TANAPA sees its World-Class Golf Course in Serengeti as a big boost to tourism and jobs

ARUSHA: THE TANZANIA National Parks Authority (TANAPA) is set to launch a new international-standard golf course at Fort Ikoma on the outskirts of Serengeti National Park, in a major initiative aimed at expanding sports tourism, attracting investment, and creating employment opportunities while promoting sustainable conservation.

According to an official public notice from TANAPA Headquarters in Arusha, the golf course will be officially inaugurated on May 28, 2026, marking a new milestone in Tanzania’s efforts to diversify its tourism products beyond traditional wildlife safaris.

The project features a world-class 18-hole championship golf course designed to meet international standards, with a par 72 course.

Stretching 7.097km  (7,761.4 yards), the course is among the longest and most challenging globally, carefully designed to blend sporting excellence with the natural terrain

Developed on 450 acres, the facility is strategically located to allow visitors to experience golf while enjoying the spectacular scenery of the Serengeti ecosystem.

 TANAPA emphasized that the project has been designed under strict sustainable conservation principles to ensure that tourism development coexists with environmental protection.

The initiative is part of Tanzania’s broader strategy to position itself as a leading global destination for luxury and niche tourism, including sports-based tourism.

 Officials say the introduction of golf in the Serengeti is expected to attract internationally recognized golfers, investors, and high-value tourists who tend to stay longer and spend more, thereby increasing national tourism revenue

Beyond tourism earnings, the project is expected to create significant employment opportunities.

 Direct jobs will include positions in golf course operations, hospitality services, irrigation and maintenance, administration, security, and overall facility management.

Indirect benefits are also expected to extend to surrounding communities, including farmers supplying agricultural products, youth groups engaging in service provision, artisans producing crafts, and women’s groups participating in tourism-related business activities.

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TANAPA has stressed that communities living around Serengeti will be given priority in accessing these opportunities, based on skills and qualifications, as part of efforts to ensure that conservation benefits are shared equitably with local populations.

The project reflects Tanzania’s long-term vision to diversify tourism offerings, attract strategic investment, and strengthen the link between conservation and economic development while maintaining the global reputation of its national parks.

The statement was issued by Catherine Mbena, Assistant Conservation Commissioner for Corporate Communication at TANAPA.