Namanga Border Faces Criticism from the Tourism Minister of Tanzania

Tourists are obliged to drive via Masai Mara, Nairobi, Namanga and finally arrive at Serengeti through Ngorongoro, Manyara, Mto Wa Mbu and Arusha, before you retrace your steps for your departure back home.

Kampala (I-Newswire) October 15, 2012 - Criticism acknowledged while on a current tour to Kenya about the time and again sluggish and burdensome dealing out with tourists, provoked the straightforward and practical Minister for Natural Resources and Tourism. Khamis Kagesheki visited the border area in Namanga to eye-witness the problems that people were facing, the visit was quite a surprise to many people. In Regard to the report from the stakeholders of Arusha, the minister was shocked at what he saw and still blamed the immigration and customs staff for not doing their duties as required. Tourists and business people have been delayed at the border as they waste a lot of time making long queues due to the fewer members of staff available for work.

Namanga is a major border voyage for tourists on road safaris going to Tanzania and Kenya. By the rules set by the Tanzania government, tourist are required to change to Tanzania registered vehicles when at the border or getting to Arusha.The leading Bologonja border between Masai Mara and Serengeti are closed at the command of Tanzania’s tourism sector in quest for defense alongside competition from Kenya.

In conclusion, tourists are obliged to drive via Masai Mara, Nairobi, Namanga and finally arrive at Serengeti through Ngorongoro, Manyara, Mto Wa Mbu and Arusha, before you retrace your steps for your departure back home. Namanga is thus an important connection between Kenya and Tanzania however it has hindered by poor facilities and services. And still heavy rains are a major problem to the border thus crossing becomes a challenge to tourists.

Crossing the border becomes hard particularly if you don’t have the East Africa tourist visa.This ideal has been put forward for about 10 years, however still trapped in the review stages that concern revenue portion that is supposed to be given to tourist visiting the two countries. The immigration department wanted to double the fee but this was refuted by the private sector. Due to the visa cost, a vacation packages to beaches and national parks is quite expensive.

It’s acknowledged that Kagesheki forwarded his report to his colleagues in the ministry to find appropriate measures for this problem. The core of this discussion was to put actions that will enable significant border crossing without difficulties. The airports together with the immigration staff are doing a great job during the peak season with many tourists arriving and departing from the country. The Tourism industry is working hard to solve all these problems and make your safari a success.