Tanzania to enhance tourism standards with new ‘Safari Guide Code of Conduct and Ethics’

The initiative aims to uphold professional standards and promote ethical practices across the country’s travel sector.

Available in nine international languages, the Safari Guide Code of Conduct and Ethics is currently under review by tour operators and travel guides to ensure strict adherence to the guidelines by all stakeholders in the tourism industry.

“The manual covers a wide range of protocols, including vehicle and driving standards, cultural sensitivity, environmental protection, personal hygiene, dress code, and overall discipline,” said Chairperson of Tato, Mr Willy Chambulo.

Tato, an umbrella organisation for Tanzania’s travel sector, comprises nearly 400 member companies, including tour firms, hotels, travel agencies, service providers and suppliers. Chambulo spoke during a special training session for driver guides from various travel companies, where the new code of ethics was introduced.

According to Chambulo, Tanzania’s tourism industry has not only fully recovered from the impacts of the Covid-19 pandemic but is also growing at an impressive rate of 15 to 20 percent annually.

In 2024, Tanzania earned $3.66 billion in travel receipts, a 8.38 percent rise compared to the 2023 level. The growth in travel earnings was associated with a rise in international tourist arrivals, which increased to 2.2 million during the year ending January, 2025 from 1.8 million during the same period in 2024, supported by enhanced marketing efforts by both the government and private sector.

Tanzania is now targeting $6 billion (approximately Sh14 trillion) in tourism income by the end of this year, with an expected 5 million visitors, as outlined in the Third Five-Year Development Plan (FYDP III 2020/21–2025/26).

“The launch of the Safari Guide Code of Conduct required us to sit down with drivers and tour guides and review the booklet detailing how they should conduct themselves while guiding visitors to national parks, game reserves, and other attractions,” said Mr Chambulo.

The new Safari Guide Code of Conduct and Ethics is also embedded in a QR code, making it easily accessible to tourists worldwide who plan to visit Tanzania.

“These guidelines are not only for safari guides but also for tour operators and tourists, ensuring that everyone is aware of the ‘Dos’ and ‘Don’ts’ during safaris in the parks or along highways,” explained Nay Paul, a female driver guide with Zara Adventures of Kilimanjaro.

Idd Jumanne, another tour guide, emphasised that the new guidelines will help safari operators become true ambassadors of Tanzania, as they frequently interact with foreign visitors.

In addition to promoting professional conduct, the guidelines also stress the importance of protecting Tanzania’s biodiversity. Tour guides and operators are urged to avoid straying off designated roads to prevent damage to vegetation, wildlife, and the environment.

“We must be careful not to venture off-road, as doing so can destroy vegetation, harm small animals, insects, and even birds,” said Allan Mollel, a tour operator and guide.

With these new guidelines, Tanzania is taking a significant step towards ensuring that its growing tourism industry continues to thrive while preserving the country’s natural beauty and cultural heritage.