principle remains our North Star. This whole tragic incident has once again raised the absolute vulnerabilities of the environment in which we operate, and the responsibility to protect them.
Joss Kent
& Beyond Executive Chairman and CEO
For more information, please contact us directly.
& Beyond Chief Operation Officer – Sales and Tours: (Email protection)
