Tanzania has been named Africa’s Leading Destination 2026, with the Serengeti, Kilimanjaro, Zanzibar, and the Tanzania Tourist Board securing major World Travel Awards. The award is a sign that Tanzania is doing well, but it must step up its efforts to win the World’s Leading Tourist Board award, according to Dr. Thereza Mugobi, Director General of the Tanzania Tourist Board.
The 33rd World Travel Awards Africa Gala Ceremony 2026 was held on August 28, 2026, at Diamonds Bijoux Resort in Bwejuu, Zanzibar, bringing together leading destinations, tourism organisations, and hospitality brands from across Africa. Tanzania was named Africa’s Leading Destination 2026, while the Tanzania Tourist Board won Africa’s Leading Tourist Board 2026 for the fifth consecutive year.
Tanzania’s National Parks and Wildlife Attractions
Tanzania’s world-famous protected areas received several of the continent’s highest tourism honours. Serengeti National Park was named Africa’s Leading National Park 2026 and Africa’s Leading Big 5 National Park 2026, renowned for its wildlife, vast open spaces, and the Great Wildebeest Migration.
Kilimanjaro National Park, home to Africa’s highest mountain, won Africa’s Leading Mountain National Park 2026, while Nyerere National Park was named Africa’s Leading Scenic National Park 2026. Other notable awards included Tarangire National Park as Africa’s Leading Elephant Paradise National Park 2026, Selous Game Reserve as Africa’s Leading Tourist Attraction 2026, and Mpanga Kipengere Game Reserve as Africa’s Leading Honeymoon Destination 2026.
Zanzibar: Africa’s Leading Beach Destination
Zanzibar was named Africa‘s Leading Beach Destination 2026, reinforcing its reputation as one of the best beach and island destinations in Africa. The Zanzibar Commission for Tourism also received the award for Africa’s Leading Regional Tourist Board 2026. Zanzibar allows travellers to combine a Tanzania wildlife safari with an Indian Ocean beach holiday, known for its white-sand beaches, turquoise waters, historic Stone Town, Swahili culture, and luxury resorts.
Other coastal and island tourism winners included Thanda Island, Mafia Island as Africa’s Leading Luxury Island 2026, Villa Lali, Zanzibar as Africa’s Leading Luxury Private Villa 2026, The Mora Zanzibar as Africa’s Most Romantic Resort 2026, Diamonds Bijoux as Africa’s Leading New Resort 2026, and LUX* Marijani as Africa’s Leading Green Hotel 2026.
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Tanzania Tourist Board’s Fifth Consecutive Victory
The Africa’s Leading Tourist Board 2026 award was received by TTB Acting Director General Dr. Thereza Mugobi, who explained that the recognition would motivate the Tanzania Tourist Board to intensify the international promotion of Tanzania’s tourism attractions and support the continued development of the sector. The fifth consecutive win highlights the Tanzania Tourist Board’s sustained efforts to promote Tanzania as a competitive destination for African safaris, beach holidays, adventure tourism, cultural experiences, luxury travel, and responsible tourism.
Tanzania’s safari accommodation and tourism experience providers also received major continental honours, including Greystoke Mahale as Africa’s Leading Safari Lodge 2026, Chem Chem Lodge as Africa’s Leading Luxury Safari Lodge 2026, and Singita Serengeti House as Africa’s Leading Luxury Safari Villa 2026. Julius Nyerere International Airport was named Africa’s Leading Airport 2026, recognising its role as an important international gateway to Tanzania.
A Complete African Travel Destination
The awards demonstrate Tanzania’s ability to offer a complete African travel experience within one country. Travellers can witness the Great Wildebeest Migration in Serengeti National Park, climb Mount Kilimanjaro, encounter elephant herds in Tarangire National Park, explore the wilderness of Nyerere and Ruaha national parks, and conclude their journey on the beaches of Zanzibar or Mafia Island. This development means that tourists can now enjoy a more diverse and immersive experience in Tanzania, with the country’s unique blend of wildlife, nature, and culture providing a unique selling point for travel agents and tour operators.
The Tanzania Tourist Board is responsible for promoting Tanzania as a tourism destination in domestic and international markets. They work with public institutions, tourism businesses, and other stakeholders to showcase the country’s wildlife, national parks, mountains, beaches, islands, cultural heritage, and diverse visitor experiences. For more information, visit the official destination platform: www.destinationtanzania.tz.
Dr. Thereza Mugobi stated that the Tanzania Tourist Board will continue to promote the country’s tourism attractions and support the development of the sector.
