On July 21, the video footage and stills were distributed on social media depicting tourists disembarking from a safari vehicle at point number 4 (4) across the Kogatende area, a strictly prohibited area under Tanzania National Park (Tanapa) regulations.
Stationed at Kogatende's previous post base, Tanapa Rangers respond promptly to incidents instructing tourists to return to their vehicles and reaffirm that appearing at the location violates established procedures.
Leaving a safari vehicle in an unauthorized zone can disrupt the wildlife movement, pose a serious safety risk. Lions, leopards, and other predators are often associated with wild migration, and such behavior can be life-threatening to tourists.
Tanapa has already identified all vehicles involved in certain violations of park regulations and strict disciplinary action will be taken against driving guides for those tourist vehicles.
Katherine Mbena, Protective Assistant
Corporate Communication, Tanapa
Tim Henshall, head of tourism marketing UK, said, “This should not be considered an end, but should be used as a stimulus to address the larger issues related to tourism in this area. It is pleasing to see such a rapid response from Tanapa.
Source: Tanzania Tourism UK
