TANAPA opens 160 new safari investment sites for private developers
TANAPA has unveiled 160 new locations—30 for safari lodges and 130 for camps—available for private investment. The announcement was made in November 2026 and targets investors and tour operators looking to develop Tanzania’s lesser‑known wildlife areas.
In this story
At a glance
- What changes
- TANAPA identified 160 new sites for private safari lodge and camp development
- Timing
- Announcement made in November 2026 with sites open for investment now
- Who is affected
- Private investors, tour operators and communities near the new sites
The details
- Announced by
- TANAPA
- Previous rule
- Previously, TANAPA had not publicly listed specific new areas for private safari development.
- New rule
- TANAPA now lists 160 locations—30 intended for lodges and 130 for camps—as investment opportunities, subject to environmental and regulatory checks.
Announcement and objectives
In a November 2026 statement, the Tanzania National Parks Authority (TANAPA) presented a plan to boost safari tourism by opening 160 new investment sites across the country. The move supports Tanzania’s Vision 2050 goal of diversifying the economy and creating jobs while spreading visitor numbers beyond the northern circuit.
Details of the 160 sites
The identified locations comprise 30 areas earmarked for safari lodges and 130 for camping facilities. Sites are spread across eastern, southern and western parks such as Nyerere, Ruaha and Mikumi, aiming to reduce pressure on the heavily visited northern parks.
- Lodge sites: 30 locations suitable for permanent accommodation
- Camp sites: 130 locations for tented or eco‑camp setups
- All sites require investors to pass environmental and regulatory checks
Conditions and next steps
Private firms must obtain approvals from TANAPA before any construction can begin. Environmental rules will be applied to protect wildlife habitats, and investors are expected to demonstrate sustainable practices. TANAPA also highlighted the need for improved access roads and airstrips to make the new sites viable for tourists.
- Submit development proposals to TANAPA for environmental assessment
- Secure necessary permits before building
- Coordinate with local authorities on infrastructure improvements
What this means for travellers
Trip planning
- Travelers with existing safari bookings may see new lodge and camp options become available in eastern, southern and western parks.
- Tour operators can begin designing packages that include the newly identified sites once investor approvals are granted.
Cost and documents
- No new entry fees or visa changes are introduced by this announcement.
- Investors will need to provide environmental impact assessments and obtain TANAPA permits.
What you need to do
- Private investors should prepare and submit development proposals to TANAPA promptly.
- Tour operators should monitor TANAPA’s approval process to incorporate new sites into future itineraries.
Who this affects
-
Private tourism investors
They can apply to develop lodges or camps on the 160 newly identified sites.
What to do Submit development proposals and obtain environmental approvals from TANAPA.
-
Tour operators
New accommodation options will expand itinerary possibilities beyond the northern circuit.
What to do Plan future packages that include the new sites once they are approved.
-
Local communities near new sites
Development projects may create jobs and require community engagement.
What to do Engage with investors and TANAPA to ensure benefits and mitigate impacts.
Frequently asked questions
What new safari sites has TANAPA announced?
TANAPA announced 160 new investment locations—30 for lodges and 130 for camps—spread across eastern, southern and western national parks.
When can investors start developing the new sites?
Investors can begin submitting proposals immediately after the November 2026 announcement, but construction must wait for TANAPA’s environmental and regulatory approvals.
Do the new sites affect visa or entry requirements for tourists?
No, the announcement does not change Tanzania’s visa or entry rules; it only introduces new investment opportunities for accommodation.
Which parks are included in the new investment plan?
The plan mentions parks such as Nyerere, Ruaha and Mikumi as potential locations for the newly identified lodge and camp sites.
What environmental checks are required for developers?
Developers must pass TANAPA’s environmental assessments, demonstrating that construction will not harm wildlife habitats and will comply with national conservation regulations.
