By Business Insider Reporter
Tanzania’s tourism sector is poised for a significant boost following the launch of Contiki’s new East and Southern Africa safari itineraries, including an action-packed 6-day adventure dedicated to Tanzania’s iconic wildlife destinations.
Contiki, the globally renowned youth travel brand catering to travellers aged 18 to 35, announced three new African safari experiences covering Tanzania, Kenya, Eswatini, and South Africa.
With Tanzania’s popularity among young travellers already on the rise – recording an 11.1% year-over-year increase in bookings – the move is expected to cement the country’s place on the global adventure tourism map.
Tanzania in the spotlight
Among the three new trips, the Tanzania Adventure offers a 6-day journey into the country’s most treasured landscapes: the Serengeti, Ngorongoro Crater, and Lake Manyara.
Designed to balance game drives with cultural immersion, the itinerary includes treetop walks, night safaris, and village experiences – features that highlight Tanzania’s biodiversity and heritage.
“The inclusion of Tanzania in Contiki’s expansion plan demonstrates the country’s unique appeal to the youth market,” said a tourism economist at the University of Dodoma. “These are high-value, experience-driven travellers who share their journeys online and influence their peers. Tanzania stands to benefit not just from direct tourism revenue, but also long-term brand exposure.”
Market with untapped potential
The youth travel market is a growing segment globally, valued at over US$ 400 billion, with younger travelers seeking authentic, budget-friendly experiences over luxury getaways.
Contiki’s model – offering group tours with curated adventure, wildlife, and cultural elements – aligns perfectly with Tanzania’s strategy to diversify its tourism offerings beyond traditional safaris.
“This is the future of tourism,” said a travel consultant in Arusha. “We need to move beyond just targeting honeymooners and luxury tourists. Young travellers are looking for thrills, stories, and meaning – and Tanzania offers all that.”
Economic and social benefits
The launch is likely to boost employment opportunities in Tanzania’s tourism value chain, particularly for youth tour guides, community-run lodges, transport operators, and local artisans.
By involving travelers in cultural experiences, the Contiki tours also support inclusive tourism and economic empowerment in rural areas.
Tanzania’s Ministry of Natural Resources and Tourism has identified youth tourism and adventure travel as priority areas in its Tourism Master Plan 2023–2030, and partnerships with international brands like Contiki are seen as critical to unlocking this potential.
“We are encouraged by global operators bringing in new visitor demographics. This supports our vision of a resilient, diversified tourism sector that benefits all Tanzanians,” said a ministry spokesperson.
One of the standout features of the new Contiki tours is the use of custom safari vehicles that carry the entire group, offering elevated game viewing and affordability. According to Contiki’s Africa operations manager, Kyle Junkuhn, this format enhances the safari experience while keeping costs accessible.
“It brings the unique Contiki vibe to the plains of Africa and makes this experience more accessible for those looking to visit East Africa without breaking the bank,” Junkuhn said. This format could further increase group tourism arrivals, a trend that benefits logistics providers and mid-range lodges across Tanzania’s northern circuit.
