Tanzania Reassures Tourists: Serengeti and Kilimanjaro Remain Accessible Despite Election Unrest, Here’s All You Need to Know

Published on November 14, 2025

The National Parks Authority (TANAPA) has issued a statement about Tanzania’s tourism industry concerning 21 national parks that Tanzania’s October 29 elections have unrest, particularly violence, affecting national parks tourism business. Despite the violence within major metropolitan cities, Tanzania’s wildlife and conservation tourism business remains as does the country’s tourism infrastructure allowing access to some of the most loved sites in the world without disruption.

Tourism Remains Safe and Uninterrupted in Tanzania’s National Parks

On Thursday, Mussa Nasoro Kuji, the Conservation Commissioner of TANAPA, reassured the public and international tourists that Tanzania’s national parks and conservation areas are fully operational. In a statement issued by the agency, he emphasized that there have been no incidents targeting tourists before, during, or after the election period.

“All our national parks, lodges, and conservation areas remain fully operational, safe, and accessible,” Kuji said, reinforcing the continued safety of travelers across the country. Despite the unrest in some urban centers, no major disruptions have occurred in Tanzania’s key tourist destinations, including the Serengeti National Park, Mount Kilimanjaro, and the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, all of which are vital to the country’s tourism industry.

Kuji further stated that TANAPA has been working closely with national authorities to ensure the safety and smooth operation of tourism activities, highlighting that Tanzania’s commitment to preserving both its natural heritage and its growing tourism industry remains unwavering.

Tanzania’s Strong Commitment to Tourism and Hospitality

Tanzania’s National Parks Authority is well aware of the significant role tourism plays in the country’s economy. As one of the largest sectors contributing to the nation’s foreign exchange earnings, tourism is essential to Tanzania’s economic development, supporting millions of jobs and generating substantial revenue.

“Tanzanians deeply value the contribution of tourism to our economy and our shared heritage,” Kuji remarked, reinforcing the country’s desire to maintain a strong, hospitable environment for global travelers. With the global tourism community in mind, he assured international visitors that Tanzania remains one of the safest and most welcoming destinations in Africa. This sentiment was echoed in the agency’s statement, which thanked international partners, tour operators, and travelers for their continued confidence in the country, even in light of the recent political unrest.

Continued Growth in Tanzania’s Tourism Sector

Tanzania’s tourism sector has been on a steady rise, and 2024 proved to be a particularly strong year. According to the Ministry of Natural Resources and Tourism, international tourist arrivals increased by 12.4%, reaching 1.75 million visitors. Tourism earnings also hit an impressive USD 3.26 billion, a reflection of the sector’s importance to Tanzania’s broader economic goals. The tourism industry now contributes approximately 17.2% to Tanzania’s GDP, a significant increase from 16.4% in 2023, and has created over 1.5 million jobs.

In particular, Serengeti National Park remains the country’s top tourist attraction, with 589,300 visitors in 2024, marking an 11.2% increase. Mount Kilimanjaro, the tallest mountain in Africa, saw the fastest growth in tourist arrivals, rising by 13.4%. The success of Tanzania’s top attractions is driven in part by ongoing investments in infrastructure and global marketing, which have helped to solidify Tanzania as a leading destination for both African and international tourists.

Tanzania’s Global Appeal and Diverse Visitor Base

Tanzania continues to attract a diverse mix of international travelers, with European visitors making up nearly 40% of all arrivals. Other significant tourist markets include North America and Asia, underscoring the country’s wide-ranging appeal. The country’s natural beauty, diverse ecosystems, and iconic wildlife safaris remain key draws for tourists, offering once-in-a-lifetime experiences for those seeking adventure, culture, and tranquility in the heart of Africa.

The growth of Tanzania’s tourism industry has been driven by its world-class conservation areas and iconic wildlife experiences, such as safaris in the Serengeti, trekking up Mount Kilimanjaro, and exploring the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Ngorongoro Crater. The continuation of tourism in these areas during times of political unrest highlights the resilience of Tanzania’s tourism infrastructure and its importance as a global destination.

Impact of Election Unrest on Tanzania’s Tourism Sector

While post-election unrest disrupted transport and communication in certain urban areas, TANAPA assures that tourist operations within the protected areas remained unaffected. A temporary night-time curfew was imposed on the mainland, from 6 p.m. to 6 a.m., in response to clashes that occurred following the election. This led to temporary disruptions, including food shortages, flight cancellations, and disrupted ferry services between Dar es Salaam and Zanzibar. However, these disruptions were localized, with minimal impact on tourism activities in Tanzania’s national parks and conservation areas.

Between October 30 and November 3, several European Union member states issued travel advisories, urging citizens to avoid non-essential travel to Tanzania due to the unrest. Despite this, the tourism operations in Tanzania’s protected areas continued smoothly, with no incidents recorded at major tourist destinations.

A TANAPA spokesperson stated, “The parks remain calm, visitors are enjoying their safaris as usual, and wildlife continues to roam undisturbed.” This statement emphasizes the fact that Tanzania’s iconic natural landmarks, such as its vast national parks and wildlife reserves, remained largely unaffected by the political unrest, reassuring international travelers who may have been concerned about safety.

Tanzania’s Resilience and Ongoing Tourism Growth

Tanzania’s tourism industry continues to demonstrate resilience, especially in light of recent political tensions. While the unrest had a temporary impact on certain sectors, the country’s protected areas, including its famed national parks and conservation zones, remained unaffected, with visitors enjoying their safaris and experiencing the country’s natural wonders without interruption.

As Tanzania looks to the future, it is committed to strengthening its position as one of the most sought-after destinations for safaris and business tourism in Africa. The country’s efforts to invest in infrastructure, sustainability, and global marketing will be critical in maintaining the momentum of its tourism sector, especially as competition in regional tourism grows.

Tanzania’s tourism authorities are confident that by working closely with local and international partners, they will continue to foster an environment of safety, hospitality, and growth, ensuring that Tanzania remains a top destination for travelers seeking to explore its natural beauty and cultural richness.

Tanzania’s Tourism Industry Remains Strong Amidst Political Unrest

Notwithstanding the difficulties associated with the election disturbances, Tanzania’s tourism sector is still active. The unsecured attractions, including Serengeti National Park, Mount Kilimanjaro, and Ngorongoro Crater, continue to attract visitors from every corner of the globe. Investments in road networks and TANAPA’s guaranteed visitor safety enable Tanzania to remain a premium destination for those seeking unparalleled safari and adventure tourism in Africa.