Latest news with #Serengeti
Forbes
2 days ago
- Forbes
Behind The Viral Video: How Safari Vehicles Endangered The Great Migration In Serengeti
Tourists are taking photos during the Great Migration at the Kogatende crossing point on the Mara ... More River in the Serengeti National Park, Tanzania on July 21. "I have seen over 100 crossings during my 16 years of guiding, but I have never seen anything like this. I was visibly shaking," said Nick Kleer, a wildlife guide who posted a video on Instagram showing countless safari vehicles disrupting the Great Migration at the Kogatende crossing point on the Mara River. Each year in July and August, thousands of tourists flock to Tanzania to witness one of nature's most dramatic spectacles: the high-stakes wildebeest crossing of the Mara River. At one time, Kleer counted over 150 vehicles driving towards the Kogatende crossing. So what exactly happened on July 21 in Serengeti National Park that left safari guide Nick Kleer deeply unsettled? How did the sheer number of safari vehicles and the behavior of both guides and tourists not only jeopardize the safety of wildlife but also put human lives at risk? I interviewed Nick Kleer via a video call to ask him directly. What Happened Was Not Only Outrageous But Also Dangerous Visiting Serengeti National Park has specific rules that should be clear to everyone who guides groups there, but also to those who visit the park. The most relevant ones in this case include the requirement for vehicles to stay on authorized tracks and refrain from disturbing or harassing wildlife. It is strictly prohibited for visitors to exit the vehicle within 200 meters (656 feet) of any wild animal, except in designated areas. Also, drivers should not approach animals closer than 25 meters (82 feet). However, on July 21, Kleer witnessed the opposite. He saw how all the above rules were broken. Safari vehicles and people obstructing the path of the Great Migration at the Kogatende crossing ... More point on the Mara River in the Serengeti National Park, Tanzania. He told me in the interview that the pathway to the river crossing is very narrow. Clear markers show the location where vehicles should stop to keep their distance from the animals. But that is not what happened. And he saw everything from the other side of the river. "There were too many vehicles too close to the animals. They went beyond the markers. Many tourists were out of the jeeps watching the crossing, taking photos, laughing and chatting. I was furious. I kept shouting to stop and go back to the jeeps. But nobody listened and nobody cared," he said. Kleer asked the question, 'What would have happened if these tourists had run into a pride of lions? Because they could have since lions come here to hunt. I don't think I want to come back here during peak season ever again. I wouldn't want to see this again, or worse.' Tour Companies Obstructing The Riverbank Could Be Identified Safari vehicles with Leopard Tours and Nomad Tanzania stickers are at the Kogatende crossing point ... More on the Mara River in the Serengeti National Park, Tanzania on July 21. Based on the photos he took, Kleer identified at least four tour companies whose names were visible on the sides of the jeeps: Tanzania Specialist, &Beyond, Nomad Tanzania and Leopard Tours. I contacted all four companies for comment, and two responded. Joss Kent, executive chairman and CEO of &Beyond, released a statement via The African Travel and Tourism Association (ATTA). In the statement, he shared what happened at the crossing after the &Beyond jeep arrived with guests around 09:35 a.m. on July 21, 2025, and parked in a designated area roughly 7 meters (23 feet) from a known river access slope, without obstructing wildlife or other vehicles. Within the hour, a surge of additional safari vehicles overwhelmed the site, blocking escape routes and disrupting the natural movement of the migrating herd. As a result, & Beyond's vehicle became trapped and unable to retreat due to thick bush, steep terrain, and congestion caused by the surrounding traffic. "Our vehicle remained stationary and boxed in by surrounding vehicles and terrain, unable to leave the sighting. Throughout the entire encounter, neither our guide nor any guests exited the vehicle," said Kent in the statement. Kleer also said during our interview that both &Beyond and Nomad Tanzania reached out to him after watching his video, taking what happened seriously and acknowledging the disruption they were also part of. Safari vehicles with Tanzania Specialist stickers are at the Kogatende crossing point on the Mara ... More River in the Serengeti National Park, Tanzania on July 21. The response from Tanzania Specialist came from a generic team email, with no individual representative identified, and included the following statement: 'We have conducted a thorough internal investigation to understand exactly what happened and who was involved, to make sure that those at fault own and learn from their actions, but also that nobody is accused unfairly. After getting feedback from the head of our guides, who happened to be onsite, it seems that even though some of our vehicles appeared front row, our company guides tried to avoid this situation. None of our vehicles dropped off any guests in the mentioned area.' When I asked Kleer about them, he recalled, 'We bumped into one of the Tanzania Specialist vehicles on our way. The driver asked my driver in Swahili where the river was and how to reach the crossing. He seemed untrained and unprofessional which is a dangerous combination.' TANAPA Vows Disciplinary Action Tanzania National Parks (TANAPA) also released a statement the next day via ATTA. Catherine Mbena, assistant conservation commissioner, said that 'TANAPA has already identified all vehicles involved in the particular breach of park regulations and strict disciplinary measures will be taken against the driver guides operating those tourist vehicles.' I reached out to Catherine Mbena for further comments, including what type of disciplinary measures were taken and which companies were identified. Still, I have not received a reply as of today. When I showed Kleer the statement, he said, 'Guides are not paid enough. If a tour company allows guides to do this for the extra tips, they should take the biggest hit and not the guides. The companies are the ones profiting from these migrations.' A huge group of animals (wildebeest) exiting the Mara River in Tanzania during the annual wildebeest ... More migration. "The migration is dramatic and chaotic. The noise of thousands of wildebeest is incomparable to anything else," said Kleer. 'However, it is also dangerous if thousands of people behave horribly. And there should be no excuse for the behavior I witnessed." "What happened on July 21 has been building up for years. One day, the bank will collapse, or a visitor will get hurt. It is not a question of if, but when," he added. Kleer was also confident that if tourists knew both the rules and the risks, 99% of them would behave responsibly. What Needs To Change Before It Happens Again When asked how the situation should be addressed, Kleer emphasized the need to increase the number of rangers. He also advocated for stricter penalties, such as banning drivers who violate any rules from the park, and suggested higher parking fees to avoid similar incidents. "In Kenya, for example, the introduction of significantly higher park fees and stricter vehicle regulations in the Maasai Mara last year was, in part, an attempt to curb exactly this type of challenge," said Ryan Powell, chief operating officer at &Beyond. "With the migration now heading into Kenya, it remains to be seen whether those measures will have the intended impact," Powell added. As the Great Migration continues to draw global attention, so does the responsibility of those who come to witness it. Understanding the rules, respecting wildlife and demanding better from the industry are no longer optional. Tourists must ask themselves: Are we contributing to the preservation of this extraordinary ecosystem, or to its unraveling? Do we know what ethical, responsible safari behavior looks like? Will we hold ourselves and our guides accountable? Africa is vast, with endless alternatives for experiencing its wildlife, natural wonders, and rich cultural heritage without contributing to overtourism or harming fragile ecosystems.
The Herald Scotland
24-07-2025
- Sport
- The Herald Scotland
Field Of Gold headlines 11 possibles for Sussex test
Kingman took on and beat his elders for the first time in the 2014 Sussex Stakes and Field Of Gold is a 4-9 favourite with Coral to follow suit in the hands of William Buick, who is set to deputise in the saddle for the suspended Colin Keane. SUPERSTAR! FIELD OF GOLD ROUTS THEM IN THE ST JAMES'S PALACE STAKES! #RoyalAscot — At The Races (@AtTheRaces) June 17, 2025 The Gosdens and owners Juddmonte have also confirmed Lockinge hero Lead Artist and while he is not expected to take on his stablemate, Juddmonte are set to field a second runner and a potential pacemaker for Field Of Gold in the form of Qirat, who has been supplemented at a cost of £70,000. Field Of Gold is one of five three-year-olds still in contention, with the other four all trained by Aidan O'Brien. The Ballydoyle handler has left in the French Guineas winner Henri Matisse, who was second to Field Of Gold at Royal Ascot, as well as Serengeti, The Lion In Winter and Exactly from his Classic crop, while he could also call upon talented older miler Diego Velazquez. Docklands (left) repels Rosallion at Royal Ascot (David Davies/PA) The Harry Eustace-trained Docklands and Richard Hannon's Rosallion look set to renew rivalry after finishing first and second with only a nose between them in the Queen Anne last month. The potential line-up is completed by Carl Spackler, who was a multiple Grade One winner in America for Chad Brown but was beaten into sixth place on his first start for leading Australian trainer Ciaron Maher in the Queen Anne.
Elle
16-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Elle
The 9 Best Gladiator Sandals to Wear This Summer
If you're looking to shake up your sandal lineup this summer, consider the resurgence of the gladiator sandal. Upgraded from the chunky, caged designs of the early 2000s, current iterations of the iconic Roman-inspired footwear read sleeker, more modern, and are easier to style with a variety of warm-weather ensembles. Just ask our ELLE editors. From a minimalist, thin-strap design by Amanu to a bold, knee-high version from Tom Ford, our editors know the strappy sandal is a mainstay in their warm-weather wardrobes—especially when trainers aren't cutting it or when we want to take a break from heels. Ahead, we've gathered 9 of the best gladiator sandals our fashion team is reaching for this season. You'll find a variety of designs, whether you're looking for a comfortable pair to wear during your upcoming travels or a style you can count on from day to night. 'I'm a sucker for an olive-suede combination, and this dreamy sandal is my new favorite summer essential. The velvety straps offer a comfortable fit, and the supportive, contoured footbed makes them ideal for a day spent strolling the city.'—Laura Tarafa, commerce writer Sizes: 6-10 Colors: Matcha Materials: Suede 'I love Raye's minimalist take on the gladiator sandal. They're giving strappy sandals without the 'fighting the Romans at 3 P.M.' vibes that a lot of gladiator styles can lean toward.'—Madison Rexroat, assistant accessories editor Sizes: 5.5-10 Colors: Black, Tan, White Bubble Materials: Leather A Veronica Beard customer flawlessly described this luxe ankle-strap style as 'jewelry for your feet!' Pack this earth-toned, gemstone-adorned sandal for your next warm-weather getaway to pair with a flirty backless dress. Sizes: 5-12 Colors: Gold Materials: Stone, Leather 'Zimmermann's Goldie sandals are the ultimate summer staple—fresh off the brand's spring/summer 2025 runway. The chunky straps add intrigue to everything from minidresses to a tank top and jorts, making them the versatile hero piece your warm-weather wardrobe didn't know it needed.'—Claire Stern Milch, digital director Sizes: 35-41 Colors: Brown 'Amanu is one of my go-to brands for summer sandals. What I love about their Serengeti style is that it offers a more modern, minimalist take on a classic gladiator sandal. I also love how thin the straps are from a comfort standpoint, so your legs don't feel too constricted by having straps wrapped around them.'—Carson Stannard, fashion editor Sizes: 6-12 Colors: Camel, Gold 'It's hard to think of the iconic gladiator sandal without thinking of Ancient Greek Sandals—I mean, that just seems like a given, knowing the name of the footwear label. In my humble opinion, the Satira is the perfect option when you want that early-aughts boho look without feeling like you're cosplaying someone from that era. Yes, they definitely fall into the return of the Bohemian aesthetic, but they feel more polished for 2025. I recommend taking these on your next European vacation.'—Dale Arden Chong, senior fashion commerce editor Sizes: 35-42 Colors: 7 options Materials: Leather Want more oomph in your gladiator sandal? Look no further than this Tom Ford knee-high design—it's sure to be the pièce de résistance of your outfit. A sleek minidress will complement this eye-catching shoe. Sizes: 37-41 Colors: Black A modern take on the toe ring trend, this brown crisscross sandal from the iconic New York line boasts brushed gold-tone hardware that subtly adds interest to a simple suede sandal. Sizes: 5-11 Colors: Umber Suede Materials: Suede, Leather 'For a sleek take on the gladiator style with a dash of gilded toe jewelry, Tory Burch's suede sandals are a go-to. The slight platform makes them a bit more comfortable than regular flat sandals, and the suede straps are a bit more forgiving than stiff leather.'—Madison Rexroat, assistant accessories editor Colors: Black, Silver Every product featured on is independently researched, tested, or editor-approved. We only recommend products that we stand behind, and the merchandise featured on our site is always driven by editorial and product testing standards, not by affiliate deals or advertising relationships. Any content created in partnership with advertisers is marked as such.
Associated Press
15-07-2025
- Associated Press
Tapestry of Africa Introduces Unforgettable African Safari Adventures
07/14/2025, Nairobi, Kenya // KISS PR Brand Story PressWire // Tapestry of Africa is excited to introduce its newly improved safari tours, designed to create memorable experiences for travelers seeking to explore the beauty and diversity of Africa. As a leading tour operator, Tapestry of Africa makes planning and enjoying a safari effortless. The company offers personalized itineraries that fit the goals of each traveler. With its improved safari tours, Tapestry of Africa guests can enjoy itineraries tailored to their preferences, budget, and desired level of adventure. Whether they are dreaming of a luxury lodge experience in Kenya, a thrilling wildlife safari in Tanzania, or a serene escape into the Maasai Mara, it helps them design their ideal trip from start to finish. What truly sets Tapestry of Africa apart is its ability to turn complex travel logistics into a seamless experience. From airport transfers and accommodations to park permits and game drives, every detail of the safari tours is carefully arranged so travelers can focus on the excitement of their journey. The company's knowledgeable consultants simplify the booking process, removing the stress of trip planning. Tapestry of Africa offers an extensive range of guided safari tours across East Africa's premier wildlife destinations. Its portfolio includes unforgettable adventures through Kenya's Maasai Mara, Amboseli, and Samburu reserves, as well as Tanzania's Serengeti and Ngorongoro Crater. Travelers can also add a relaxing beach escape on Zanzibar's pristine shores. Whether traveling solo, as a couple, with family, or in a small group, every guest can enjoy the magic of Africa's landscapes and wildlife. Tapestry of Africa is driven by a deep passion for Africa's wildlife and cultures. Its guides and staff bring invaluable local knowledge and enthusiasm, ensuring every tour feels authentic and enriching. The company also prioritizes responsible tourism, supporting conservation efforts and local communities through each tour it operates. Guests traveling with Tapestry of Africa not only create lifelong memories but also contribute to preserving its natural heritage for generations to come. Travelers can explore more about Tapestry of Africa's unique approach by visiting its social media channels, which feature inspiring trip ideas, stunning wildlife photos, and traveler stories. You can follow its Facebook page, YouTube channel, Instagram, and TikTok. For those ready to plan their adventure, its website offers a comprehensive overview of destinations, packages, and booking options for unforgettable safari tours. Travelers can also request a personalized safari quote directly online. To learn more about Tapestry of Africa and its hassle-free safari tours, visit About Tapestry of Africa Tapestry of Africa is a premier safari and tour operator offering personalized and hassle-free experiences across East Africa. With expert guidance, custom itineraries, and a deep respect for Africa's natural and cultural treasures, it creates unforgettable adventures for travelers from around the world. ### Media Contact Tapestry of Africa Mkoma Road South B South Gate Centre, Nairobi, Kenya (623) 606-2217 newsroom: Source published by Submit Press Release >> Tapestry of Africa Introduces Unforgettable African Safari Adventures
Yahoo
14-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Review: Broadway Across Canada's The Lion King a fully immersive experience
To see the 2025 version of The Lion King now on stage at the Jubilee Auditorium is to enjoy a full-mind-and-body, totally immersive experience. Settling into your seats, you'll notice two musicians with large African drum kits on either side of the stage preparing for their roles, a thrilling hint of what's to come. But when Rafiki the mandrill (Mukelisiwe Goba is wise and mysterious in the role) welcomes the future king Simba to the rolling plains of Tanzania as a score of animals (including an elephant) parade down the aisles of the theatre and on to the stage, audience members feel at one with the rocky outcrops and swaying grasses of the Serengeti. Performers on stilts as giraffes are shadows against the red-orange sky; antelope mounted atop multi-wheeled bicycles spring effortlessly across the landscape. The imagination is completely engaged. In an era dominated by endless, exhausting, digital noise, this feels like no less than a miracle. Over almost 30 years, the multiple Tony-award-winning Disney story of the lion cub Simba exiled following the death of his father king Mufasa has grown into an integral part of the musical theatre canon. As the third-longest-running and the highest-grossing show on Broadway (pulling in $1.8 billion by 2023), it's fast becoming a tale as old as time. And for good reason. Soulful, upbeat tunes by Elton John and Tim Rice combine with Julie Taymor's impressively expansive touch as director and costume designer alongside breathtaking choreography by Garth Fagan to marry a simple coming-of-age story with the powerful history, music and landscape of Africa. The result lodges stubbornly in the heart. The first act of the show reveals the Shakespearean tension between Mufasa (the warmly paternal Darnell Abraham) and his brother, Scar (Peter Hargrave is perfect as the two-faced, scheming villain). The young Simba of this production (Julian Villela in the show I saw Saturday night) plays the open-hearted boy cub with all the boisterous bravado the role requires, falling easily into the murderous plot executed by Scar and his henchmen, a circling hackle of hyenas that terrify and amuse by turns. The African red-billed hornbill Zazu (Drew Hirshfield in a pitch-perfect representation) provides enough levity in the first act to keep the little ones in the audience from feeling too despondent. But it is the second act in which the humour of The Lion King takes off as Simba fights to assume his rightful throne with the encouragement of his friends. The meerkat Timon (with Canadian-born Robert Creighton behind the puppet) and warthog Pumbaa (Danny Grumich) are hilarious; a robust series of fart jokes delights the family-forward audience. Yet there is room for the brave acts, and the love story between Simba and Nala to unfold. Part of the genius of The Lion King, which has been in Edmonton once or twice before, is its seemingly effortless ability to construct a living world before your very eyes. The audience feels surrounded by the colour and vibrancy of the savannah as the stage roils with dancers dressed as trees, plants, birds and startlingly large mammals. The soaring cliff that provides so much drama rolls effortlessly on and off the stage; the wildebeest rampage is heart-stopping. Rivers seem both deep and wide. The technical scaffolding of the show is mind-boggling. Yet the stagecraft never supersedes the humanity of The Lion King. People, well, animals, are always at the centre of the story. There is sadness and squabbles, but also jubilation and jokes. While the show's commercial priorities are never in doubt, it pays homage to its African inspiration. Six indigenous African languages can be heard in the show's spoken words and music, and several cast members were born in Africa. The Lion King features an ensemble for the ages with more than 50 singers, actors and dancers, plus another three dozen stage professionals within the crew. That doesn't even count the 10 musicians in the orchestra conducted by Karl Shymanovitz. If it takes a village to raise a child, well, perhaps it requires a similarly sized theatrical commitment to bring a musical classic to eternal life on stage. Words and music by Elton John and Tim Rice and book by Roger Allers and Irene Mecchi Director: Julie Taymor Where: Northern Alberta Jubilee Auditorium, 11455 87 Ave. When: Through July 27 Tickets: From $64 at or by calling 1-855-985-4357. Tickets can also be purchased in person at the box office at the Jubilee Auditorium. Check for applicable hours at Review: A brilliant pair of performances shine in Teatro's The Odd Couple REVIEW: Def Leppard, Joan Jett, Queensrÿche a killer kickoff to Rockin' Thunder You can also support our journalism by becoming a digital subscriber. Subscribers gain unlimited access to The Edmonton Journal, Edmonton Sun, National Post and 13 other Canadian news sites. Support us by subscribing today: The Edmonton Journal | The Edmonton Sun.
