MWE Correspondent
The Tanzania Wildlife Management Authority (TAWA) is exploring the possibility of introducing international-standard golf tourism at the proposed Zanzibar Wildlife Park in Jambiani Muyuni Forest Reserve, Zanzibar, in a move aimed at diversifying the island’s tourism offerings and attracting new international visitors.
The initiative was discussed on October 21, 2026, during a visit by specialists from Troon International, a United States-based company that manages golf courses and clubs in different countries. The team visited the proposed site to assess its suitability for golf course development, investment opportunities and potential operational partnerships.
TAWA Board of Directors Chairperson, Major General (Retired) Hamis R. Semfuko, said golf tourism could create an additional attraction for Zanzibar and help expand the range of experiences available to international visitors.
“Golf is a sport that attracts many tourists,” Semfuko said, explaining that the visiting specialists were assessing the location to provide professional advice on the feasibility of developing a course that meets international standards.
He said TAWA intends to explore ways of combining golf tourism with wildlife viewing, allowing visitors to enjoy sporting activities alongside nature-based tourism experiences.
According to Semfuko, the assessment will help determine how the proposed development could be implemented while taking into account environmental conservation requirements and the expectations of the tourism market.
Troon International Executive Vice President David Jonathan said a golf course located near wildlife attractions could give Zanzibar a distinctive tourism product, particularly for visitors seeking to combine sporting activities with nature, culture and coastal experiences.
Jonathan explained that golf tourism could encourage visitors to extend their stays, creating opportunities for them to explore Zanzibar’s beaches, wildlife, local cuisine and cultural heritage.
He added that a course designed to international standards could potentially attract golf tournaments and raise Zanzibar’s profile among international golf travellers, depending on the project’s eventual design, investment arrangements and operational capacity.
Samuel Hagu, a civil engineer with TAWA, said the proposal involves developing a championship golf course as part of the wider Zanzibar Wildlife Park concept.
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He explained that the proposed park is intended to offer visitors a broader range of recreational and tourism activities while maintaining the forest’s conservation value and providing opportunities to experience wildlife.
The discussions between TAWA and Troon International are expected to continue as the parties examine technical requirements, investment potential and the next steps towards determining whether the project is viable.
Golf tourism has become an important niche in several international destinations, attracting visitors who often plan trips around golf courses, tournaments and related hospitality services. Such visitors can generate demand for accommodation, restaurants, transport, professional sporting services and other local businesses.
For Zanzibar, the proposed project could complement its established beach and cultural tourism markets by introducing an additional activity aimed at visitors interested in sports and nature-based holidays.
However, the project’s long-term prospects will depend on factors including construction and maintenance costs, access to water, transport infrastructure, market demand and the ability to attract suitable investors.
Environmental considerations will also be central to any decision to develop a golf course within or near a forest reserve. Golf facilities can require substantial land and water resources, making careful site planning, water management, biodiversity protection and appropriate environmental assessments essential.
The integration of golf and wildlife tourism would therefore require a development model that protects natural habitats while allowing visitors to enjoy the proposed attractions responsibly.
If feasibility assessments demonstrate that the project is environmentally sustainable and commercially viable, Zanzibar Wildlife Park could offer an opportunity to diversify the island’s tourism economy, encourage investment and create employment opportunities for local communities.
For now, the engagement between TAWA and Troon International represents an exploratory stage, with further technical assessments and investment discussions needed before the proposed golf course can advance towards implementation.
