Tarangire gate set to boost tourism, ease access via Babati
The Mamire entrance gate to Tarangire National Park, whose construction is ongoing and expected to be completed in April this year. The new gate will provide an alternative access route for tourists entering the park through Babati District in Manyara Region.
Tarangire. Construction of the Mamire entrance gate to Tarangire National Park is expected to be completed in April this year, a move projected to make it easier for tourists to access the park through Babati District and stimulate tourism and economic opportunities for surrounding communities.
Members of the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Lands, Natural Resources and Tourism have commended the government for implementing the project, saying it will expand access routes to the park and improve visitor flow.
Speaking on Thursday, March 12, 2026, during a tour to inspect progress of the project, committee chairperson Timotheo Mnzava said opening the Mamire gate will enable tourists from different parts of the country to reach the park more conveniently.
He noted that tourists travelling from Dar es Salaam could use the Standard Gauge Railway to Dodoma, before continuing by road to Tarangire through Babati, instead of entering the park through Arusha as has been the case.
“We commend the government for the decision to establish this Mamire gate because it will enhance and increase tourism in Tarangire National Park by making access easier,” Mr Mnzava said.
Members of the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Lands, Natural Resources and Tourism, led by chairperson Timotheo Mnzava, receive a briefing on the progress of the Mamire entrance gate project at Tarangire National Park during an inspection tour on Thursday, March 12, 2026.
“We urge the government to ensure construction is completed by April as promised so that surrounding communities can begin benefiting from opportunities brought by increased tourist arrivals.”
Deputy Minister for Natural Resources and Tourism, Hamad Hassan Chande said the government is committed to ensuring the project is completed within the scheduled timeframe.
He said the new entrance will widen access to the park and create more opportunities for both tourists and nearby communities to benefit from tourism-related activities.
“We will ensure the project is completed on time and delivers significant benefits to residents of Babati and Tanzania at large,” he said.
Earlier, project manager Seleman Ntemi said the government, through the Tanzania National Parks Authority, allocated more than Sh3.921 billion for the project.
Construction began on March 10, 2023 and is expected to be completed on April 14, 2026. Mr Ntemi said the project has so far reached 98 percent completion.
The project includes construction of the main entrance building, visitors’ toilets, houses for officers and rangers, as well as parking facilities capable of accommodating 56 vehicles entering the park and 28 vehicles exiting at the same time.
Other components include drilling a borehole, installing electricity, office furniture and visitor resting areas.
Special seats MP for Arusha Region, Chiku Issa, urged residents of Babati to take advantage of the opportunities brought by the new gate by starting businesses such as selling traditional products and investing in tourist accommodation.
“This is a great opportunity for the people of Babati. When infrastructure like this is developed, it means the government is giving us a chance to increase our incomes. Women can bring their products here, and investors should also consider building accommodation facilities,” she said.
Mamire ward councillor Agustino Susia said residents expect to benefit through improved infrastructure, including roads, and increased tourist arrivals.
“This gate has brought great hope to the people of Mamire because it is expected to increase the number of tourists and boost the local economy,” he said.
