Ruaha National Park has a new Chief Warden following an official handover ceremony held on January 2, 2026, at the park’s headquarters in Msembe, about 130 kilometres from Iringa Municipality.
Assistant Commissioner for Conservation Dr Abel Mtui formally handed over leadership to Assistant Commissioner for Conservation Emmanuel Moirana, marking a new chapter for Tanzania’s largest national park.
Speaking during the ceremony, Dr Mtui thanked park officers and rangers for the strong cooperation he received throughout his tenure, describing teamwork and discipline as the backbone of the achievements recorded under his leadership.
He said the unity among staff had played a vital role in strengthening natural resource protection, boosting tourism activities and improving key infrastructure within the park.
Dr Mtui highlighted notable progress in visitor accommodation facilities and the upgrading of airstrips, developments that have enhanced accessibility and improved the overall tourism experience at Ruaha National Park.
He emphasized that these gains were the result of collective effort and commitment by the park’s workforce.
Taking over the leadership, Mr Moirana pledged to build on the existing achievements, stressing that cooperation, discipline and accountability would remain central to his administration.
He said he would work closely with management and staff to further strengthen conservation efforts and ensure sustainable management of the park.
Mr Moirana added that continuity would guide his leadership approach, alongside renewed focus on addressing emerging conservation and management challenges facing the park.
Prior to his appointment at Ruaha, Mr Moirana served as Chief Warden of Mkomazi National Park. Dr Mtui, on the other hand, has been transferred to the Tanzania National Parks Authority headquarters in Arusha, where he will head the Geographic Information System (GIS) Unit.
Ruaha National Park plays a critical role in Tanzania’s tourism and conservation landscape, making the leadership transition significant for the continued protection and promotion of the country’s natural heritage.