Ngorongoro develops new attraction ahead of AFCON

TANZANIA: THE government is developing a new tourism attraction at the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, featuring a 14-kilometre walking trail and a waterfall about 150 metres high, as part of efforts to diversify tourism products and attract more visitors during next year’s Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) finals.

Natural Resources and Tourism Minister, Ashatu Kijaji, said the project, supported by 10.2bn/- provided by the government, was expected to be completed in time to welcome visitors travelling to the country for the continental football tournament.

She said the government was working to ensure that every conservation area introduced at least one new tourism attraction annually, adding that the Endoro Gate project would provide visitors with another experience beyond the area’s established attractions.

“We are racing to complete these projects and from the progress I can see, they will be completed within the planned timeframe,” she said.

Kijaji said the ministry, working with the Tanzania Tourist Board (TTB), planned to market the new attraction internationally, particularly in countries whose national teams would participate in the tournament, in a bid to encourage visitors to explore the country’s tourism offerings while attending the matches.

The Conservation Commissioner for the Ngorongoro Conservation Area Authority (NCAA) said the attraction was part of the ministry’s strategy to broaden Tanzania’s tourism products and encourage visitors to spend more time at destinations.

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He said the trail would allow tourists to walk approximately 14 kilometres through distinctive scenery before reaching a waterfall about 150 metres high.

The experience would also expose visitors to mineral-rich waters, diverse bird species and the area’s natural landscape, while offering opportunities for walking and outdoor recreation.

The development comes as Tanzania prepares to host AFCON, presenting an opportunity for the tourism sector to promote destinations beyond the country’s established wildlife attractions and encourage visitors to extend their stays.