The Department of Wildlife and National Parks (DWNP) has issued a stern warning regarding recent violations of park regulations by tour guides inside Chobe National Park. This comes after several videos circulated on social media showing mobile safari vehicles diverting from designated routes to encircle a pride of lions feeding on a buffalo.
In an exclusive interview, Mr. Phuthego Phuthego, Senior Wildlife Officer stationed at Sedudu Gate, confirmed that misconduct by some tour operators is becoming a growing concern. He explained that certain guides have been going off-road in search of high-profile animals such as lions, often prioritizing client satisfaction over park rules and animal welfare.
Mr. Phuthego highlighted an incident that took place in June, where lions made a kill approximately 1.6 kilometres away from the official gazetted route. Tour guides reportedly deviated from the established paths to track the lions, an action that is strictly prohibited to protect wildlife and their habitat.
The incident prompted swift action from wildlife wardens who were patrolling the area. Their intervention led to the arrest of eight tour guides found violating park regulations during the incident.
The DWNP stresses the importance of adhering to park guidelines to ensure the safety and wellbeing of both wildlife and visitors. Encircling predators not only disturbs natural animal behavior but also poses serious risks to the animals and tourists alike.
Visitors to Chobe National Park are urged to respect all park rules and support responsible tourism practices. DWNP continues to work closely with tour operators to promote sustainable wildlife viewing that prioritizes conservation and ethical conduct.
The department remains committed to safeguarding Botswana’s precious wildlife and preserving the integrity of its national parks for future generations.
