Primary school student visitation in Serengeti National Park, Tanzania

Abstract

Tanzania National Parks are heavily dependent upon international tourism. This study examines the potential for sustainable domestic tourism, specifically considering primary school student visitation in Serengeti National Park (SENAPA). We surveyed five primary schools located in Bunda district. At each school, 70 students were allowed to fill out the questionnaires which were analyzed by descriptive statistics. A majority of the primary school students recognized the presence of SENAPA (95%), but few (24%) had visited the park. Those who had never visited, in spite of its proximity, indicated the lack of money, lack of transport, lack of awareness, and inaccurate interpretation of free education policy as hindering factors. Surveyed students offered suggestions to improve student visitation, indicating that public and private organizations should assist with students’ visitation to protected areas; the government should have a reliable transport to take students into protected areas; education should be provided concerning the importance of visiting protected areas and what is meant by the free education policy. The authors agree that these steps would significantly improve students’ opportunities to access Serengeti National Park.

Keywords

• student
• serengeti
• tourism
• primary school
• education