TATO apologizes, withdraw flood alert on Serengeti, Welcome tourists

DAR ES SALAAM: THE Tanzania Association of Tour Operators (TATO) has rolled out a red carpet for prospective tourists, assuring them that the destination remains safe for travel.

TATO says that Tanzania has 21 stunning national parks, underscoring the country’s capacity to host millions of tourists at a time.

The welcome note from TATO comes only a few days after the association issued a statement warning tourists and tour guides to exercise caution when traveling to Serengeti National Park due to heavy rains that reportedly caused flooding.

TATO has now formally withdrawn the public notice it issued earlier this week about alleged flooding in Serengeti National Park and has issued a public apology to the government, tourism stakeholders, and international visitors.

In a statement released on Wednesday, TATO Chairman Wilbard George Chambulo acknowledged that the association had overstepped its mandate by issuing the notice on March 9, 2026, which warned of a reported flood situation in the iconic Tanzanian wildlife reserve.

“On behalf of TATO, I humbly and sincerely convey our apology to the Government of the United Republic of Tanzania, our valued international visitors, tourism partners, development partners, stakeholders, and the general public,” Chambulo said.

The association admitted that matters relating to national disaster situations, public safety alerts, and official public communications fall under the jurisdiction of the government, particularly the country’s disaster management authorities.

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TATO said it recognizes that such responsibilities lie with government institutions, including the National Disaster Management Committee, which coordinates national responses to emergencies and public safety concerns.

“We acknowledge that issuing such a public notice was beyond the mandate and capacity of the association,” Chambulo said. “We did not intend to cause tension, interfere, or assume responsibilities that fall under the government.”

The organization described the earlier notice as an “error in judgment” and confirmed that the statement has now been formally withdrawn.

Serengeti National Park is one of Africa’s most famous wildlife destinations and a cornerstone of Tanzania’s tourism industry.

The park attracts hundreds of thousands of international visitors each year, many drawn by the annual Great Migration of wildebeest and zebras across the vast savannah.

Tourism is one of Tanzania’s largest sources of foreign exchange and employment, making public communications about safety or environmental conditions in major destinations particularly sensitive.

Industry analysts say inaccurate or premature alerts can quickly spread across global travel networks and potentially influence travel decisions.

In its statement, TATO reaffirmed its respect for government institutions and pledged to ensure that future issues related to disaster alerts, public safety, or national advisories are handled by the appropriate authorities.

The association said it remains committed to working closely with the government to support the growth of Tanzania’s tourism sector in a responsible and coordinated manner.

“We reaffirm our respect for the Government and our continued commitment to supporting national tourism development,” Chambulo said.

TATO represents a large network of tour operators that market and organize travel experiences across Tanzania’s major wildlife destinations, including Serengeti National Park, Ngorongoro Conservation Area, and Mount Kilimanjaro.

The organization said it hopes the clarification will reassure visitors and partners while reinforcing the importance of coordinated communication within the tourism industry.