Serengeti 'will be protected' during rail route construction

Wildlife enthusiasts have declared their delight after it was revealed that plans to construct a major new rail route across parts of Africa will not affect the Serengeti National Park.

Travellers who have been lucky enough to experience a luxury holiday in Tanzania may have paid a visit to the renowned region, which is most famous for its annual wildebeest migrations.

According to the Guardian on Sunday, the governments in Tanzania and Uganda have agreed to build the $1.9 billion (£1.2 billion) line 100 km south of the Serengeti so that it does not interfere with the wildlife that roams the national park.

The ambitious joint project is seen as being crucial to the nations' economies, as it will link ports in Tanga and Musoma.

"Rest assured that the railway line will be constructed 100 km south of the Serengeti national park sprawling expanse," Tanzanian transport minister Omar Nundu told the news provider.

As well as the rail network, Tanzanian tourism chiefs recently told the East African they hoped a major upgrade of some of the country's minor airports would help boost visitor numbers.