The Tanzanian government has committed to upgrading the 38km road linking Rukoma village and Mahale Mountains National Park in Uvinza District with officials emphasising the move as essential to improving access and increasing domestic tourism.
Kigoma Regional Commissioner Simon Sirro said the roads poor condition remains a major barrier to tourism growth with travellers taking five to six hours to reach the park from Kigoma. He said infrastructure improvement is key to raising visitor numbers and directed Uvinza District Council to prioritise upgrades for the benefit of tourists and residents living along the route.
Mahale Chief Park Warden, Assistant Park Commissioner Halid Mngofi , said visitor numbers have risen from 210 in 2020/2021 to 923 in 2023/2024 but road conditions, particularly during the rainy season, continue to force tourists to rely on air access. He also cited encroachment, poaching and human-wildlife conflict as ongoing challenges.