FORT IKOMA: THE Serengeti National Park Golf Course is expected to be officially launched by the Minister for Natural Resources and Tourism, Dr Ashatu Kijaji, on Sunday, October 18, following the completion of its construction by Tanzania National Parks (TANAPA).
A total of 81 golfers from Tanzania, Kenya, Uganda, Rwanda and Malawi are expected to participate in a golf tournament that began today, and will conclude on Sunday alongside the official launch of the facility. The tournament aims to promote golf and market Serengeti as a destination that combines sports and nature-based tourism.
Speaking to media outlets at Fort Ikoma, in the outskirts of Serengeti National Park, TANAPA Conservation Commissioner Massana Mwishawa said the project was officially launched on December 29, 2022, by the TANAPA Board of Trustees, which was then chaired by retired General George Waitara, a former Chief of Defence Forces.
He said the investment reflects TANAPA’s commitment to developing innovative tourism products that complement wildlife experiences, encourage visitors to extend their stays and increase the economic value of Tanzania’s natural attractions.
“The project is specifically intended to enable visitors to Serengeti National Park to engage in additional tourism activities during their visits, giving them an opportunity to play golf while relaxing and enjoying sports tourism,” he said.
Mwishawa said the golf course is located at Fort Ikoma, on the outskirts of Serengeti National Park, and was developed to provide tourists visiting the area with additional recreational activities, including golf, during their leisure time.
He said construction of the facility had been completed 100 per cent, with the investment aimed at adding value to Tanzania’s tourism attractions and strengthening the country’s competitiveness in the international luxury tourism market.
He added that the golf course is expected to broaden the range of activities available to visitors, encourage longer stays in the area and increase revenue generated from tourism.
“The presence of this golf course is intended to increase the length of tourists’ stays in the park and neighbouring areas, a development expected to increase tourism revenue and stimulate national economic growth,” he said.
Mwishawa clarified that the golf course is located on the outskirts of Serengeti National Park. Its construction is intended to expand recreational services for tourists and attract golfers from different countries.
The golf course covers an area of 450 acres and has 18 holes with a total par of 72. It measures 7.097 kilometres, equivalent to 7,761.4 yards, and has been designed to challenge players through winding fairways, varying wind conditions and different obstacles.
The completed infrastructure includes playing and practice areas, a service building for players, roads, water and electricity systems, irrigation infrastructure and water storage reservoirs.
In addition, a total of 4,000 indigenous trees have been planted in the area to improve vegetation and enhance the surrounding landscape.
Mwishawa said the golf course forms part of TANAPA’s efforts to develop new tourism products, add value to attractions within the national parks and strengthen Tanzania’s position in international tourism markets.
He said the facility is expected to attract golfers and tourists seeking unique experiences while creating employment and business opportunities in transport, accommodation, food and other services for communities surrounding the park.
Serengeti National Park is internationally recognised for its rich wildlife, distinctive landscapes and the Great Migration, which involves approximately 1.5 million wildebeest alongside zebras and gazelles.
Meanwhile, Engineer Enock Magile, who supervised the construction of the golf course, said the facility has infrastructure that meets the requirements of the sport and standards recognised by international golf associations.
Magile said the course’s main distinguishing feature is its natural setting, which will give golfers an opportunity to play while enjoying views of wildlife and the Serengeti landscape.
He added that the facility is intended to enhance Serengeti’s appeal to visitors interested in sports tourism while allowing them to experience the park’s wildlife and unique natural environment.
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