18-hole golf course planned in the Serengeti

Safaris in the Serengeti, relaxing in Zanzibar: Tanzania’s tourism formula is well known. But that formula is set to expand soon. Tanzania wants to show the world that the country has more to offer than just wilderness. Hassan Abbasi, State Secretary at the Ministry of Natural Resources and Tourism, told «Euronews»: «‘Tanzania is regarded as the home of wildlife, but we want to show the world that we are much more than that. We want to usher in a new phase in the tourism sector.’

A key component of this strategy is the opening of an international golf course later this month in the Fort Ikoma region – a transitional area between the Serengeti District and the national park. The 18-hole golf course covers 182 hectares and is situated right within the habitat of herbivores and predators. Whilst playing, golfers can spot animals such as giraffes, zebras and cheetahs at nearby waterholes.

Abbasi expressly invites the world to visit and invest, highlighting opportunities in the hotel industry, resorts, leisure activities and general tourism infrastructure.

The tourism sector is one of Tanzania’s key economic drivers, contributing around 17 per cent to GDP. In 2025, 2.3 million international tourists visited the country; by 2030, this figure is expected to rise to around 8 million visitors.

Infrastructure, lesser-known destinations and major sporting events

To achieve these targets, Tanzania is focusing on several key areas. Firstly, this involves increasing flight frequencies and expanding connections to Dar es Salaam, Zanzibar and the Kilimanjaro region. Furthermore, less well-known destinations are to be promoted: for example, Mafia Island, famous for diving with whale sharks; the historic site of Kilwa Kisiwani on the Swahili Coast; and Olduvai Gorge, a key region for research into human origins.

Tanzania will also be co-hosting the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) alongside Kenya and Uganda. The football tournament is intended to serve as a showcase for this new direction. Fans will be encouraged to extend their stay – whether for golf, beach holidays on the Indian Ocean or safaris.

Hassan Abbasi emphasises the importance of the tournament: “The whole of Africa and large parts of the world will be looking to Tanzania.” The tournament is intended to serve as a platform to showcase Tanzania’s strengths far beyond the traditional safari industry.