TOURISM IN TANZANIA

Tanzania, a country endowed with abundant wildlife, great and unique natural features, friendly and hospitable people and a superb climate, has gradually become a favourite destination for international tourism.

Tanzania embodies all the attractions of Africa. With 14 National parks, numerous Games and Forest Reserves taking 38% of its landmass, it is truly a Garden of Eden on this earth; hence it invoked awe to many international tourists. From the fabled snow-capped highest free standing mountain in the world – Kilimanjaro, Game Park, historical and archaeological sites to virgin unspoilt beaches, the country has made positive gains in its approach to low impact/high yield sustainable tourism policy. This has led to the protection of environment from irreversible damage while at the same time creating a top-class eco-tourism destination.

Given improved services in the tourism industry, the visitor can enjoy all the comforts and amenities of modern life, making the adventure of exploration to Tanzania, comfortable, enjoyable and extremely rewarding. There are so many ways to enjoy what our country offers that will make visitors never regret.

Following government’s liberalisation policy, The National Tourism Policy was reviewed in 1999. The policy has clearly spelt out vital and key essential elements that are aimed at promoting the country’s tourism industry by optimising the private sector. The government will only play a regulatory role in policy formulation monitoring, regulating and collection of government revenue derived from the industry.

The policy also charts out the need for creation of new tourist products where the Ministry of Natural Resources and Tourism is now promoting the North Eastern Zone, Coastal Belt, Southern and Southern Highlands Zones as well as the southern extensive beaches along the Indian Ocean for investment. Emphasis is also placed on cultural tourism, which is now rapidly picking up water sports, historical and archaeological sites. Conference tourism is another new product being targeted.

The Ministry is also intensifying the promotion of the country’s unique attractions in the international tourist markets. Currently the country is being promoted under the theme “Tanzania – Land of Kilimanjaro and Zanzibar.” Participation at various travel fairs in several parts of the world has laid a vital role in bringing more tourists into the country. Since the government through the Tanzania Tourist Board will only carry out the role of marketing and promoting of the country as a destination, it is hoped the private sector will play its rightful role of commercialising the industry and taking it to new heights.

The country’s tourism market is divided into two major circuits: the “Northern Circuit” which comprises of the world’s most dramatic National Parks of the Serengeti, Tarangire, Lake Manyara, Arusha and the Kilimanjaro National Parks – which includes the mighty Kilimanjaro, the highest mountain in Africa. Another unique attraction in the Northern Circuit is the Ngorongoro Crater, which is considered as the eighth wonder of the world.

The “Southern Tourism Circuit” embraces the well known Selous Game Reserve – the largest in Africa -, Mikumi, Udzungwa Mountains, Ruaha and Katavi National Parks. Other attractions include Lake Victoria; the largest in Africa and the source of the Nile, Lake Nyasa and Lake Tanganyika, which provide other opportunities for water sports and game fishing.

Tanzania has 804 km of finest unpolluted beaches in Africa. The white sandy un-spoilt beaches provide a serene atmosphere for relaxation and sunbathing. Situated offshore, are Zanzibar and Pemba – the exotic ‘Spice Islands’ famous for their history, deep-sea game fishing and beaches. These islands are easily reached by 20 –minute flight, by hydrofoil or by boat from Dar es Salaam.

The Mafia Island Marine Park a mere 40-minute flight South of Dar es Salaam is one of the most exciting big game fishing and diving location in the world. Further south, there is yet another marine park, the Mnazi Bay Marine Park ideal for beach relaxation, fishing, diving and other aquatic sports.

Tanzania is home to six World Heritage Sites namely, the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, Serengeti and Kilimanjaro National Parks, the Selous Game Reserve and the historical sites of Kilwa Kisiwani and Ruins of Songo Mnara and Zanzibar Stone Town. The historical coastal town of Bagamoyo 80kms north of Dar es Salaam will very soon be added to the list.

In short the strength of Tanzania tourist product lies in the following attributes:

• Abundance, diversity, reliability and visibility of wildlife
• Unspoiled environment and beautiful scenery
• Low tourist density
• Safe destination
• Beaches
• Authenticity and the unique African experience
• Friendly people