A safari vehicle carrying Swiss tourists veered off a dirt track and plunged into the crocodile-infested Mara River in Tanzania's Serengeti National Park on Sunday afternoon. All four passengers and the driver were unharmed in the incident, according to the Tanzania National Parks Authority (TANAPA).
Footage captured from another safari vehicle shows the Jeep swerving before passengers began to fall out. The vehicle then lost control and nose-dived into the river.
Witnesses reported that the incident occurred as the safari ranger was rushing to get a view of the wildebeest crossing the Mara River as part of the annual Great Migration. The area is known for drivers competing to reach animal sightings first.
TANAPA issued a statement reminding all drivers, visitors, and tour companies to adhere to regulations and procedures for river crossings. The authority stressed the importance of following instructions from crossing supervisors and exercising caution to ensure safety and minimize disturbance to wildlife.
The Great Migration sees millions of wildebeest moving northward through Serengeti National Park each year, braving various natural challenges. The migration is a year-round phenomenon, with herds moving between regions like the Grumeti River and the Mara River throughout the year.
