In a remarkable display of excellence, Tanzania's Serengeti Balloon Safaris has once again been crowned the World's Leading Balloon Ride Operator at the 2025 World Travel Awards Grand Final, held recently in Bahrain. The back-to-back victory—the company also won in 2024—cements Tanzania's position not just as a wildlife destination, but as a provider of world-class tourism experiences that can compete with the globe's most established luxury markets.
Beating the World's Best
The achievement is particularly impressive given the caliber of competition. Serengeti Balloon Safaris triumphed over nominees from some of the world's most famous ballooning destinations: the futuristic skyline of Dubai, the fairy chimneys of Cappadocia in Turkey, the rolling vineyards of Napa Valley in California, and the Renaissance landscapes of Tuscany. Even fellow Tanzanian operators were in the running, making this victory a testament to Serengeti Balloon Safaris' exceptional standards. As Managing Director John Corse put it: "We are over the moon to have won this award again, which we consider to be the highest accolade in our industry. It is especially meaningful that we have won this on behalf of African nations."
From Suffolk to the Serengeti
The story of Serengeti Balloon Safaris is one of passion and vision. It began with founder Colin MacKinnon, who started ballooning over the English countryside of Suffolk in the 1980s. After gaining experience in Zimbabwe and Tanzania, MacKinnon recognized the extraordinary potential of aerial safaris over the Serengeti. He partnered with local Tanzanian experts Jimmy Mkwawa and Tony Pascoe to create something truly special. "The sensation of floating, the wildlife you can see from the air, and the areas inaccessible by road are extraordinary," explains Pascoe. What started as a dream has become an industry-defining operation that sets global standards.
The Ultimate Migration Experience
Serengeti Balloon Safaris is particularly popular during the Great Migration—one of nature's most spectacular events. Between December and March, over two million wildebeest, zebras, and gazelles converge on the southern Serengeti plains for calving season. From the air, passengers witness a living tapestry of wildlife stretching to the horizon: vast herds moving as one, predators stalking at the edges, and the drama of river crossings where crocodiles wait in ambush. The perspective from a hot air balloon is unlike anything else in safari travel—silent, serene, and utterly breathtaking. You're floating at tree-top level, so close you can hear the grunts of wildebeest and the calls of birds, yet high enough to see the full majesty of the ecosystem below.
Safety and Sustainability First
Behind the magical experience lies an unwavering commitment to safety and conservation. Serengeti Balloon Safaris maintains what external auditors have called one of the most advanced safety management systems in global ballooning. Working closely with the Tanzania Civil Aviation Authority, the company adheres to strict protocols that exceed international standards. Every pilot is highly experienced, every balloon is meticulously maintained, and every flight is carefully planned according to weather conditions and wildlife activity. This dedication to safety is one reason the company has earned repeat recognition at the world's most prestigious tourism awards.
Conservation is equally central to the operation. Roy Mshoboki, the company's sustainability manager, emphasizes this commitment: "Our legacy carries a duty to protect the Serengeti for future generations." The company deliberately caps client numbers to prevent over-tourism, ensuring the wilderness experience remains authentic and the ecosystem undisturbed. Balloon flights operate in designated areas with minimal environmental impact—no noise pollution, no habitat disturbance, and a light footprint that respects the wildlife below. Revenue from balloon safaris also contributes substantially to Tanzania National Parks, directly funding conservation efforts and anti-poaching patrols.
Innovation and Expansion
Serengeti Balloon Safaris isn't resting on its laurels. Pascal Kirigiti, the company's Commercial Manager, notes their commitment to innovation: "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." The expansion into Tarangire National Park opens up new opportunities for visitors to experience elephant families, ancient baobab trees, and diverse birdlife from the air. Tarangire offers a different landscape from the Serengeti—more intimate, more forested, with concentrations of elephants that rival anywhere in Africa. Adding this destination demonstrates the company's vision to showcase Tanzania's diverse safari experiences beyond the famous Serengeti plains.
Tanzania's Rising Star
The Serengeti Balloon Safaris victory comes as Tanzania itself retained its title as the World's Leading Safari Destination at the same awards ceremony. This double recognition highlights Tanzania's expanding appeal in the global tourism market. The country is no longer competing solely on natural beauty—which it has in abundance—but also on service standards, safety systems, and premium experiences that match or exceed destinations with decades more tourism development. From luxury tented camps to professional guiding, cutting-edge conservation to five-star hospitality, Tanzania is proving it can deliver world-class experiences at every level.
The Practical Details
For travelers considering a balloon safari, here's what to expect: flights depart at dawn, with pick-up from your lodge around 5:00 AM. After a safety briefing, you'll watch as the massive balloon inflates in the pre-dawn darkness—a spectacular sight in itself. The flight lasts approximately one hour, drifting silently over the plains as the sun rises and paints the landscape gold. After landing, you'll enjoy a champagne breakfast in the bush—a tradition dating back to the earliest balloon flights in Europe. The entire experience takes about 4-5 hours, after which you rejoin your safari vehicle for a game drive back to camp. It's not inexpensive—expect to pay $550-600 USD per person—but for many visitors, it's the highlight of their entire safari. The perspective, the serenity, and the wildlife encounters create memories that last a lifetime.
A Legacy of Excellence
Serengeti Balloon Safaris' repeat victory at the World Travel Awards sends a powerful message: African tourism operators can compete at the very highest level globally. This isn't about lowering standards or competing on price—it's about delivering experiences so exceptional that they're recognized as the world's best. For Tanzania, it's another milestone in the country's journey to become not just a great safari destination, but the premier wildlife tourism destination on Earth. When you book a balloon safari over the Serengeti, you're not just taking a flight—you're participating in an award-winning experience that represents the pinnacle of what safari tourism can offer.
Experience It Yourself
Ready to soar above the Serengeti plains in a hot air balloon? Our 4-Day Tanzania Bush Safari includes an optional balloon safari experience over the Serengeti. Witness the Great Migration from above, explore Ngorongoro Crater, and add the unforgettable balloon safari as an add-on to your adventure. Learn more about our 4-Day Bush Safari and start planning your award-winning Serengeti experience.
Original Source: This article is summarized from Daily News Tanzania.
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