New Ngorongoro tourism products in the pipeline

Dar es Salaam. The Ngorongoro Conservation Authority Area (NCAA) plans to introduce new tourism products, including night game drives, to ensure that tourism activities are conducted year-round, rather than relying solely on the high season.

According to the authority, another new product will be zip-line tourism in select areas, allowing tourists to visit at any time and enjoy attractions of their choice. The initiative aims to increase revenue and attract both domestic and international tourists.

“Tourism is an experience, and everyone likes to explore what interests them. Similarly, not everyone is interested in viewing wild animals, so we want to offer different experiences and ensure that tourism continues throughout the year, not just during the high season,” said the authority’s Tourism and Marketing Services manager Ms Mariam Kobelo.

Statistics from the NCAA show that the number of foreign and domestic tourists visiting the area has increased from the number of visitors to the park reached 908,627 in the previous financial year as compared to visitors to 191,682 in 2020/21 thanks to the release of The Royal Tour Film made by President Samia Suluhu Hassan, which helped revive the industry after it was hit hard by the Covid-19 pandemic.

Ms Kobelo told The Citizen yesterday that the authority is currently conducting a thorough study to determine the best times and locations for tourism activities that will not disturb the animals while allowing tourists to enjoy their experience.

Currently, only tourism activities are being conducted during the daytime so to diversify NCAA plans to start at night times that could attract those interested in nighttime experiences.

She also mentioned a lesser-known site within the NCAA called Endoro Waterfalls, which includes elephant caves, plans are also underway to promote these caves as an ecotourism spot.