Image: Instagram / @nickkleer
A safari guide’s viral video filmed in Serengeti National Park has sparked widespread concern over unethical behaviour during one of nature’s most dramatic spectacles — the Great Migration.
View this post on Instagram
ALSO READ: Man boards international flight from OR Tambo with hand grenades in luggage
Shared by professional guide Nick Kleer, the footage shows dozens of vehicles and tourists gathered at a wildebeest river crossing.
In a situation he describes as “shocking,” Kleer claims that guides and rangers allowed — and in some cases encouraged — guests to block the animals’ access to the river.
“This morning in Serengeti National Park, I witnessed some of the most shocking behavior I’ve ever seen. Not from the animals, but from the people meant to protect them,” Kleer wrote in the caption of the video, posted to Instagram.
The reel shows distressed wildebeest repeatedly approaching the riverbank, only to turn back due to crowds of people standing in their path. Some of the animals appear to leap from high cliffs in panic.
“Some panicked and leapt from cliffs. Others were injured and will likely die. And yes, nature can be brutal, but this wasn’t nature. This was chaos caused by human interference,” Kleer continued. “This should never happen.”
Kleer, who is visibly distressed in the clip, apologised for the strong language in the original recording, explaining: “I was shaking with anger. I don’t think I’ve ever been this upset on safari.”
He also tagged several companies whose vehicles were seen at the crossing, including @tanzaniaspecialist, @leopardtours, and @andbeyondgrumeti, stating: “Their guides allowed this.”
While Serengeti National Park is known for its conservation efforts and world-renowned wildlife experiences, the video has reignited concerns around safari ethics, particularly during peak migration periods, such as the Great Migration currently underway, when demand for sightings is high.
In closing, Kleer wrote: “Rangers must enforce rules. Parks must protect wildlife before profit or content.”
View this post on Instagram
Company and authority responses
Following public concern, some of the organisations named have issued statements in response.
In a message addressed directly to Nick Kleer, Leopard Tours wrote:
“Thank you for highlighting this serious matter. We are deeply concerned by what was witnessed in the Serengeti, as such behavior goes completely against the training and values we instill in all our driver guides.”
“To assist us in our investigation, we kindly request if you could share with us the exact time and location of the incident. This will help us accurately trace all Leopard Tours vehicles that were in the area at that moment.”
“We take this very seriously and, once verified, we will take immediate action in line with our policies. We remain fully committed to ethical and responsible wildlife tourism.”
The Tanzania National Parks Authority (TANAPA) has also released a formal public notice confirming a breach of park regulations at the Kogatende crossing site. According to TANAPA:
“Earlier today, on July 21, 2025, video footage and still pictures circulated on social media depicting tourists disembarking from safari vehicles at Kogatende area crossing site number four (4), a strictly forbidden area under Tanzania National Parks (TANAPA) rules.”
The statement continued:
“TANAPA rangers stationed at the Kogatende outpost promptly responded to the incident by instructing the tourists to return to their vehicles, reaffirming that disembarking in that location is a violation of established procedures.”
“Exiting safari vehicles in unauthorized zones disrupts wildlife movements and poses significant safety risks. Lion, leopard, and other predators often accompany wildebeest migration, making such actions potentially life-threatening for tourists.”
“TANAPA has already identified all vehicles involved in the particular breach of park regulations and strict disciplinary measures will be taken against the Driver Guides operating the tourist vans.”
Ongoing debate around safari ethics
While Serengeti National Park is widely regarded as one of Africa’s most iconic conservation areas, the footage has reopened long-standing concerns about ethical tourism — particularly during high-demand migration seasons. The pressure to deliver sightings can lead to behaviour that puts wildlife, tourists, and guides at risk.
The call for stronger enforcement and accountability is growing louder, with many echoing his sentiment: this should never happen.
ALSO READ: Last known elephant of Knysna forest spotted in rare sighting
Follow us on social media for more travel news, inspiration, and guides. You can also tag us to be featured.
TikTok | Instagram | Facebook | Twitter
