Tanzania to invest $3.2M to repair infrastructure in the Serengeti National Park

SUNDAY March 8, 2027

By Adam Ihucha

The Tranquillity News Correspondent, Tanzania

Tanzania will spend about $3.2 million (Sh8.1 billion) to repair roads and bridges damaged by heavy rains in the iconic Serengeti National Park, a key asset for the country’s tourism-driven economy.

The funding will be released immediately to rehabilitate critical infrastructure affected by intense rainfall linked to climate change, the Natural Resources and Tourism Minister, Dr Ashatu Kijaji, said during an inspection visit to the park on March 8.

Heavy downpours in recent weeks washed away sections of roads and damaged several bridges inside the park, temporarily stranding tourist vehicles and disrupting travel routes used by safari operators.

“This funding will allow urgent rehabilitation of damaged bridges and roads so tourism operations can continue safely,” Dr Kijaji said, adding that authorities want to ensure the park remains accessible to visitors throughout the year despite increasingly unpredictable weather patterns.

The rehabilitation plan includes rebuilding key crossings such as the Orangi Upper, Orangi Lower, Banagi and Bona bridges, along with culverts and hippo crossing points along the Naabi–Seronera road corridor.

Part of the budget will also fund engineering assessments aimed at strengthening infrastructure against future climate-related weather shocks.

Dr Kijaji urged safari guides to follow instructions from rescue teams deployed by the Tanzania National Parks (TANAPA) in flood-affected areas, warning that attempting to cross submerged bridges could endanger drivers, tourists, and vehicles.

She also dismissed social media reports claiming that Serengeti National Park had halted tourism operations, saying the park remains open despite temporary disruptions along some internal roads.

Tourism officials say repairing the infrastructure quickly is vital to maintaining Tanzania’s reputation as one of Africa’s premier safari destinations.

Massana Mwishawa, Deputy Conservation Commissioner responsible for Conservation and Business Development at TANAPA, said improved roads and bridges would help ensure year-round access to the park during both rainy and dry seasons.

He added that strengthening tourism infrastructure is also key to Tanzania’s longer-term goal of attracting eight million visitors annually by 2030, a target championed by President Samia Suluhu Hassan.

Serengeti Chief Park Warden Ismail Omary said authorities had already carried out temporary repairs following the storms, deployed rescue teams and arranged emergency accommodation for stranded tourists and drivers in park hostels and rest houses.

The park also waived overstay fees for visitors whose departures were delayed due to impassable roads.

The Serengeti National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for the annual wildebeest migration, is Tanzania’s flagship wildlife reserve and a cornerstone of the country’s tourism industry.

Officials say strengthening its infrastructure is essential to safeguarding tourism revenue as extreme weather events become more frequent.