Vice President Dr. Philip Mpango has inaugurated the Ngorongoro–Lengai Geopark Heritage Museum, a TZS 35 billion landmark project expected to transform heritage and educational tourism in Tanzania.
Located within the Ngorongoro–Lengai Geopark, the facility stands as the only UNESCO-recognized geopark south of the Sahara and the second on the African continent.
It showcases Tanzania’s unique geological and cultural heritage, blending conservation, education, and community development.
Speaking during the official launch in Karatu on Thursday, Dr. Mpango said the modern museum represents a major step in promoting Tanzania’s historical and natural attractions globally while supporting local livelihoods through sustainable tourism.
“This geopark is not only a reservoir of history but also a center for learning, research, and community transformation,” said Dr. Mpango.
He urged the Ministry of Natural Resources and Tourism to ensure that all tourism activities within the area are guided by environmental sustainability principles, warning that ecological degradation would directly threaten the long-term prosperity of the tourism sector.
Dr. Mpango also directed the Ngorongoro Conservation Area Authority (NCAA) to invest in staff training to enhance service delivery and provide a world-class experience for both local and international visitors.
China’s Ambassador to Tanzania, Chen Mingjian, said the project is the first of its kind in Africa under the Belt and Road Initiative, underscoring the strong partnership between China and Tanzania in tourism, culture, and heritage development.
Minister for Natural Resources and Tourism, Ambassador Dr. Pindi Chana, said the recognition of the Ngorongoro–Lengai Geopark by UNESCO, alongside its World Travel Awards 2025 win as Africa’s Leading Tourist Attraction, reflects the success of the Sixth-Phase Government under President Dr. Samia Suluhu Hassan.
Dr. Chana noted that the government recently allowed Tanzania National Parks (TANAPA) and NCAA to retain up to 51 percent of their revenues in the 2025/26 financial year to strengthen operations and reinvest in conservation and tourism development.
According to her, the sector’s growth has been remarkable, with international arrivals rising from 1,808,205 in 2023 to 2,142,895 in 2024, while domestic tourism surged from 1,985,707 to 3,217,352 visitors during the same period.
“These numbers reflect the growing confidence in Tanzania’s tourism industry and the government’s efforts to position the country as a leading destination for sustainable and heritage-based tourism,” Dr. Chana said.