‘Diplomatic Safari and tour’ makes history

FOR the first time in the history of Tanzanian diplomacy, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and East African Cooperation has officially launched Diplomatic Safari and Tour — a unique initiative aimed at strengthening public diplomacy and promoting Tanzania’s tourism to the international community through diplomats accredited to the country.

From April 11 to 15, 2025, approximately 25 diplomats from various countries and international organizations participated in this special tour, accompanied by the counterparts from the Ministry, visiting key tourist attractions including Serengeti National Park, the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, and the stunning beaches of Zanzibar.

The tour was organized by the Ministry in collaboration with private sector stakeholders including NMB Bank together with TANTOUR Booking Initiative, locally owned aiming at facilitating tourists’ bookings and showcase touristic services from local operators to promote tourism. Other public sectors stakeholders include Tanzania Tourist Board (TTB), the Zanzibar Commission for Tourism, and their respective Ministries.

This partnership reflects the vision of Tanzania’s Foreign Policy, which prioritizes Economic Diplomacy aimed at increasing the number of international tourists and boosting national revenue through the tourism sector.

The coordinator of the tour, who also serves as Director of Communication and Public Diplomacy at the Ministry Ambassador Mindi Kasiga stated, “this tour is not only an opportunity to showcase our natural and cultural heritage, but also a strategic avenue to elevate Tanzania’s global image. It supports our Economic Diplomacy agenda by attracting investment through the tourism sector, increasing tourist arrivals, and broadening the tourism base by targeting the diplomatic community.”

The 25 diplomats are expected to become voluntary ambassadors for Tanzania, promoting the country in their respective nations by sharing their personal experiences.

This effort is anticipated to increase tourist arrivals and attract more investors.

The head of delegation who is also the Deputy Permanent Secretary of the Ministry Ambassador Said Mussa, confirms that the Diplomatic Safari and Tour is envisaged to become an annual event, serving as a platform to enhance collaboration between government and the private sector in promoting trade, investment and tourism, while placing Tanzania on the global map as a premier destination in Africa and beyond.

Through this innovative initiative, Tanzania has reaffirmed its commitment to welcoming the world — with diplomats as its frontline ambassadors in not only promoting the country’s rich and diverse attractions, but also its investment and business opportunities.

Tanzania is opening up! taking its Economic Diplomacy a notch up, elevating its potentials.

Over 25 diplomats from various countries and international organizations who alongside diplomats from the Foreign Ministry took part in the Diplomatic Safari and Tour 2025 expressed their admiration for Tanzania’s breathtaking touristic attractions and commended the efforts of the President of the United Republic of Tanzania, H.E.

Dr. Samia Suluhu Hassan, for promoting the country’s tourism through public diplomacy. Before embarking on a thrilling Hot Air Balloon experience, the diplomats were accommodated at the luxurious Serengeti Explorer Lodge — one of the marvels of high-end accommodation within the Serengeti National Park.

Harmoniously built to blend with its natural surroundings, the lodge provided the diplomats with tranquility and unmatched comfort in the heart of the wilderness.

Sunset views over the endless plains, the sounds of nocturnal wildlife, and the world-class service from experienced staff made it an unforgettable part of the tour.

At dawn, still thrilled by their Serengeti stay, the diplomats took off in hot air balloons provided by Miracle Experience Tanzania, drifting over the vast plains of Serengeti.

From above, they viewed wildlife, vegetation, and bird species, while receiving captivating stories from the balloon pilots. Burundi’s Ambassador to Tanzania, H.E.

Léontine Nzeyimana, shared her awe after the balloon safari, saying she had never imagined such a unique experience. “I commend the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and East African Cooperation for organizing this tour. I have seen Tanzania’s beauty firsthand — words alone cannot describe it,” she said.

The diplomats were also amazed and thrilled to witness a section of the world-famous Great Migration, as more than 1.5 million wildebeest moved in herds alongside zebras — a phenomenon many had only heard about in media reports.

Serengeti National Park continues to stand out globally, having won the Africa’s Leading National Park award by the World Travel Awards for six consecutive years — 2019 through 2024 — outperforming famous parks like Central Kalahari (Botswana), Etosha (Namibia), Kidepo Valley (Uganda), Kruger (South Africa), and Masai Mara (Kenya).

Serengeti is once again a nominee in the 2025 awards. After their Serengeti experience, the diplomatic convoy continued by road to the Ngorongoro Conservation Area. Along the journey, they enjoyed scenic views and freely roaming wildlife, all while observing strict conservation rules that prohibit off-road driving.

Upon arrival in Ngorongoro, they were impressed by the site’s conservation management, which has successfully preserved rich biodiversity, including the “Big Five.”

Ngorongoro is among the few places in the world where a volcanic caldera teems with wildlife, and it is recognized by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site for its natural beauty and vital role in environmental conservation.

Saudi Arabia’s Ambassador to Tanzania, H.E. Yahya Okeish, was deeply moved by the landscapes of the Ngorongoro Crater, stating: “Tanzania is truly a country of unique wonders. I will return soon with friends, relatives, and my family so they can also witness this country’s beauty.”

Zanzibar was the final stop on the diplomats’ itinerary. Welcomed at the airport with cheers and cultural displays led by Hon. Mudrik Soraga, Minister of Tourism and Heritage, the tour began in Stone Town — a UNESCO World Heritage Site rich with centuries of history.

There, they visited historical landmarks, including museums chronicling the era of Sultan rule and the tombs of former sultans, and learned about Zanzibar’s role in East African history.

The group also visited the Tanzanite Museum, where they watched a short film detailing the history and discovery of the rare gemstone — found only in Tanzania and said to be 1,000 times rarer than diamonds.

The exhibit included a tunnel replicating the mining environment, demonstrating the gem’s extraction and market journey.

Diplomats then visited the museum’s exclusive Tanzanite store, where many made purchases of Tanzanite-adorned items.

To complete their island experience, the diplomats enjoyed a marine excursion aboard a semi-submarine, which took them near Bawe Island to view the Classic Coral Reef and witness the magical underwater life of the Indian Ocean.

Diplomats were able to spot coral reef species and fishes including Nemo and Dory main characters of the famous Hollywood Movie Finding Nemo.

Before concluding their Stone Town visit, they were treated to an energetic waterjumping performance by the Makachu Divers at Forodhani Gardens — a vibrant reflection of Zanzibar’s hospitality.

The four-day tour concluded in Kizimkazi, the birthplace of President Dr. Samia, before the diplomats returned to Dar es Salaam — some by plane and others via the modern Azam VIII ferry. Somalia’s Ambassador to Tanzania, H.E. Ilyas Ali Hassan, speaking on behalf of his fellow diplomats who travelled by ferry, offered heartfelt thanks: “Tanzania’s tourism is the pride of Africa The warmth of its people and the quality of service have left a lasting impression on us. Truly, this was a historic and unforgettable visit.”

Diplomatic Safari and Tour is an initiative by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, implemented in partnership with private sector stakeholders such as NMB Bank, TANTOUR Platform, the Tanzania Tourist Board (TTB), and the Zanzibar Commission for Tourism.

The goal is to leverage economic diplomacy to boost international tourism and position Tanzania as the number one travel destination in the world.

Through this tour, the participating diplomats have become voluntary ambassadors for Tanzania, promoting the country abroad through diplomatic platforms, social media, media outlets, and their influence — ultimately helping to attract more tourists and strengthen international relations through tourism.

The Government of the United Republic of Tanzania has successfully concluded the Diplomatic Safari and Tour 2025, an ambitious initiative that brought together ambassadors and heads of international organizations based in Tanzania to experience firsthand the country’s unique tourism offerings — a major stride in using diplomacy as a bridge for economic development.

The tour was officially launched on April 11, 2025, by the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Energy, Hon. Doto Mashaka Biteko (MP), at Julius Nyerere International Airport (JNIA) in Dar es Salaam, just moments before approximately 25 foreign diplomats alongside their Tanzanian counterparts boarded a flight to Seronera Airstrip in the heart of the worldrenowned Serengeti National Park.

In his remarks, Hon. Biteko emphasized that the tour is part of Tanzania’s evolving Foreign Policy, which embraces Economic Diplomacy as a key pillar — aiming to promote investment, tourism, and trade through strategic international engagement.

He credited the visionary leadership of Her Excellency Dr. Samia Suluhu Hassan, President of the United Republic of Tanzania, for the country’s enhanced visibility on the global tourism map.

He cited high-impact initiatives such as The Royal Tour and Amazing Tanzania documentaries as transformative efforts that have sparked a surge in tourist interest.

Between 2023 and 2024, Tanzania recorded an increase in tourist arrivals from 1.8 million to 2.1 million, and a jump in tourism revenue from USD 3.4 billion to USD 3.9 billion, underlining the effectiveness of this approach.