Driven by documentaries and bold government spending, Mikumi’s transformation is positioning it among East Africa’s most promising tourism frontiers
By Business Insider Reporter
Tanzania’s Mikumi National Park has become the latest success story in the country’s tourism revival, posting an impressive 25 percent surge in visitor numbers over the past year – a record growth driven by a combination of global media exposure and strategic government investments in infrastructure.
The park’s rise follows the international success of documentaries such as Tanzania: The Royal Tour and The Amazing Tanzania, which have brought its landscapes and wildlife to global screens.
The films, produced with cinematic precision and emotional storytelling, have sparked international curiosity and inspired thousands of travellers to experience Tanzania’s natural beauty firsthand.
Tourism rebound powered by storytelling
Mikumi’s resurgence is a prime example of how storytelling and infrastructure can transform tourism performance.
Between July and October 2025, the park welcomed over 38,000 international visitors and 24,500 domestic tourists, up from 27,000 and 24,000, respectively, in the same period last year — representing a 25% rise in total arrivals.
“This is not just about numbers; it’s about renewed global interest in Tanzania,” said a senior official from the Tanzania National Parks Authority (Tanapa). “Mikumi is finally receiving the recognition it deserves – as a park with vast beauty, diverse wildlife, and excellent accessibility.”
Once overshadowed by Serengeti and Ngorongoro, Mikumi is now making its mark as a key southern circuit destination, thanks to effective marketing, media exposure, and visible improvements in infrastructure.
The economic ripple effect
Tourism is one of Tanzania’s largest foreign exchange earners, contributing nearly 17 percent to GDP and employing more than 1.5 million people directly and indirectly.
The surge in arrivals at Mikumi signifies not only growing confidence in the sector but also tangible benefits for the surrounding communities in Morogoro Region.
Local economies are thriving as new lodges, campsites, craft markets, and food outlets cater to an increasing number of visitors. The rise in domestic tourism – boosted by affordable entry fees and improved road networks – has also opened new opportunities for youth employment and small business growth.
“Tourism has changed lives here,” said Fatma Mushi, a local tour operator. “We’ve seen more visitors in the past year than ever before. It means more business, more jobs, and renewed hope for our community.”
Mikumi’s growth is underpinned by targeted infrastructure investments through the Resilient Natural Resources for Tourism Growth (REGROW) project – a flagship initiative jointly funded by the Tanzanian government and development partners.
The project has modernised the Kikoboga Airstrip, expanded entry gates at Doma and Kikwaraza, and improved internal roads that now accommodate all types of vehicles. Visitors can now explore the park with ease, even in standard cars, making Mikumi one of the most accessible national parks in East Africa.
A newly established Visitor Information Centre (VIC) now provides maps, guides, and interactive educational exhibits. The park’s connection to the national electricity grid and the construction of modern lodges and eco-friendly campsites have further improved comfort levels for travellers.
“These investments have redefined the visitor experience,” said Engineer Felchesmi Mramba, Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Energy, whose department supported the park’s power connection. “They are part of Tanzania’s broader vision to build a competitive, sustainable, and inclusive tourism economy by 2050.”
Tanzania’s global image boost
The success of The Royal Tour – a documentary featuring President Samia Suluhu Hassan showcasing Tanzania’s tourism gems – has become a cornerstone of the country’s global branding strategy.
Mikumi’s inclusion in such productions has not only attracted tourists but also positioned Tanzania as a serious player in the global tourism market.
“Film is one of the most powerful tools in destination marketing,” said tourism analyst John Mlay. “It shapes perceptions, builds emotional connections, and influences travel decisions. What we’re seeing with Mikumi is the direct result of smart branding and long-term investment.”
Domestic tourism: A growing force
Beyond foreign arrivals, domestic tourism continues to strengthen Mikumi’s resilience. Tanzanians from major cities such as Dar es Salaam, Dodoma, and Morogoro are visiting in growing numbers – a trend encouraged by improved accessibility and national campaigns promoting “travel local” experiences.
Domestic tourists now account for nearly 40% of the park’s total visitors, reflecting a growing sense of ownership and pride in Tanzania’s natural heritage. Their spending supports nearby communities, strengthens the national economy, and sustains the tourism value chain during off-peak international seasons.
With growth comes responsibility. Tanapa has underscored the importance of sustainable tourism practices to ensure that increased visitation does not compromise Mikumi’s fragile ecosystems.
Efforts are underway to enhance ranger patrols, wildlife monitoring, and community education on conservation.
“The key to long-term success lies in balance,” said Dr Linda Ezekiel from the National Planning Commission. “We must grow tourism in a way that benefits people without endangering the natural capital that makes Tanzania unique.”
Mikumi’s new era
Mikumi’s story is a powerful reflection of Tanzania’s broader tourism transformation – where strategic planning, infrastructure investment, and global storytelling converge to drive inclusive growth.
From being a stopover en route to the southern circuit, Mikumi has evolved into a destination of choice, attracting investors, filmmakers, and adventurers alike. As Tanzania continues to expand its tourism frontiers beyond traditional icons, Mikumi National Park stands as a symbol of what is possible when vision meets action – a park once overlooked, now reborn as one of East Africa’s most dynamic and accessible wildlife destinations.
