Tanzania has once again been named the World’s Leading Safari Destination at the glittering World Travel Awards 2025 Grand Final in Bahrain, cementing its reputation as the undisputed heavyweight of African wildlife tourism.
The east African nation swept the board at the event, dubbed the “Oscars of travel” with a remarkable five global titles. The Serengeti National Park, famed for the Great Migration of two million wildebeest, claimed World’s Leading National Park 2025, while Zanzibar’s Spice Islands were crowned the planet’s top destination for corporate meetings and incentives (MICE).
In the private sector categories, Serengeti Balloon Safaris soared away with World’s Leading Balloon Ride Operator, and the luxurious Jumaira Thanda Resort on Mafia Island took home the prize for Best Private Island Resort.
“This is recognition of the outstanding partnership between government and private sector in delivering responsible, world-class tourism while protecting our natural heritage,” said Dr Hassan Abbasi, Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Natural Resources and Tourism. “These awards belong to every Tanzanian who works to showcase our country’s wonders.”
It is the second consecutive year Tanzania has topped the safari category, beating stiff competition from Kenya, South Africa and Botswana.
The country will now host the 2026 World Travel Awards Grand Final, a coup expected to spotlight its tourism ambitions further.
Home to Mount Kilimanjaro, the Ngorongoro Crater and pristine Indian Ocean islands, Tanzania welcomed five million visitors last year and is targeting eight million by 2030. Industry leaders say the latest haul of trophies will turbo-charge bookings for 2026.
