TAWA completes Airstrip project to boost Lake Natron Tourism

ARUSHA: TANZANIA Wildlife Management Authority (TAWA) has completed construction of the Engaresero Airstrip in Ngorongoro District, Arusha Region, a strategic investment expected to transform access to Lake Natron and enhance tourism growth in one of Tanzania’s most unique natural destinations.

TAWA Commanding Officer (CO), Prosper Kihunrwa disclosed it in Arusha today during the National Conference and Launch of the Lake Natron Conservation Campaign organised by Nature Tanzania, a non-governmental organisation (NGO) involved in biodiversity conservation.

Kihunrwa noted that the completion of the airstrip has addressed a major challenge that had limited the growth of tourism in the Lake Natron area by providing reliable aviation infrastructure closer to the attraction.

He said the facility was completed in June this year after construction started in May last year and has since been certified by the Tanzania Airports Authority (TAA) after meeting all required aviation safety standards.

“The airstrip is complete and ready for operations. Our major tourism stakeholders, including tour operators and companies bringing visitors to Tanzania, have already been informed that it is available for use,” he said.

Located in Engaresero Village, the airstrip has a 1.2-kilometre runway with a width of 23 metres, designed to accommodate aircraft serving tourists visiting Lake Natron and other destinations within the northern tourism circuit.

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“We are located in a wildlife-rich area where animals frequently move across the landscape. The fence is important to ensure the safety of both aircraft operations and passengers,” he said.

According to him, the facility is strategically located about five kilometres from the entrance of one of the major attractions in the Ngorongoro area, significantly reducing travel time for visitors who previously spent several hours travelling by road from Arusha.

He said the project was designed to improve accessibility to Lake Natron, especially for elderly tourists, visitors with limited travel time and international travellers seeking to explore Tanzania’s diverse tourism attractions.