Tanzania to auction 30 hunting blocks

The government of Tanzania plans to auction 30 hunting blocks within game reserves, game controlled areas and open areas.

In a statement in its website, Tanzania Wildlife Management Authority said it is inviting applications from qualified applicants for the allocation of the tourist hunting blocks through electronic auctioning.

The authority said the auction will commence on Feb 8 and will last for seven consecutive days.

"Eligible hunting companies can be allocated up to five hunting blocks each, which shall be of different categories," the authority said.

Any person who wants to qualify for a hunting block must have a company registered with the Registar of Companies within Tanzania and intend to engage in animal hunting, according to the Wildlife Conservation Act.

The company also must have at least one director with five years' experience in wildlife-based business and conservation in Tanzania.

Initially, the auction was to take place on March 5 last year but was postponed until further notice due to concerns by some stakeholders.