Tanzania’s Prime Minister notices personal awakening in Arusha National Park
It was a rare personal moment for one of East Africa’s most influential political leaders.
FRIDAY February 6, 2026
By Patty Magubira
The Tranquillity News Reporter, Tanzania
The Tanzania’s Prime Minister, Dr Mwigulu Nchemba, has visited countless corners of his country in the line of duty.
Yet standing beside misty waterfalls, emerald forests and roaming wildlife inside Arusha National Park, he found himself making an unexpected confession, this was one of the few places he had never been.
“I often say I have travelled across the entire country,” he told fellow leaders and tourism stakeholders during a visit ahead of the Serengeti Awards. “But this park—I had not been here. And any Tanzanian would wish to come and experience attractions like these.”
It was a rare and personal moment for one of East Africa’s most influential leaders—and a powerful endorsement of Tanzania’s lesser-known natural gems beyond the famed Serengeti and Mount Kilimanjaro.
A leader’s journey into nature
Dr Nchemba’s visit to Arusha National Park came as part of an official programme organised by the Ministry of Natural Resources and Tourism, ahead of the high-profile Serengeti Awards ceremony.
We have seen animals moving in herds, and others living solitary lives within the same ecosystem,” The Tanzania’s Prime Minister, Dr Mwigulu Nchemba.
What might have been a routine pre-event tour quickly turned into a deeper reflection on tourism, conservation, and national identity.
Walking through the park’s lush landscapes, the Prime Minister was visibly struck by its pristine condition—its cascading waterfalls, dense indigenous forests, and abundant wildlife.
“The waterfalls alone could serve as filming locations for Amazing Tanzania,” he remarked, referencing the international tourism campaign that has helped elevate the country’s global profile.
“We have seen animals moving in herds, and others living solitary lives within the same ecosystem,” he noted.
He even picked up new wildlife vocabulary along the way. “Today I learned that mbogo refers to a solitary buffalo, while nyati refers to a herd,” he said with a smile—an anecdote that underscored the sense of rediscovery.
Tourism is not just for the wealthier
One of the Prime Minister’s most striking observations was not about scenery, but accessibility.
During planning discussions, he asked a simple question. How much does it cost for an ordinary Tanzanian to visit a national park?
The answer surprised him—about TZS 11,800 (roughly $4–5).
“That is affordable for many Tanzanians,” he noted. “Tourism does not mean you must be wealthier.”
Drawing comparisons with international travellers, Dr Nchemba emphasized that tourism is often a matter of planning, not privilege.
That is affordable for many Tanzanians. In tourism, it does not mean that one must be wealthier to sample attractions,” the Tanzania’s Prime Minister, Dr Mwigulu Nchemba.
“People work hard all year, then set aside two or three days to relax, to remove stress. Tanzanians can do the same.”
It is a message the government has been eager to promote as domestic tourism grows—encouraging citizens to experience their own country, not just market it to the world.
Conservation as a shared responsibility
Beyond tourism, the visit reinforced a central pillar of Tanzania’s development strategy – conservation.
Dr Nchemba praised the preservation of forests, wildlife, and water sources within Arusha National Park, pointing out that conservation is not an abstract ideal, but a practical necessity.
“Where areas are well protected, water flows,” he said. “And flowing water benefits not only tourism, but daily economic activities in surrounding communities.”
He stressed that conservation is not solely the responsibility of Tanzania National Parks (TANAPA).
“These resources belong to Tanzanians. TANAPA is only entrusted to manage them on behalf of the nation,” he said. “Protecting them is the responsibility of every citizen—especially those living near conservation areas.”
Had these ecosystems been destroyed, he warned, everyday productivity—from agriculture to livelihoods—would have suffered. “Conservation benefits each of us.”
Inspired by a presidential example
The Prime Minister also credited the Tanzania President, Dr Samia Suluhu Hassan, for reshaping how Tanzanians see their own country—particularly through her appearances in the international documentaries, including The Royal Tour and Amazing Tanzania.
“One day, as we were watching at home, my children told me they wanted to visit the place where the President stood with lions behind her,” he recalled. “That is the power of visibility—it creates attraction.”
“I urge every Tanzanian—women and men, especially the youth—to save a little and set aside two or three days to refresh the body, mind and spirit. You return to work with greater energy and focus,” the Tanzania’s Prime Minister, Dr Mwigulu Nchemba.
He applauded the government’s policy of differentiating fees for domestic and international tourists, a move that has made national parks more accessible to locals.
A call to pause, travel, and renew
Dr Nchemba’s message ultimately went beyond policy. It was a call for balance.
“I urge every Tanzanian—women and men, especially the youth—to save a little and set aside two or three days to refresh the body, mind and spirit,” he said. “You return to work with greater energy and focus.”
Experiences like Arusha National Park, he added, create a culture of renewal—one that fuels productivity rather than detracting from it.
So moved was he by the visit that the Prime Minister revealed plans to return.
“I have decided to schedule a longer visit after today’s engagements,” he said. “This experience has truly refreshed my mind.”
For Tanzania, it was more than a personal journey. It was a reminder that even for those who govern, nature still has the power to surprise—and to inspire a nation to rediscover itselfΩ
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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.
