TANAPA appoints Beatrice Kessy to lead Tanzania’s premier safari circuit

WEDNESDAY April 15, 2026

By The Tranquillity News Correspondent,  Tanzania 

Tanzania National Parks (TANAPA) has promoted former Tarangire National Park Chief Warden Beatrice Kessy to lead its Northern Zone, reinforcing its commitment to women in senior leadership.

Dr Kessy replaces outgoing Northern Zone head, Deputy Conservation Commissioner (DCC) Steria Ndaga, who has retired.

DCC Ndaga officially handed over leadership to the Senior Assistant Conservation Commissioner, Dr Kessy, marking a new chapter for the strategically important zone.

Having served TANAPA since 1995, DCC Ndaga commended staff for their discipline, professionalism, and teamwork, which she said underpin conservation success.

“I leave behind a committed and cooperative team,” she said during the ceremony.

“I leave behind a committed and cooperative team,” Tanzania National Parks’ outgoing northern tourism circuit head, Deputy Conservation Commissioner Steria Ndaga.

Dr Kessy pledged to build on that foundation by strengthening conservation efforts, boosting tourism revenues, and improving infrastructure across the zone.

“We will maintain leadership in revenue, tourism promotion, and infrastructure to attract more visitors,” she said.

The Northern Zone manages some of Tanzania’s most renowned parks, forming the backbone of the country’s safari tourism industry.

These include Kilimanjaro, Tarangire, Lake Manyara, Mkomazi, and Arusha national parks.

Together, these parks generate significant national income, with tourism remaining a key pillar of Tanzania’s economy.

Tarangire’s large elephant herds, Lake Manyara’s flamingos, and Arusha’s montane forests continue attracting global attention, as Mount Kilimanjaro draws climbers from around the world.

Beyond tourism, the parks play a vital role in conserving biodiversity, protecting ecosystems, and supporting thousands of livelihoods.

Sector analysts note that strong leadership in the Northern Zone is critical for sustaining Tanzania’s competitiveness in regional and global tourism.

DCC Ndaga leaves behind a distinguished legacy, having served in several parks, including Udzungwa, Rubondo, and Lake Manyara.

Expectations are high that Dr Kessy will build on this record through innovation and strategic leadership.

She is widely recognised for her passion and dedication to conservation and tourism marketing, particularly during her tenure overseeing business development at TANAPA headquarters.

In that role, she spearheaded the development and promotion of new tourism products, helping to attract a growing number of visitors.

As global demand for nature-based tourism rises, TANAPA’s leadership remains central to advancing conservation and driving economic growthΩ