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Key findings of a Tourism Sustainable Model study for the Serengeti National Park have been presented in Arusha, sparking wide discussion among more than 81 tourism stakeholders, investors, and officials from the Tanzania National Parks Authority, as Tanzania moves to strengthen the future of its flagship wildlife destination.
The high-level seminar, held at Mount Meru Hotel on May 25, 2026, reviewed research aimed at shaping a tourism system that protects the Serengeti ecosystem while ensuring tourism continues to generate strong economic returns for the country.
The study, conducted by experts from the University of Dar es Salaam and the Mweka College of African Wildlife Management, brings together expertise in tourism, conservation, and financial management to propose a more structured and sustainable approach to tourism operations inside protected areas.
Opening the discussions on behalf of the Chairperson of the TANAPA Board of Trustees, Dr. Robert Fyumagwa said Tanzania’s long-term development direction under Vision 2050 places strong emphasis on ensuring natural resources benefit both current and future generations.
He urged stakeholders to move beyond academic discussions and focus on practical solutions that can be implemented to improve management of tourism activities in national parks.
“Tanzania is committed under Vision 2050 to ensure that conservation and sustainable use of natural resources benefit present and future generations. What we are discussing here must translate into practical action,” he said.
Presenting the findings, Dr. James Wakibara noted that Serengeti National Park currently receives more than 300,000 tourists annually, a number that continues to grow due to its global attraction.
However, he warned that the rising number of visitors is creating pressure on park management systems, especially where some operators do not fully comply with the General Management Plan (GMP), which guides how tourism activities should be conducted inside the park.
He stressed that weak compliance risks affecting both wildlife conservation and the quality of visitor experience, calling for stronger enforcement and better coordination among stakeholders.
Environmental expert Dr. Flora Tibarazwa said Tanzania can strengthen sustainability by introducing clearer contractual frameworks for investors and tour operators.
She explained that such contracts should clearly define environmental obligations, operational limits, and penalties for non-compliance to protect fragile ecosystems while maintaining a healthy investment climate.
According to her, sustainable tourism requires strict but fair rules that ensure business growth does not come at the cost of environmental degradation.
Speaking on behalf of tourism operators, Tanzania Association of Tour Operators (TATO) Chairman and Tanganyika Wilderness Camps (TWC) owner Willy Chambilo said congestion in the park can be managed through improved scheduling of tourist visits.
He suggested that revising visitor entry systems and spreading tourism activities more evenly could reduce pressure on high-traffic areas while improving overall service delivery.
Representing TANAPA Conservation Commissioner, Deputy Commissioner for Conservation and Business Development Masana Mwishawa said the collaborative nature of the study reflects a growing commitment among stakeholders to improve tourism governance.
He said TANAPA will carefully review the recommendations and align them with existing laws and conservation policies to strengthen sustainable tourism management across national parks.
The study, which began in October 2024, is funded by the Government of Germany through the KfW Development Bank and the Frankfurt Zoological Society.
Stakeholders say the initiative offers an important opportunity to strike a balance between conservation and tourism growth, ensuring that the Serengeti continues to benefit Tanzania economically while remaining protected for future generations.
