Tanzania under Fire After Reportedly Blocking Wildebeests From Crossing Into Kenya's Maasai Mara

A senior Maasai Mara tour guide has raised concerns about the future of Kenya’s most famous wildlife spectacle, claiming that interference from Tanzania and changing environmental conditions are making the wildebeest migration less predictable.

Charles Lukokolo, who has guided visitors in the Mara for over 30 years, says the migration no longer guarantees the breathtaking river crossings that once defined the reserve. 

According to him, tourists now spend hours at the Mara River only to see the animals hesitate and retreat.

“In earlier seasons, we could easily witness two or three crossings in a day. 

Today, the animals gather by the river but often turn back. The experience is not the same,” Lukokolo explained.

He alleged that officials across the border in Tanzania sometimes disrupt the animals’ movement by driving jeeps or flying helicopters to push the herds back. 

“When large numbers approach the river, they are scared away. It has created a serious challenge for guides and visitors,” he said.

The wildebeest migration, involving millions of animals moving from Serengeti into Maasai Mara, has long been one of the most celebrated natural events in the world. 

It not only supports Kenya’s tourism industry but also sustains the local ecosystem.

Lukokolo warned that predators are also affected. 

Lions and cheetahs, once seen in large numbers during migration season, are now harder to spot. 

“In the past, these predators would make several kills in a single day. 

Tourists were guaranteed thrilling scenes. Now, the action has reduced greatly,” he added.

He further pointed to climate change as a growing threat. 

Reduced rainfall has lowered water levels in the Mara River, causing a decline in crocodile populations. 

“Years ago, dozens of crocodiles could be seen waiting for the herds. Today, very few remain, and the river crossing lacks the drama it once had,” he observed.

Concerns about human interference have also grown after viral videos showed tourists blocking wildebeests from crossing. 

Tourism Cabinet Secretary Rebecca Miano has since ordered strict rules to regulate visitor behavior, warning that guides and operators will face penalties for misconduct.

Lukokolo cautioned that unless urgent action is taken, the migration could lose its global appeal. “This is not just about tourism. 

It is about protecting the identity of Maasai Mara and Kenya as a whole,” he concluded.