Kagera set to become tourist destination

The Executive Chairman of the Tanzania Wildlife Management Authority (TAWA), Major Gen (rtd) Hamis Semfuko, said among steps taken include the introduction of new wild animals species such as wildebeest into the Burigi Game Reserve in Biharamulo District.

Similarly, plans are underway to upgrade Nkonje Camp along Lake Burigi, transforming it into a tourist destination. “Wild animals have almost perished in these areas due to poaching and illegal hunting,” he said.

It is from this backdrop that the government took swift measures to stop human activities in the areas including the removal of thousands of uncontrolled livestock in the forest and game reserves.

It was a great relief as herds of giraffes, zebras and antelopes greeted when visited Biharamulo, Burigi and Kimisi Game Reserves. Mr Semfuko revealed some investment opportunities in the tourist attractions including photographic tourism, canoeing, sport fishing, walking safaris and camping.

The Director of Wildlife Utilisation and Business Services, Mr Imani Nkuwi, said the Tanzania Wildlife Research Institute (TAWIRI) was researching on the type of wild animals to be introduced in the Burigi Game Reserve.

“TAWIRI was finalising research by introducing wildebeest at Ibanda/Rumanyika Game Reserve in Karagwe District,” he said. The next phase would be focused on Burigi Game Reserve.

Tourism industry has become the second largest foreign exchange earner in the country after minerals. Kagera Region is endowed with abundant investment attractions.

However, most of them have not been effectively tapped and developed due to lack of promotion and low investment in the sector.

SOURCE: DAILY NEWS

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