"Rungwe’s Tourism Growth: A Focus on Research"

Rungwe's Tourist Boom Driven by Research Opportunities

Mbeya, February 19, 2025

By Hawa Mathias

The scenic landscapes of Rungwe in the Mbeya region have long captivated nature enthusiasts, but a recent surge in eco-tourism is now drawing attention for an unexpected reason: plant and wildlife research.

The Rungwe District Council has reported a significant rise in the number of tourists visiting the Rungwe Mountain Reserve and Kisiba Lake for scientific research, particularly in the fields of botany and zoology. The influx has risen dramatically from an average of 1,000 visitors per year to over 4,000 between 2020 and 2024.

This surge in tourism is largely attributed to the popularity of the Royal Tour, a promotional campaign championed by President Samia Suluhu Hassan, which spotlighted Tanzania's tourist offerings.

"Rungwe offers a wealth of tourist attractions, including God's Bridge, Ngozi Lake, and waterfalls," explained Numwagile Bughali, the Tourism Officer for the district. "However, most visitors flock to these spots primarily for research purposes in plant and animal studies."

Despite the increase in visitors, challenges remain, particularly concerning the region's infrastructure. Poor road conditions are making it difficult for some vehicles to reach these remote destinations, while the lack of essential services like rest stops, food, drinks, and medical facilities is proving to be a barrier to further growth.

"There are areas that are difficult to access with low-clearance vehicles, and the absence of crucial amenities hampers the overall experience for tourists," Bughali added.

In response to these challenges, the district council is working on strategies to attract investments in restaurants and accommodations to cater to the growing demand from both local and international visitors.

Bahati Longopa, a tourism stakeholder from Mbeya, has called on the government to prioritize the development of rest areas and hospitality services. Longopa suggested that improving these facilities would not only enhance the tourist experience but also help boost local revenue.

"Mlima Rungwe, standing at 2,981 meters, is the second highest peak in Tanzania," Longopa noted. "While there are alternative routes to the summit, there is no designated rest stop for tourists. A thorough assessment of the area's infrastructure is needed to boost visitor numbers and create a more welcoming environment for researchers."

Longopa further advised the district government to allocate a budget for road improvements and promote investment opportunities to attract both local and foreign investors in the tourism sector.