A surge of infrastructure transforms park into next Tanzania’s safari frontier
The Nyerere National Park is shedding its 'remote' reputation, replacing rugged barriers with state-of-the-art facilities designed to welcome the world to the East African country.
SATURDAY January 17, 2026
By Patty Magubira
The Tranquility News Reporter, Tanzania
Deep in the heart of Southern Tanzania, a sleeping giant is waking up. What was once a secluded corner of the Selous Game Reserve has emerged as a 30,000-square-kilometer powerhouse of biodiversity—roughly the size of Belgium—and it is currently undergoing a massive infrastructural facelift that promises to rival the legendary Serengeti.
Through the Resilient Natural Resources Management for Tourism and Growth (REGROW) Project, the park is shedding its remote reputation, replacing rugged barriers with state-of-the-art facilities designed to welcome the world.
A modern gateway to the wild
The transformation is most visible at the newly constructed Mtemere Gate Complex. Far from a simple checkpoint, the north-entry hub now boasts a sprawling administrative wing, tourism offices, modern reception areas, and specialised accounts facilities.
For those looking to stay within the park’s embrace, the project has unveiled five new rest houses, each accommodating four guests. These are supported by a central complex featuring a restaurant, bar, and kitchen.
Upon their official inauguration, the pricing structure aims at encouraging both local and international interests.
Tourists aged 16 years and above from East Africa will pay Sh50,000 (about $20) each and those from outside the region will pay $60 each.
Children aged between five years and 15 years from the region will pay Sh25,000 (about $10) each, while international and residents will pay $30 each.
Flying into the heart of conservation
Perhaps the most significant game changer is the new state-of-the-art airstrip. Featuring a 1.8-kilometre runway and a sophisticated control tower equipped with a 215,000-litre water storage system, the facility allows for seamless travel from Dar es Salaam.
“From Nyerere International Airport, you can now fly directly to Nyerere National Park in honour of the Father of the Nation,” says Themistocles Bitta, Head of the Tourism Department at the park.
The road to economic growth
Despite the aerial upgrades, the ‘boots-on-the-ground’ tourism players are issuing a vital plea to the government: Tarmac the roads. Specifically, the 160-kilometre Kisarawe-Mtemere and the 161-km Bigwa-Kisaki routes are seen as the missing links to the park’s full potential.
Ephraim Mwangomo, Assistant Conservation Commissioner, views the nearby 6-million-strong population of Dar es Salaam as a goldmine for weekend tourism.
Tarmacking these roads would not only ferry tourists but also turn surrounding villages like Mloka and Kisaki into economic hubs, mirroring the success of Mto wa Mbu and Karatu townships near the Serengeti.
A wildlife powerhouse
Nyerere National Park is not just about buildings; it is a sanctuary for some of Africa’s largest wildlife populations.
The park’s ecosystem is fueled by the Rufiji River, which draws 65.2 per cent of its water from the Kilombero, 19 per cent from the Luwegu, and 15.8 per cent from the Ruaha.
Wildlife census shows the park comprises 59,878 buffaloes; 25,000 elephants; 29,071 hippos; and 2,679 giraffes. There are significant populations of predators too, including lions, leopards, and the rare African wild dog.
“Nyerere is a special place,” says Shaun O’Driscoll, Manager of Rufiji River Camp. “With the right marketing, we will become as famous as the Serengeti,” he adds.
Beyond the animals, the park offers unique experiences, from boat safaris on Lake Nzelekela to night game drives seeking out elusive leopards.
Even the construction of the roads has faced supernatural hurdles. Engineers tell the tale of the Amarula ‘Magic Tree’ on the Mtemere-Matambwe Road.
Multiple attempts to uproot the tree resulted into broken heavy machinery and failed engines, leading contractors to ultimately build the road around it—leaving the tree as a permanent, stand-alone attraction.
From humble beginnings to billion-Shilling revenues
The growth of the park since its 2019 inception is staggering. In its first year, the park recorded a mere 151 visitors and Sh51.5 million (about $20,210) in revenue.
By the 2024/25 period, those numbers skyrocketed to 47,974 tourists, generating a massive Sh13.9 billion (about $5.5 million).
With Sh13.7 billion (over $5.4 million) from REGROW recently invested in patrol gear, vehicles, machinery, and ranger posts, and with a dedicated team of over 400 men and women in uniforms, Nyerere National Park is no longer just a conservation site — it is a cornerstone of Tanzania’s economic futureΩ
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The Tranquility News Reporter/Sub Editor, Tanzania
Patty Magubira is an experienced environmental and business editor whose career started at the Tanzania's state-owned newspaper - The Daily News. He is a man of perfection. Aided by his extensive training as a community forestry expert before joining Tanzania School of Journalism. Magubira had successfully held various key posts in newsrooms, giving him an unmatched connections in media fraternity. Having worked as a bureau chief in Arusha and Mwanza, he managed to build a team work, boosting sales to the highest level ever. He was then promoted to a sub-editor after completing a training in Nairobi, Kenya. His incredible experience, critical thinking and exposure are critical to the quality of any media outlet.
