Africa-Press – Tanzania. TANZANIA’s Serengeti Balloon Safaris has raised a country flag high after it was named the World’s Leading Balloon Ride Operator at the 2025 World Travel Awards Grand Final, held in Bahrain recently.
This marks the second consecutive year the company has secured the prestigious title, while Tanzania also retained its accolade as the World’s Leading Safari Destination.
The repeated recognitions highlight Tanzania’s expanding appeal in the global tourism market, with the country now competing not solely on its natural beauty, but also its service standards, safety systems and premium experiences comparable to well-established markets.
“We are over the moon to have won this award again, which we consider to be the highest accolade in our industry,” said Mr John Corse, Managing Director of Serengeti Balloon Safaris.
He added: “It is especially meaningful that we have won this on behalf of African nations.” Serengeti Balloon Safaris triumphed over other nominees from Dubai, Napa Valley, Tuscany, Cappadocia and fellow Tanzanian operators, demonstrating the sector’s increasing competitiveness.
Founded by Colin MacKinnon, who began ballooning over England’s Suffolk countryside in the 1980s, Serengeti Balloon Safaris was born from experiences in Zimbabwe and Tanzania, leading MacKinnon to team up with local partners Jimmy Mkwawa and Tony Pascoe.
“The sensation of floating, the wildlife you can see from the air, and the areas inaccessible by road are extraordinary,” noted Pascoe. The company’s offering is particularly popular during the Great Migration, when over two million wildebeest, zebras and other herbivores traverse the Serengeti into Kenya’s Maasai Mara.
From above, passengers witness vast herds and thrilling river crossings, contributing substantial revenue to Tanzania National Parks. Serengeti Balloon Safaris maintains stringent safety protocols in collaboration with the Tanzania Civil Aviation Authority, boasting one of the most advanced safety management systems in global ballooning, according to external auditors.
The company manages its growth by capping client numbers to prevent over-tourism, with conservation at the forefront of its strategy.
“Our legacy carries a duty to protect the Serengeti for future generations,” stated Roy Mshoboki, the company’s sustainability manager.
Serengeti Balloon Safaris’ Commercial Manager, Mr Pascal Kirigiti noted, “We continually seek to elevate our customer experiences, and late last year we rolled out Tarangire as a new route as part of our dedication to innovation drive.”
