Eastern Hills Expedition

WELCOME TO TANZANIA THE LAND OF SERENGETI, MOUNTAIN KILIMANJARO & ZANZIBAR

The story of Ugalla River Game reserve: from poaching site to future tourism paradise

Ugalla River Game Reserve situated between Katavi and Tabora regions in western Tanzania. The reserve (5000km2) lies between 50-60 south and 310-320 east and the areas experiences a tropical climate defined by distinct wet season from December-may and dry season from June-November. The rainfall varies between 700mm-1000mm per year and mean maximum and minimum temperature between 28-300 C and 15-210 C respectively.

Once a poaching heaven

Illegal harvesting of wildlife resources is an important challenge facing protected areas in Africa. In Tanzania, as many part of the world, poaching is common and jeopardizes the hope for sustainable conservation. It is very interesting to investigate the dynamism of conservation in Africa, Tanzania particularly. Once ignored, Ugalla River Game Reserve nearly destroyed by poaching and poaching related impacts, the isolation of the reserve from other protected areas, pressure from surroundings-rapidly-increasing human population and the pressing need to protect elephants and wild dogs were among of the factors made wildlife poaching a matter of grave concerned.

Future tourism paradise destination

Deter and control of the poaching activities in Ugalla River Game Reserve, two approaches were necessary to combat poaching crimes, conservation-based livelihood improvement and law enforcement both changed the once neglected natural resources to future tourism paradise in western circuit apart from Katavi National Park.

Now due to deliberately efforts by national and local stakeholders Ugalla River Game Reserve sustainable tourism is possible; hunting tourism (trophy hunting) photographic tourism, walking tourism and sports fishing tourism is now shining in Ugalla and within the surrounding area and making it unforgettable experience in western circuit. The area can be accessed by roads in dry season as well as by small airplanes during rainy season through muhuba and siri airstrips

While you are in Ugalla enjoying a natural beauty expect to find various games in large numbers Lichtenstein’s hartebeest, leopard, lion, baboon, buffalo, bush pig, dik-dik, east African bush duiker, eland, hyena, impala, jackal, oribi, sitatunga, wild dogs and zebra among many.

Combination of both geographical and natural vegetation makes Ugalla a natural place you can plan for life experience and expedition. All this thanks to various stakeholders such as Tanzania wildlife authority (TAWA), Non-Government Organization (NGO’s), local community and local authority that made it possible.

Tourism Visitors Exist Survey report 2024

Tourism in Tanzania continues to demonstrate resilience and growth, cementing its position as one of the country’s most vital economic sectors. The recently released 2024 International Visitors Exit Survey Report, prepared by the Ministry of Natural Resources and Tourism (MNRT) in collaboration with the Bank of Tanzania (BoT) and the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS), provides a detailed snapshot of visitor trends, spending patterns, and sector performance.

The findings not only highlight Tanzania’s achievements in the tourism sector but also offer crucial insights for policymakers, investors, and industry stakeholders. This report is a strong validation of ongoing efforts to promote sustainable tourism, diversify visitor experiences, and improve the sector’s overall competitiveness.

Growth in Visitor Arrivals and Earnings

One of the most striking highlights from the 2024 international visitors exit survey is the significant increase in international tourist arrivals. Tanzania welcomed 2,200,466 visitors, representing a 17.5% increase compared to 2023. This robust growth reflects the country’s improved global visibility, stronger airline connectivity, and enhanced marketing efforts by both government and private sector stakeholders.

Equally impressive is the surge in tourism earnings, which reached USD 3.4 billion in 2024. This marked increase underscores tourism’s growing role as a key foreign exchange earner for Tanzania, outpacing traditional sectors and solidifying its place as a cornerstone of the national economy. For Tanzania, these figures not only represent raw numbers but also signal the sector’s recovery trajectory after the global disruptions of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Source Markets:

The international visitors exit survey identified the top five international markets contributing to visitor arrivals in 2024:

United States

France

United Kingdom

Germany

Italy

Together, these countries reflect the strength of Tanzania’s brand in North America and Europe, markets known for long-haul travelers who tend to spend more and stay longer.

However, the report also highlights the emergence of regional African markets and growing interest from Asia, signaling the potential for further diversification. This trend suggests that Tanzania must continue investing in tailored marketing strategies to tap into these expanding segments.

Why Tanzania

The report confirms that tourists choose Tanzania primarily for its world-renowned wildlife, pristine landscapes, and rich cultural heritage. Iconic destinations such as:

Serengeti National Park – famous for the Great Migration, a natural spectacle unmatched anywhere in the world.

Ngorongoro Conservation Area – home to the Ngorongoro Crater, a UNESCO World Heritage Site with a high density of wildlife.

Mount Kilimanjaro National Park – Africa’s highest peak and a magnet for adventure seekers.

Zanzibar Archipelago – celebrated for its beaches, spice plantations, and historical sites.

The international visitors exit survey also notes rising demand for the Southern Tourism Circuit, particularly Nyerere National Park (formerly Selous), Ruaha National Park, and the Udzungwa Mountains. These destinations appeal to travelers seeking quieter, less crowded experiences, aligning with global trends toward sustainable and off-the-beaten-path tourism.

Visitor Spending and Sta

Spending and length of stay remain key indicators of tourism’s economic impact.

Average spending per visitor: USD 1,590

Average length of stay: 11 nights

These figures highlight the value of Tanzania’s tourism product. Long-haul travelers, who make up the bulk of visitors, typically seek immersive experiences—safaris, cultural tours, beach holidays—that contribute more per capita to the economy.Tourism’s Contribution to the Economy

According to the international visitors exit survey, tourism continues to be one of Tanzania’s largest contributors to the economy, accounting for over 17% of GDP. In Zanzibar, the sector contributes nearly 30% of the island’s GDP, making it the single most important economic activity.

Tourism also plays a crucial role in employment, supporting over 1.5 million jobs directly and indirectly. This includes safari guides, drivers, hotel staff, artisans, and small-scale entrepreneurs whose livelihoods depend on a vibrant tourism industry.

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