Best Ethical Way to See the Wildebeest Migration (2026 Guide)
- Craig Howes
- Aug 25
- 6 min read
Is the great Wildebeest migration being loved to death?
Few wildlife spectacles rival the Great Migration, over 1.5 million wildebeest, zebras, and Thomson’s gazelles moving across the Serengeti and Maasai Mara in one of nature’s most dramatic cycles. But in 2025, viral videos of 150+ safari vehicles blocking river crossings, tourists standing outside cars, and luxury hotels expanding into migration corridors have raised tough questions: is the migration being loved to death? Lets explore the challenges and the best ethical way to see the wildebeest migration

The Viral Video has sparked outrage and conversation about Over Tourism and Conservation Impact of Tourism to the great Wildebeest Migration.
On my last safari in the Mara, I saw the dilemma first-hand. As a herd of wildebeest hesitated on the riverbank, a convoy of vehicles crowded in, engines rumbling. Our guide simply waited, giving the animals space. Minutes later, the wildebeest plunged across in a thundering wave. That patience gave us a front-row sea, without disturbing them. It was a powerful reminder that the way we choose to safari matters.

Here’s how to see the migration responsibly, and ensure it remains a wonder for future generations.
Why the Great Migration Is Under Pressure
Vehicle congestion: At the famous Mara River crossings, convoys of 50–100 cars sometimes surround the banks. Tourists leaving vehicles put both wildlife and people at risk.
Overbuilt lodges: New luxury chains, including Marriott and Ritz-Carlton projects, have been criticized for blocking migration corridors that wildlife have used for centuries.
Traffic jams in Amboseli: Recent videos of 100+ cars lined up near elephants and lions sparked outrage online, fueling debate over how safari tourism is managed.
“Tourism funds conservation, but unmanaged crowds become part of the problem,” says David Ryan of Rhino Africa. “We need to change the economic model so that fewer people create more benefit for communities and wildlife.”
Conservationists warn that unmanaged crowds disrupt animal behavior, degrade habitats, and erode the very experience visitors came to enjoy.

As guide and photographer Nick Kleer noted after filming a recent crossing in the Mara, “We counted well over 150 vehicles crowding the riverbank. It felt more like a traffic jam than a wildlife experience.”
Best ethical way to see the wildebeest migration. Are All Parks and Lodges Like This?
No, but the experience differs greatly depending on where you go.
Masai Mara National Reserve (Kenya): The most iconic but also the most crowded, especially during July–October river crossings.
Serengeti National Park (Tanzania): Vastly larger, with herds spread across plains. Crowds are far less intense outside of a few hotspots.
Private Conservancies (Kenya): Olare Motorogi, Mara North, and Nashulai Maasai Conservancy strictly limit vehicles (often 5–6 per sighting) and reinvest fees into local Maasai communities. These offer a quieter, more ethical alternative.
As Maasai guide Meitamei Dapash explains, “In conservancies, wildlife and people benefit together. Fewer vehicles mean calmer animals, better sightings, and more money stays with local families.”
Expert Voices on Over-tourismbest ethical way to see the wildebeest migration
Industry leaders are calling for stronger standards:
Tanzania’s TATO (Tour Operators Association) recently published Mara River Crossing Guidelines, urging strict limits on vehicle numbers and educating visitors on safari etiquette.
Nomad Tanzania enforces its own vehicle codes, proving that responsible tourism can still deliver world-class sightings.
Deborah Calmeyer of Roar Africa urges travelers to ask hard questions: “Which lodges are investing in conservation, and which are only extracting value?”

The migration is year-round, but some windows offer spectacular viewing with fewer crowds:
January–March: Calving season in the southern Serengeti, thousands of wildebeest calves are born, with predators in pursuit.
June–July: Herds push into western Serengeti, including the quieter Grumeti River crossings.
July–October: The dramatic Mara River crossings. Iconic but crowded, private conservancies make a huge difference here.
October–December: Herds move back south, offering excellent Serengeti sightings without the riverbank chaos.

How to Choose an Ethical Safari Lodge or Operator
Look for lodges and guides that follow conservation-first principles:
Vehicle limits at sightings (not 20 cars jostling for position).
Trained, certified guides who follow safety and wildlife codes.
Community benefit: lodges that employ and empower local people.
Conservation investment: a portion of revenue supporting habitat protection.
See:

Lodges and conservancies doing it right:
Singita Grumeti (Tanzania): Private reserve with vehicle restrictions and long-term conservation work.
Angama Mara (Kenya): Strict ethical guiding and support for local projects.
Nomad Tanzania: Operates under firm safari etiquette rules.
Nashulai Maasai Conservancy: Community-owned, with tourism capped to protect wildlife corridors.

Safari Etiquette for Travelers
Being a responsible safari guest matters:
Stay in the vehicle at all times.
Keep noise and movement minimal, animals should not feel harassed.
Respect guide rules, don’t pressure them into breaking park regulations.
Choose smaller camps with fewer vehicles, not mega-hotels.
Support lodges with conservation credentials.
Expert Voices on Overtourism and Conservation
Nick Kleer (Guide & Photographer):
“We counted well over 150 vehicles crowding the riverbank during one crossing. It felt more like a traffic jam than a wildlife spectacle.”
Craig Howes, African Safari Mag
“Safari isn’t just about getting the closest photo. It’s about respecting the wildlife and the people protecting it. Choosing the right operator is the difference between a traffic jam and a life-changing moment.”
David Ryan (Rhino Africa):
“Tourism funds conservation, but unmanaged crowds become part of the problem. We need an economic model where fewer visitors create more benefit.”
Deborah Calmeyer (Roar Africa):
“Travelers must ask: which lodges are investing in conservation, and which are only extracting value?”
Meitamei Dapash (Maasai guide & activist):
“In conservancies, wildlife and people benefit together. Fewer vehicles mean calmer animals, better sightings, and more money for local families.”
TATO (Tour Operators Association of Tanzania):
Recently released Mara River Crossing Guidelines stressing vehicle limits and visitor education.
How to Experience the Migration Responsibly
If you’re planning to witness the Great Migration, here’s how to do it in a way that supports conservation and ensures a more meaningful experience:
Choose conservancies over crowded reserves, areas like Olare Motorogi and Nashulai limit vehicles and benefit local Maasai families.
Pick lodges with strong conservation credentials,look for camps that cap vehicle numbers, reinvest in habitat protection, and train guides properly.
Travel outside the peak crush, consider calving season in February or Grumeti crossings in June for fewer crowds but spectacular wildlife.
Be a conscious guest, stay in vehicles, respect guide rules, and remember that patience often leads to the best sightings.
Ask your operator hard questions, “What are your conservation practices? How do you limit impact?”

The Future of the Migration Depends on Responsible Tourism
The wildebeest migration is one of Earth’s last great spectacles. Yes, overcrowding and overtourism are real, but they are not inevitable. By choosing when and where to go carefully, and by supporting ethical lodges and operators, you can experience the migration at its most awe-inspiring and help safeguard it for generations to come.
Start planning your once-in-a-lifetime safari, responsibly.
Explore more:
Great Migration Guide
Great Wildebeest Migration FAQs
Is the wildebeest migration overcrowded?
Yes, in parts of the Masai Mara during peak river crossings, overcrowding can be an issue with dozens of vehicles. However, the Serengeti, private conservancies, and off-peak times provide far quieter and more rewarding experiences.
What is the best ethical way to see the wildebeest migration?
The best ethical way to see the wildebeest migration is by choosing small camps or lodges that limit vehicles, traveling during less-crowded months, and booking with operators who follow strict conservation guidelines.
When is the least crowded time to see the migration?
January–March in the southern Serengeti (calving season) and June–July in the western Serengeti (Grumeti River crossings) offer dramatic wildlife without the peak-season vehicle traffic. Shoulder months like October are also quieter.
Are all safari lodges and parks this crowded?
No. While large reserves like the Mara can be busy, many lodges and conservancies, such as Singita Grumeti, Angama Mara, and Nashulai Maasai Conservancy, strictly limit vehicles, reinvest in conservation, and create calmer, more intimate safari experiences.
About the Author
Craig Howes is the founder of African Safari Mag, a travel photographer and safari writer who has documented wildlife across the Serengeti, Masai Mara, and Botswana’s Okavango Delta. His work combines firsthand safari experience with conservation storytelling to guide travelers toward meaningful, ethical journeys.
About African Safari Mag
African Safari Mag is the leading online community for luxury and authentic African travel. Our mission is to inspire and guide travelers with expert insights, conservation stories, and safari planning resources.
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