Canopy bridge in Udzungwa National Park to attract more visitors

MOROGORO: UDZUNGWA National Park is set to experience a significant rise in tourist arrivals, following the anticipated completion of its one – kilometre canopy bridge next year.

The bridge is being constructed as part of the Resilient Natural Resources Management for Tourism and Growth (REGROW) project, which aims to promote sustainable tourism while supporting environment conservation efforts.

According to Ms Concepta Siima, the Principal Conservation Officer at Udzungwa National Park, the canopy bridge will offer visitors a rare chance to explore the park’s rich biodiversity from an elevated viewpoint above the forest canopy.

“Once the canopy bridge is completed, we expect a substantial increase in tourist visits to the park… we hope that Udzungwa Mountains will become more widely recognised as a unique tourist destination,” Ms Siima said in an interview with Sunday News.

She emphasised that the bridge would attract a variety of visitors, including eco-tourists, nature lovers and adventure enthusiasts seeking an immense experience in Tanzania’s original rainforests.

Ms Siima further explained that the bridge would not only serve as a significant tourist attraction but also play a crucial role in the ongoing conservation efforts at the park.

The efforts are focused on protecting rare species such as the endemic Udzungwa red colobus monkey and the Sanje crested mangabey.

“With the unique attractions we have, once the bridge is completed, Udzungwa will continue to be recognised for its exceptional offerings,” Ms Siima added.

The REGROW project, which funds construction of the canopy bridge, is also dedicated to restoring degraded landscapes and fostering eco-friendly tourism.

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The project’s broader objective is to protect the Udzungwa ecosystem, one of Tanzania’s most biodiverse regions.

On his part, Social Safeguard Officer at Udzungwa, Mr John Shirima expressed optimism that the completion of the canopy bridge would place the park on the global tourism map.

“Once completed, it will be the longest canopy bridge in Africa, stretching one kilometre in length, surpassing the 401-metre-long bridge in Lekki, Nigeria.” He explained.

Mr Shirima also highlighted the significant contributions of the REGROW project, noting that it has been instrumental in enhancing local communities’ engagement with tourism.

“The REGROW project has been a huge aid to the park, especially in funding tourism and education programmes for young people living near the park.

Many of them have found employment within the park, and others have secured jobs in different sectors,” he explained.

Mr Shirima also pointed out that the new canopy bridge is expected to generate substantial revenue, which will be reinvested into local businesses.

A local tour guide Japhet Joseph, believes that the completion of the canopy bridge marks a major step forward in promoting sustainable tourism in Tanzania.

“The bridge reflects the government’s commitment to balancing environment conservation with the socio-economic development of surrounding communities,” he said.

As construction of the bridge nears completion, expectations are high that Udzungwa National Park will experience a dramatic transformation, solidifying its position as a key eco-tourism destination.

With the support of the REGROW project, the park is poised to benefit both environmentally and economically, setting a solid example of how innovative conservation projects can foster sustainable growth in Tanzania’s tourism sector.