Poor Roads and Lack of Network Threaten Gbele’s Tourism Potential
Poor road access and the absence of mobile telephone network coverage are among challenges stakeholders say could hinder the development of tourism at the Gbele Resource Reserve. The concerns emerged during an educational visit to the reserve by students and teachers from Tumu Senior High Technical School and Kanton Senior High School. The students visited the Tented Luxury Camp on Saturday, July 25, 2026, in what organisers described as the first official student patronage of the facility since its establishment in 2006. While participants praised the natural environment and the security provided by rangers, they called for improvements to infrastructure to make the facility more accessible and convenient for visitors.
Mr Lemme Tahiru, one of the patrons, called for expansion of the road leading to the Tented Luxury Camp to reduce the distance visitors have to hike. He said better access would make it easier for people of different physical abilities to visit the facility. Mr Majeed Bavia also called for improvements to the walkways, suggesting that they should be expanded and painted to serve as guides for visitors. He further appealed for the mechanisation of the hand-pump borehole serving the washrooms.
Responding to the concerns, Mr Fatawu Ayamga Bawa said plans were underway to paint trees and add signposts directing visitors to facilities such as washrooms, places of convenience and tents. He said requests had been made to the Sisaala East Municipal Assembly for assistance with machinery for the road expansion project, although organisers were yet to follow up. Mr Bawa also identified the lack of mobile telephone network coverage within the reserve as a major challenge. He said increased visitor numbers could strengthen advocacy for the installation of a network mast.
Gbele Resource Reserve covers approximately 565 square kilometres and is surrounded by 25 fringe communities in the three administrative areas that host the reserve. Stakeholders believe improvements in access, communication and visitor facilities will be important if Gbele is to realise its full eco-tourism potential.
By Haruna Kuri Kaayi