Tanzania, the largest country in East Africa, is a popular tourist destination. From wild, stunning nature to lush green islands with vibrant culture, the country is known for its diverse wildlife and rich marine ecosystems. Ranked first in Africa for the quality of its nature-based tourism, Tanzania’s tourism sector is an important part of its economy. With many alluring places to visit, along with the famous tropical town of Zanzibar, Tanzania’s tourism sector offers many investment opportunities such as accommodations, wildlife farming, and eco-tourism.

Tanzania’s tourism industry is booming. In 2023, tourism earnings surged 33.5 percent to USD 3,373.8 million from USD 2,527.8 million in 2022. By August 2024, 2.026 million tourists visited the country bringing in $3.534 billion in tourism earnings. This shows the growing demand for sustainable and innovative tourism ventures in Tanzania. This article will explore Tanzania’s top five tourist attractions, providing insights into the best investment opportunities for investors looking to be part of this amazing journey!

The unique ecosystem is one of the World Heritage Sites. 

• • Africa’s Leading National Park for the 5th year at the 2023 World Travel Awards.
  • The Serengeti is one of the Seven Natural Wonders of Africa, as declared by Africa Geographic. It covers about 15,000 km2.
  • Hosts the Great Migration. Millions of wildebeest and zebras travel across the plains in search of water and food.
  • The region has over 2 million ungulates, 4,000 lions, 1,000 leopards, 550 cheetahs, and around 500 bird species, showing unique and diverse wildlife.
  • From July 2023 to February 2024, 1,451,176 tourists visited Tanzania’s national parks, mainly the Serengeti National Park.

• Investors can invest in places for tourists to stay, including eco-friendly resorts, luxury lodges, tented camps, etc.
• It can offer personalized safari packages, including game drives, walking safaris, and hot air balloon rides.
• The easiest way to Serengeti Park is by taking a short shuttle flight. Investors can offer electric safari vehicles to attract tourists.
• Partnership with local and international conservation organizations in projects. For example, investment in community-led conservation programs to support sustainable tourism.
• Investors can fund green infrastructure. They can offer solar energy systems, water harvesting, and waste recycling.

Mount Kilimanjaro is near Moshi in the northern part of the country. 

• • The highest free-standing mountain in the world, Mount Kilimanjaro, is 5,895 Meters above sea level.
  • The tallest mountain in Africa, with its snowy peak towering over the savannah.
  • Popular hiking spot. More than 45,000 foreign and 2,000 local tourists visit the mountain per year.
  • It is one of the largest volcanoes in the world. It is the only snow-capped mountain in the tropics with all types of climates.
  •  Kilimanjaro has three main volcanic peaks: Kibo, Mawenzi, and Shira.

• Investors can invest in hotels, camping sites, and airstrips.
• Investment in shuttle services and private transport to meet the growing demand of tourists. For example, opening the Ngarony route to Mount Kilimanjaro.  The new route will be shorter than the current route of Londros gate.
• It has direct access to the EAC and COMESA trade blocks through land and air. Investors can develop viable industrial parks and construct cables.
• Community engagement programs, such as cultural tours or local shops, also provide benefits.
• Can invest in local conservation efforts and sustainable tourism initiatives.
• Production and marketing of agricultural products. Tanzania supports joint ventures between locals and investors.

Investment in trekking companies, guided tours, and equipment rentals.

Ngorongoro Crater is one of the world’s largest unbroken calderas. 

• • It attracts more than half of the country’s 1.3 million visitors. Almost 534,065 tourists visited the area during the first half of 2023/24.
  • The world’s largest inactive and intact volcanic crater. It formed about 2.5 million years ago.
  • Research topic of human evolution for over 80 years.
  • Has 25,000 large mammals, including wildebeest, zebra, lions, eland, and buffalo.
  • Home to threatened species, it hosts the annual migration of wildebeest, zebras, gazelles, and other animals to the northern plains.

• Investors can invest in lodges, permanent tented camps, and special tourism concessions.
• Can invest in customized safari tours, including walking safaris and cultural experiences.
• Investors can invest in shuttle buses and private transfers to NCA from major hubs like Arusha.
• Investment in conservation programs and wildlife protection. Ngorongoro’s tourism earnings soar to record Sh176 billion in one year. China, for example, funded around €8.3 million in a geopark in the Ngorongoro Conservation Area.
• Partnering with local communities to offer cultural tours, handicraft sales, and authentic experiences.

Zanzibar is an excellent example of the Swahili coastal trading towns of East Africa, showcasing a rich blend of culture and commerce.

• • Has beautiful white-sand beaches and crystal-clear waters.
  • Popular for water sports. Around 68,813 foreign visitors visited in January 2023.
  • UNESCO-listed Stone Town with African, Arab, and European culture and historic architecture.
  • A popular place for visitors to explore spices like cloves and cinnamon.
  • Home to diverse marine life and Jozani Forest’s endangered red colobus monkeys.

• Investors can invest in accommodations. With increasing tourist arrivals, there’s demand for high-end resorts and eco-friendly lodges.
• Can invest in guided tours, museums, and cultural centers that present Zanzibar’s rich history.
• Investment in spice plantations offers opportunities in agribusiness, including spice exports and agritourism.
• Can invest in diving, snorkeling, and eco-tourism ventures around the island’s coral reefs and marine reserves.
• Investment in transport, airports, and public services to support tourism growth.

The third largest national park in the county. 

• • Has around 4,000 elephants, 1,000 buffalo, hippos, giraffes, zebra, impala, reedbuck, lions, and spotted hyenas.
  • Covers 1974km2. In 2023, 5040 tourists visited the park.
  • Home to 373 recorded species of birds.
  • The tamarind tree near Lake Katavi, believed to be home to the spirit of the legendary hunter Katabi is a popular tourist spot.

• Investors can invest in permanent tented camps and eco-friendly lodges. The park offers special tourism concessions. It allows investors exclusive use of certain areas under special arrangements. Available investment sites include Wamweru, Lukima, Chorangwa, and Katsunga.
• Investment in guided safaris, walking tours, private game drives, camping, and picnics. Can offer exclusive packages for diving, water skiing, sport fishing, boating, etc.
• Management and protection of wildlife preserving the rich biodiversity.
• Improved transportation, including air charter services and transport services.
• Investment in producing and supplying food for hotel catering.

Tanzania’s tourism sector offers great potential for both local and international investors. The recent growth in tourism revenue, along with government support, makes now the ideal time to invest. With proper management, the top five tourist destinations—Serengeti National Park, Mount Kilimanjaro, Ngorongoro Crater, Zanzibar, and the Katavi National Park—could transform into successful business opportunities.

The government of Tanzania encourages investment with supportive policies and promotes sustainable tourism in eco-friendly projects. Business in tourism-related sectors such as hospitality, real estate, and conservation can be highly beneficial. By investing in this industry, investors can also support the preservation of its natural beauty. With ongoing improvements in infrastructure, investment opportunities will increase. So, whether you are planning a trip or considering an investment, Tanzania is a country worth exploring.