Four foreign tourists and a Tanzanian driver were safely rescued after a safari vehicle crashed into a crater in the Kogatende area of Serengeti National Park, the Tanzania National Parks Authority (TANAPA) has said.
The incident occurred at around 8am yesterday at an area identified as Kogatende Nyumbu House Number One, when the vehicle, registration number T 377 BJE, belonging to Nature Responsible Safari Company Limited, plunged into the crater.
According to a statement issued by TANAPA yesterday, the vehicle was driven by Ramadhani Miraji Mbaga, a Tanzanian national.
The authority said the driver and the four foreign tourists were all rescued safely following the accident, with initial first aid provided to those involved.
“Initial first aid has been provided and investigations into the incident are continuing,” TANAPA said in the statement signed by Catherine Mbena, Assistant Conservation Commissioner in charge of Communications.
The accident has renewed attention to safety measures for safari operators and visitors in Tanzania’s protected areas, particularly as the country continues to attract tourists seeking wildlife experiences in the Serengeti.
TANAPA called on drivers, tourists and safari companies operating inside national parks to strictly observe park regulations and established safety procedures.
The authority also urged drivers and visitors to follow instructions issued by park management and take all necessary precautions to protect both human life and wildlife.
TANAPA warned that failure to comply with safety procedures could lead to serious accidents and other consequences that could be avoided through adherence to park regulations.
The authority said investigations into the circumstances surrounding the accident were ongoing.