Robanda residents have long been advocates of community-based conservation, recognising that protecting wildlife is essential not only for the Serengeti’s survival but also for their own livelihoods.
Serengeti. Residents of Robanda village in Serengeti rolled out a colourful welcome for Mapito Safari Camp this week, turning the occasion into a vibrant festival of song, dance, and traditional performances that underscored the community’s embrace of tourism partnerships.
Perched at the edge of Serengeti National Park, Robanda has long been a gateway for visitors heading into one of the world’s most iconic wildlife destinations. By welcoming Mapito Safari Camp, villagers are not only strengthening ties with the tourism sector but also reaffirming their role in conservation.
“This is more than just a celebration—it is a historic moment. It is our way of saying that Robanda stands ready to work hand in hand with Mapito Safari. We are partners,” said village chairman Yohanna Mzalendo Mago.
“Tourism is part of our future, and by welcoming partners like this, we ensure that our community also benefits. Already they have done so much for our people.”
Mr Mago noted that the village is already reaping benefits from Delaware Investments, the parent company of Mapito Safaris.
“We now have a doctor who has been brought here to serve our people, local women's group supplied a lot of the items in the camp,” he said, adding that the village still faced challenges with water storage. “We have water, but the reservoir was constructed in 1978 to serve just 300 people. Today, our population has grown to over 3,000 and we are very happy that Delaware Investments has already agreed to support the village with these issues.”
The welcome celebration featured drumming, Maasai and Ikoma dances, and a community feast—all staged in honour of the camp’s presence in the area.
The Ikoma dance was part of the celebrations to welcome a delagation from Mapito Safari Camp to Robanda village
For Mapito Safari, which is set to open nearby, the reception was seen as a powerful gesture of goodwill that forms the backbone of eco-tourism in Tanzania.
“We feel truly honoured to be welcomed by Robanda residents in this way,” said Mapito Safari director Rishen Patel.
“This partnership will allow us to grow together—protecting wildlife while also creating opportunities for the people living closest to it. We are proud to implement a robust training program which has allowed us to be in a position where the lodge manager and all head of departments are Tanzanians”
Robanda residents have long been advocates of community-based conservation, recognising that protecting wildlife is essential not only for the Serengeti’s survival but also for their own livelihoods.
Also present at the ceremony was US Embassy Chargé d’Affaires Andrew Lentz, who described the moment as exciting for both communities and investors.
“Through their support and care for local communities, Delaware Investments owner of Mapito Safari Camp is exemplifying what makes American companies and investors the best in the world,” he said.
“I am excited when great American companies enter the Tanzanian market and showcase how they can be true partners in Tanzania’s future.”
For villagers, the occasion was as much about pride as partnership. “We want visitors to know that Robanda is not just a neighbour to the Serengeti—we are guardians of this land,” said a youth leader. “By joining hands with Mapito Safari, we are showing that tourism and community can grow together.”
As the Serengeti continues to attract thousands of visitors every year, Robanda’s warm embrace of Mapito Safari highlights a model where conservation and community development walk side by side.
