Tanzania launches Sh8.1 billion Serengeti infrastructure upgrade to support tourism
A section of the road from Ndabaka Gate to Seronera, stretching 121.5 kilometres, is undergoing rehabilitation after being damaged by heavy rains earlier this year. The government has begun upgrading the infrastructure to ensure the road remains passable throughout the year and to improve tourism services in Serengeti National Park. PHOTO | COURTESY
Serengeti. The government, through the Ministry of Natural Resources and Tourism, has begun implementing infrastructure improvement projects worth more than Sh8.1 billion in the Serengeti National Park following damage caused by this year’s heavy long-rains season.
The improvements include the construction and rehabilitation of roads, bridges and crossings aimed at ensuring tourists and other park users continue to access transport services throughout the year.
Speaking to journalists in the park on Sunday, June 28, 2026, while the works were underway, Second Grade Conservator, Mr Musa Nzuki said heavy rains had damaged several sections of infrastructure, prompting the government to allocate funds for rehabilitation works.
He said work is currently progressing on the 121.5-kilometre road from Ndabaka Gate to Seronera, which is expected to be completed within six months.
“The long rains caused infrastructure damage in various parts of the park. This road project will cost Sh4.5 billion. Of that amount, Sh1.2 billion comes from the Sh8.1 billion allocated by the government, while Sh3.3 billion will come from other funding sources. The aim is to ensure the road remains accessible throughout the year,” he said.
Project supervisor Charles Mkara said construction work was progressing well, adding that the initial road formation stage covering 41.4 kilometres from Ndabaka Gate to Kirawira B had already been completed.
He said engineers are now raising road embankments in low-lying areas prone to flooding.
“We are raising road embankments by about 50 centimetres in areas that previously retained water during the rainy season. The goal is to ensure the road remains passable even during heavy rainfall, just as it is during the dry season,” he said.
According to him, embankment works cover approximately 18 kilometres and have reached 10 percent completion, while road formation for the section has been completed fully.
He added that bridges would also be constructed in flood-prone areas to allow water to flow without damaging road infrastructure and reduce seasonal disruptions.
Assistant Commissioner for Conservation and Tanzania National Parks Authority (Tanapa) and Head of Communications Catherine Mbena said the project forms part of broader government efforts to ensure investment in the tourism sector is matched by infrastructure development.
She said the government has continued investing in infrastructure to improve visitor experience and support tourism growth.
“We have invested significantly in promoting Tanzania’s tourist attractions globally. We are now ensuring infrastructure improvements keep pace with these efforts so that visitors arriving in the country find quality facilities in our parks,” she said.
She noted that the improvements would ease access to different parts of the park, including areas that witness the annual wildebeest migration, one of Serengeti’s major tourist attractions.
Meanwhile, Tanapa plans to construct six bridges in areas affected by the rains, with preliminary surveys already completed and experts now preparing designs ahead of tendering and construction works.
