Tanzania has used an international tourism platform in India to promote the Ngorongoro Conservation Area as a destination believed to resemble the biblical Garden of Eden, described in religious scriptures as the place where Adam and Eve lived and ate the fruit from the tree at the centre of the garden.
The narrative was presented during an international tourism exhibition held in India from January 6 to 7, 2026, where the Ngorongoro Conservation Area Authority (NCAA) showcased Tanzania’s flagship tourism attractions to global stakeholders.
Speaking at the event, NCAA Chief Marketing Officer Michael Makombe said Ngorongoro carries all the natural features described in religious texts about the Garden of Eden, making it a unique destination not only for wildlife tourism but also for spiritual and cultural reflection.
“Ngorongoro is believed to be Eden because it possesses everything mentioned in the scriptures stunning landscapes, diverse wildlife and bird species, a wide range of fruits, forests and vegetation, insects, permanent water sources, and rocky formations with caves that inspire a spiritual connection between human beings and God,” Mr Makombe said.
He explained that the area’s exceptional concentration of natural attractions in one location strengthens the belief that Ngorongoro mirrors the harmony and richness associated with Eden.
Ngorongoro’s global reputation has continued to rise, with the destination earning international recognition for its outstanding tourism value.
It was named the World’s Leading Tourist Attraction by the World Travel Awards in both 2023 and 2025, underscoring its unique status on the global tourism map.
Tourism officials say promoting Ngorongoro through such symbolic narratives helps position Tanzania as a premium destination, blending natural beauty, biodiversity and deep cultural meaning.
The approach is expected to attract a wider range of visitors, including faith-based tourists and international travellers seeking unique and meaningful experiences.
Through continued participation in global tourism exhibitions, Tanzania aims to expand its tourism markets while reinforcing Ngorongoro’s image as one of the world’s most remarkable natural heritage sites.