Safari Plane Makes Emergency Landing in Tanzania After Striking Zebra

A safari plane carrying 30 passengers and crew made an emergency landing in Tanzania after striking and killing a zebra during take-off. The Embraer EMB-120 aircraft was en route from the Seronera airstrip in Serengeti National Park to Zanzibar when the incident occurred.

Following the collision, the pilot discovered damage to the plane's gears and was forced to divert to Kilimanjaro International Airport, located approximately 270 miles east of the park. The plane landed safely around midday on Sunday. Dramatic footage captured smoke billowing from the aircraft's left wing as it touched down on the runway.

Emergency crews responded to the scene at Kilimanjaro International Airport, where the plane, operated by Sindbard Air, was met by airport officials. All 26 passengers and four crew members were able to disembark the aircraft without reporting any injuries. The airport was temporarily shut down following the incident.

The Seronera Airstrip is a primary hub for flights within Serengeti National Park, which attracts around 500,000 tourists annually. The park is a significant wildlife conservation area and a popular tourist destination in East Africa.

This event echoes a similar incident in February 2025 when a Tui flight had to make an emergency landing after striking two swans shortly after take-off. The Boeing plane sustained visible damage to its fuselage and windshield, and its electronic systems were impacted. The cost of repairs for that aircraft was estimated at £1 million, and it remained grounded for several weeks.