$55m committed to Southern circuit to drive tourism

Tanzania has committed more than $55 million into upgrading the tourism infrastructure across the southern safari circuit, marking one of the largest public investments ever made in the region.

The initiative is designed to stimulate economic growth, attract private investment, and increase international visitor arrivals to an area that has historically received far less attention than the country's renowned northern safari destinations.

The infrastructure programme has delivered significant improvements to roads, airstrips, accommodation facilities, and visitor services across key protected areas, including Nyerere, Ruaha, and Mikumi national parks. Together, these parks form Tanzania’s southern tourism circuit, which authorities believe has substantial untapped potential.

The investment is being implemented through the Resilient Natural Resources Management for Tourism and Growth (REGROW) project, a partnership between the Tanzanian government and the World Bank. The programme aims to diversify Tanzania’s tourism economy by enhancing accessibility and visitor experiences in the south, reducing the sector’s heavy reliance on the northern circuit.

Tanzania National Parks (TANAPA) Conservation Commissioner CPA Musa Kuji said the investments are intended to strengthen conservation management, improve visitor experiences, and create favourable conditions for sustainable tourism growth and private-sector participation.

Despite containing some of Africa’s largest and most ecologically significant protected landscapes, the southern circuit has traditionally attracted only a small share of Tanzania’s tourism market due to limited infrastructure and challenging access. Officials believe the latest upgrades will help transform the region into a major tourism destination.

The programme has funded the construction of entrance gates, visitor centres, campsites, staff housing, and accommodation facilities across the three national parks. In Nyerere National Park, developments include a new main entrance gate, ranger facilities, campsites, a 20-room guest house, and upgrades to Mtemere Airstrip. Mikumi National Park has benefited from new accommodation, visitor facilities, campsites, and airstrip improvements.

Ruaha National Park, Tanzania’s largest national park, has received investments in visitor lodges, staff housing, ecological monitoring infrastructure, and airport facilities. These improvements are expected to make the park more accessible to international travellers seeking less-crowded safari experiences.

In addition to infrastructure development, the project has financed equipment worth more than 31 billion shillings (around $12 million), including heavy machinery, vehicles, and tractors used for road maintenance and conservation operations. Tanzania National Parks reports that the new equipment has reduced maintenance costs by over 60 percent while supporting the rehabilitation of more than 1,200 kilometres of roads and upgrades to seven airstrips.

Tourism remains one of Tanzania’s leading sources of foreign exchange earnings, and industry experts believe improved access to the southern circuit could help distribute tourism revenues more evenly, extend visitor stays, and generate employment opportunities for local communities. The government also expects the investment to encourage private developers to establish new lodges, camps, and tourism services throughout the region.

While visitor growth projections have not yet been released, officials say the infrastructure programme establishes a strong foundation for long-term tourism expansion. Beyond boosting visitor numbers, the initiative is expected to strengthen conservation efforts by generating additional revenue while creating economic opportunities for communities living near protected areas.

“This is not simply an infrastructure programme,” said Mr. Kuji. “It is a strategic investment in the future of southern Tanzania’s tourism economy, conservation sustainability, and community development.”

The project reflects a wider trend across East Africa, where governments are increasing investment in tourism infrastructure to diversify their economies, protect natural heritage, and create jobs while supporting sustainable growth.