New Bridge Ends Rainy-Season Disruptions at Tanzania's Tarangire National Park
Tanzania's Tarangire National Park has opened a new 85-metre bridge across the Tarangire River, ending decades of seasonal disruption to visitor access. The Matete Bridge, built at a cost of Sh1.1 billion by the Tanzania National Parks Authority (TANAPA), connects the park's eastern and western sections – a crossing that had historically been impassable during heavy rains since the park's establishment in 1970. Speaking on 14 March, the park's Chief Warden, Beatrice Kessy, confirmed the bridge became operational earlier this year and has already ensured uninterrupted tourism activity through the current rainy season.
The development is part of a broader infrastructure push at Tarangire, Tanzania's second most visited national park after the Serengeti, receiving up to 2,500 visitors per day at peak season. Upgrades also include improvements at Kuro Airstrip – which handles between six and 12 aircraft daily – with a new reception building, rest areas, and visitor washrooms now in place. A new fourth entry gate at Mamire is also under construction. The new bridge has been particularly welcomed by tour guides, who previously faced significant delays when the old crossing was submerged, and now allows visitors unhindered access to lodges on the park's eastern side where most large hotels are located.
Source: Europe Says
