Luxury travel safari experts at Discover Africa have announced the launch of HerdTracker, a groundbreaking AI-powered app designed to predict the movements of the Great Migration in East Africa up to 12 months in advance.
By leveraging advanced machine learning techniques, HerdTracker is set to transform wildlife tracking and safari planning.
HerdTracker
HerdTracker offers an unparalleled experience for both travelers planning their dream safari and wildlife enthusiasts keen to follow the majestic Great Migration from the comfort of their homes.
This innovative app allows users to track the movements of over 2 million animals, including wildebeests, zebras, and gazelles, across the Serengeti and Masai Mara, offering real-time updates and precise predictions.
Optimising wildlife viewing
The app combines ten years of sightings data to accurately map the movements of these migrating animals
The app combines ten years of sightings data to accurately map the movements of these migrating animals.
Users can easily access the most recent locations of the wildebeest herd, plan their safari trips around peak migration times, and even receive recommendations for the best safari camps and lodges to optimise their wildlife viewing experiences.
Virtual safari experience
HerdTracker has already captivated over 10.6 million viewers, streaming incredible wildlife moments such as giraffes giving birth, massive wildebeest river crossings, and dramatic crocodile attacks.
For those unable to travel, the app provides a virtual safari experience, bringing the wonders of the Great Migration directly to their screens.
AI prediction model
The core technology behind HerdTracker's success is its sophisticated AI prediction model.
The app employs the DBSCAN clustering algorithm organises historical sightings data into clusters based on proximity
The app employs the DBSCAN clustering algorithm, a machine-learning technique that organises historical sightings data into clusters based on proximity. This method allows HerdTracker to pinpoint areas where wildlife sightings are densely packed, offering high accuracy in predicting future movements.
Wildlife movement data
Andre Van Kets, co-founder of Discover Africa and HerdTracker, explains, "The DBSCAN algorithm is particularly effective for our purposes because it can handle the complex, irregular patterns seen in wildlife movement data."
"It helps us identify clusters of sightings and predict where the herds are likely to move next, providing invaluable insights for both travellers and conservationists."
Wildlife tracking and safari planning
By using this advanced algorithm, HerdTracker not only identifies dense clusters of animal activity but also detects outliers sightings that don't fit into any cluster.
HerdTracker not only identifies dense clusters of animal activity but also detects outliers sightings
This capability is crucial for understanding the nuances of migratory patterns and predicting future movements with greater precision. Van Kets adds, "This AI technology is a game-changer for wildlife tracking and safari planning. Our algorithm's ability to identify clusters of sightings and predict movements offers unprecedented accuracy and reliability."
User-friendly interface
The app’s user-friendly interface makes it accessible to everyone, from seasoned travellers to those simply fascinated by wildlife.
Users can explore detailed heatmaps showing the most likely future paths of animals, plan date-specific trips, and receive updates on significant wildlife events.
Once-in-a-lifetime experience
Visitors understandably want to plan around the best possible place and time to witness the Great Migration
While safari bookings have reflected a 65% increase in average spending, Discover Africa Safaris estimates that the cost of an African safari can vary between £640 to £1,600 per person per day, depending on the season and level of luxury (excluding flights).
As a once-in-a-lifetime experience, visitors understandably want to plan around the best possible place and time to witness the Great Migration, driving the demand for innovative tools like HerdTracker.
Travel innovation
Andre Van Kets concludes, "We’re proud to be the first to innovate in this space and utilise the valuable data we've collected to help as many people experience the beauty of the Great Migration – whether that's from the comfort of their sofa or the front-row seat of an open safari vehicle."
"It's a testament to our commitment to redefine travel innovation and deliver unparalleled experiences to all."
