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The Minister for Natural Resources and Tourism, Hon. Dr. Ashatu Kijaji (MP), has presented the Ministry’s implementation report during a meeting with the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Lands, Natural Resources, and Tourism, held ahead of the Second Session of the 13th Parliament of the United Republic of Tanzania.
The meeting took place on 19 January 2026 in Dodoma City, where a total of 16 implementation reports covering the Ministry and its affiliated institutions are scheduled to be presented and discussed. The committee is chaired by Hon. Thimotheo Paul Mnzava (MP).
The session was also attended by the Deputy Minister for Natural Resources and Tourism, Hon. Hamad Hassan Chande (MP), the Permanent Secretary Dr. Hassan Abbasi, Deputy Permanent Secretary Mr. Nkoba Mabula, members of the Ministry’s management, as well as heads of institutions and training colleges under the Ministry.
The meeting aims to strengthen parliamentary oversight, review performance, and enhance the effective implementation of policies and programs within the natural resources and tourism sector.
Lolmalasin Mountain, located within the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, is emerging as a hidden gem for adventure seekers, nature lovers and tourists looking for inspiration beyond words.
Drawing inspiration from a popular lyric by Tanzanian artist Mbosso — “I finish the pages of the dictionary praising you” — the experience of climbing Lolmalasin is described as equally overwhelming in beauty and meaning. At 3,700 meters above sea level, Lolmalasin stands as the tallest mountain in the Ngorongoro Conservation Area and the third-highest in Tanzania.
The mountain rewards climbers with breathtaking scenery featuring vibrant flowers, dense forests, birds and wildlife. From its slopes, visitors can view the Olmoti Crater in the distance, with its waters flowing toward the Ngorongoro Crater through the Munge River — a sight that captures the ecological harmony of the area.
Beyond its natural beauty, Lolmalasin Mountain offers physical and mental benefits. The climb helps build endurance, stretch muscles and prepare adventurers for higher peaks such as Mount Meru and Mount Kilimanjaro. Climbers often describe the experience as therapeutic, allowing them to forget daily pressures ranging from work and finances to personal stresses.
Accessible to both local and international tourists, Lolmalasin does not require technical climbing skills, making it suitable for a wide range of visitors. Those who take on the challenge are rewarded not only with panoramic views, but also with renewed energy and inspiration.
Ngorongoro invites visitors to explore Lolmalasin Mountain and discover an experience that promises lasting memories, multiplied inspiration and a deeper appreciation of Tanzania’s natural heritage.
Ms. Zainab Ansell, a leading investor in Tanzania’s tourism industry and Director of Zara Tanzania Adventures, has underscored the importance of strengthened collaboration between government and private sector stakeholders to advance sustainable tourism and wildlife conservation.
Ms. Ansell made the remarks during a high-level Tourism and Wildlife Stakeholders’ Meeting held at the Best Western Hotel in Dodoma on 17 January 2026. The meeting was officiated by the Minister for Natural Resources and Tourism, Hon. Dr. Ashatu Kijaji, and brought together key players from across the tourism and conservation sectors.
Discussions focused on advancing strategic investment priorities in conservation and tourism, while identifying practical measures to improve tourism operations and service delivery. Participants emphasized the need for coordinated efforts between the Government of Tanzania and industry stakeholders to strengthen sector performance and enhance visitor experiences.
The meeting reaffirmed the role of private sector investment in supporting conservation goals and driving tourism growth, in line with national development priorities and Tanzania’s broader vision for sustainable natural resource management.
Tanzania’s Standard Gauge Railway (SGR) is rapidly emerging as a catalyst for regional tourism, reshaping how visitors move across East and Central Africa while positioning the country as a strategic gateway to the Great Lakes region.
Originally conceived to cut transport costs and strengthen trade, the modern railway now plays a growing role in tourism by reducing travel times, improving reliability and enabling seamless inland journeys from the Indian Ocean to the continent’s interior. Travel between Dar es Salaam and Dodoma has been reduced to around three hours, transforming accessibility to Tanzania’s political capital and surrounding regions.
As the SGR expands toward Tabora, Mwanza, Kigoma and planned cross-border links into Burundi and eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, Tanzania is consolidating its position as a preferred transit hub for regional travel, conferences and multi-country tourism circuits. International visitors can increasingly combine coastal tourism with inland cultural, business and lake destinations, supported by modern rail infrastructure.
The railway’s impact extends beyond international arrivals. Improved connectivity is stimulating domestic and regional travel, supporting hotels, restaurants and service businesses along the corridor while reinforcing the role of domestic tourism as a foundation for long-term growth.
With construction costs for the core SGR phases estimated at around USD 10 billion and additional regional extensions underway, the scale of investment reflects a long-term strategy. While capital-intensive, the railway is unlocking economic and social value by integrating tourism with trade, employment and regional mobility.
Aligned with East African Community and broader regional integration goals, Tanzania’s SGR complements investments in ports, airports and aviation, creating a multimodal transport ecosystem that enhances the visitor experience.
As trains continue to move westward and toward neighbouring countries, Tanzania is redefining its tourism identity—not only as a destination, but as the connective gateway through which regional tourism in East and Central Africa can increasingly flow.
A breathtaking rim-top view of Empakaai Crater, where hikers overlook the deep blue crater lake in the Ngorongoro Highlands.
Zanzibar, 5 January 2026 — The President of the United Republic of Tanzania, H.E. Dr. Samia Suluhu Hassan, held a strategic engagement with senior officials from the Ministry of Natural Resources and Tourism ahead of the official handover of three major tourism awards won by Tanzania at both African and global levels. The meeting took place at State House (Ikulu Ndogo), Tunguu, Zanzibar, as part of efforts to strengthen Tanzania’s international tourism positioning and recognize outstanding achievements in the sector.
Tanzania has strengthened its global tourism leadership after being named the World’s Leading Safari Destination by the World Travel Awards (WTA)—one of the most respected international benchmarks for excellence in travel and tourism. This global recognition underscores Tanzania’s unmatched competitive advantage in wildlife, conservation, and authentic safari experiences, while elevating the country’s visibility and credibility in high-value international tourism markets. Officially received by H.E. Dr. Samia Suluhu Hassan, President of the United Republic of Tanzania, the award reflects national commitment to sustainable tourism growth, improved service standards, and continued investment in tourism-enabling infrastructure and protected areas.
The award reinforces Tanzania’s position as a premier destination for signature experiences—anchored by world-renowned sites such as the Serengeti ecosystem, Ngorongoro Conservation Area, Ruaha, Tarangire, and Nyerere National Park—and strengthens the country’s brand as a safe, high-quality, and globally competitive tourism choice. Strategically, the recognition provides momentum to expand international arrivals, attract higher-spending visitors, and unlock greater investment across hospitality, aviation, tour operations, and value-added tourism products. As global demand shifts toward nature-based, responsible, and experience-driven travel, Tanzania is well positioned to further grow its share of the international tourism market, enhance foreign exchange earnings, and deliver inclusive benefits for communities—while maintaining strong conservation outcomes and safeguarding its natural heritage for future generations.
President Samia Receives Award as Tanzania Named World’s Leading Safari Destination
Zanzibar, 5 January 2026 The President of the United Republic of Tanzania, H.E. Dr. Samia Suluhu Hassan, has received an international tourism award after Tanzania was named the World’s Leading Safari Destination.
The award was formally presented to the President by the Minister for Natural Resources and Tourism, Dr. Ashatu Kijaji, during a ceremony held at State House, Tunguu, Zanzibar.
The recognition was issued by the World Travel Awards (WTA), an internationally respected tourism awards body headquartered in London, United Kingdom.
