By The Arusha News Reporter
The Tanzania Association of Tour Operators (TATO) has welcomed the decision by the government to restrict tour guiding in parks and other attractions to Tanzania nationals only with those breaching the law liable for termination of business licences, revocation of residence permits, fines and imprisonment or both.
The policy, though in existence for a long time, has now been reinforced through Government Notice No. 487A, issued on July 28, 2025 under the Business Licensing Act (CAP. 101), which prohibits foreign nationals from working as safari tour guides. TATO says the move will protect Tanzanian livelihoods, bolster professional standards and project the authenticity of a safari experience.
“This directive is constructive and long-overdue clarification that reinforces Tanzania citizens’ rightful place in the core guiding profession,” said TATO Chairman, Wilbard Chambulo, as he added: “Tour guides are the lifeblood of a safari – their cultural insight, ecological knowledge and hospitality have long made Tanzania one of the world’s most iconic destinations.”
A 2023 report by the Confederation of Tanzania Industries (CTI) highlighted a growing trend by foreigners encroaching on sectors like tourism and petty businesses, often undermining locals. The government responded by forming a committee that recommended limiting such business categories – including tour guiding – to Tanzania citizens only.
Under the new order, only Tanzania citizens may be licensed as safari tour guides. Foreigners engaging in tour guiding – or Tanzanians facilitating them will face steep penalties. Foreign nationals – particularly from neighbouring countries – were increasingly involved as local tour guides, especially in urban and peri-urban areas.
Mr Chambulo noted that the directive reinforces existing legal frameworks – namely, the Tourism Act, 2008 and the Tourism (Tour Guides) Regulations of 2015 – which already mandated that guides must be Tanzanians licensed by the Ministry of Natural Resources and Tourism (MNRT). “By enforcing these provisions, the government is safeguarding local employment and the integrity of our tourism sector,” he said.
TATO Executive Director, Mr Elirehema Maturo, clarified a frequently misunderstood distinction: “Tour guides are Tanzania citizens, trained and licensed by MNRT, who lead safaris, offer explanations about wildlife and plants and ensure the safety of visitors. Foreign tour leaders accompany tourists across borders to manage logistics and other coordination, but they are not allowed to act as tour guides within Tanzania.”
He stressed that foreign tour leaders should be viewed as “partners who promote Tanzania abroad, but not as replacement for local tour guides.” With a membership exceeding 400 licensed operators, TATO reaffirmed its commitment to enhancing professionalism. Last April, the association trained over 1,000 safari driver-guides on ethics, guest safety and environmental protection.
“This is an opportunity to invest further in our own people, ensuring the safari experience remains rooted in Tanzanian knowledge and identity,” Mr Maturo emphasised. “Guides are the heartbeat of our safari tradition,” he said, adding: “Safeguarding their role is both a matter of national pride and a guarantee of a richer, more authentic visitor experience.”
The Chairman of the Tanzania Tour Guides Association (TTGA), Lembris Loipuko, welcomed the move too, but called on the government to improve the quality of roads in national parks to make their work pleasurable, safe and treasured memories that visitors can remember when they go back home. He said there was urgent need to pave (tabaka gumu) the road from Loduare Gate at the entrance to the Ngorongoro Crater to Golini Gate in Serengeti.
Tourism, he said, has picked up tremendously following the Royal Tour Film President Samia Suluhu Hassan promoted as Tour Guide Number One. “Yes. We recognise President Samia as Tour Guide Number One for her starring roles in the Royal Tour Film and the Amazing Tanzania documentary.”
“Tourist vehicles are just too many in Serengeti, something that calls for urgent improvement to the road transport infrastructure. He suggested all roads in Serengeti be at least Otta sealed to reduce the wear and tear of vehicles and to generally make safaris a comfortable experience. Tourism remains a cornerstone of Tanzania’s economy, employing more than 1.5 million people and contributing 17 per cent of GDP in 2024. That year too, the sector generated over dollars 3.26 billion in revenue, with nearly two million tourist arrivals.”
