Digital Traffic Management: Harnessing technology to preserve the Serengeti National Park

What role does digitalisation play at CDM Smith?

Eklavyya Popat: Digitalisation is a strategic cornerstone at CDM Smith, driving innovation, efficiency and sustainability in our engineering and construction services. By integrating advanced digital solutions, we improve decision-making, optimise workflows and deliver data-driven insights to improve project outcomes. Through the use of AI-driven analytics, visual AI, digital twins, cloud-based collaboration platforms and smart dashboards, we are transforming the way infrastructure is designed, built and managed.

How is CDM Smith contributing to digital traffic management for the Serengeti National Park?

Eklavyya Popat: As lead consultant for this KfW-financed initiative, CDM Smith is not only responsible for the technical execution but also for strategic oversight, coordination with stakeholders, and managing a multidisciplinary team of subcontractors and experts. Leveraging our in-house digital solutions team, we are spearheading the design and deployment of an open-source digital traffic management system (DTMS) that supports real-time vehicle monitoring, intelligent routing, and data-driven decision-making. Our goal is twofold: to preserve the park’s delicate ecological balance while enhancing the visitor experience. Beyond the software, we are also developing the supporting infrastructure to ensure seamless operation, long-term data sustainability, and resilience in an environment where connectivity is limited.

How will the ecosystem be relieved by digital traffic management?

Eklavyya Popat: With over 500,000 visitors per year, Serengeti National Park remains one of the world's most famous tourist destinations. Tourism provides significant support to local communities and conservation efforts, but the growing number of vehicles poses a threat to the park's fragile ecosystems. Increasing traffic leads to congestion, off-road driving and disturbance to wildlife. To address these issues, the park is introducing a digital traffic management system (DTMS). This innovative solution digitally registers and monitors all vehicles using GPS and real-time data. Park authorities can track traffic flow, identify rule violations and issue alerts to more effectively manage the impact of human influence. The DTMS is more than just a monitoring measure. It promotes smarter and more sustainable tourism. It helps distribute vehicles, prevent overcrowding and protect sensitive areas. Benefits include healthier vegetation, less stress on wildlife and a quieter, more authentic safari experience.

What challenges had to be overcome to protect the park's sensitive ecosystems?

Eklavyya Popat: The challenges have been substantial and unlike any other project. We are developing the world’s first digital traffic management system for a national park with virtually no access to stable internet or conventional communication infrastructure. Without precedent or blueprint to follow, we’ve had to innovate from the ground up—adapting technologies to a remote and ecologically sensitive setting. Designing under such constraints requires novel approaches, continuous experimentation, and a deep understanding of both digital systems and ecological preservation. But it is precisely these challenges that inspire us to pioneer new solutions.

How far along are we with the project and what lies ahead?

Eklavyya Popat: The project is currently in its final design and development phase, where we are defining the technical architecture and key deliverables. In the next phase, we will introduce agile sprints to implement a structured feedback loop with the client. These sprints enable continuous development and validation, allowing us to quickly prototype and refine the solution based on real-time client feedback. This iterative approach enables rapid prototyping, testing, and refinement of the system in real-time, ensuring it meets user needs and aligns with conservation goals. It also lays the groundwork for a scalable, long-term solution that can potentially serve as a model for other protected areas around the world.

CDM Smith is a privately owned engineering and construction firm providing legendary client service and smart solutions in water, environment, transportation, energy and facilities. Passionate about our work and invested in each other, we are inspired to think and driven to solve the world's environmental and infrastructure challenges.