By Adonis Byemelwa
Arusha – Serengeti Balloon Safaris, Tanzania’s premier balloon adventure company, has made history by being crowned the world’s best balloon ride operator. This monumental achievement marks a first for Africa, placing Tanzania in the global spotlight. The honor cements Serengeti Balloon Safaris as a trailblazer in delivering breathtaking aerial experiences and elevates African tourism to new heights.
The announcement was made recently during the grand finale of the World Travel Awards, held over the weekend in Funchal, the capital of Portugal’s Madeira region. Widely regarded as the Oscars of the global tourism industry, the event brought together top players and innovators from the international tourism scene.
“For the first time in history, Serengeti Balloon Safaris from Tanzania is the winner of the best balloon services in the world. Congratulations on your outstanding services,” proclaimed the awards’ organizers during the ceremony.
The accolade not only highlights Serengeti Balloon Safaris’ dedication to excellence but also shines a spotlight on Tanzania’s rising prominence in global tourism. Managing Director John Corse expressed pride in the recognition, noting that it reflects the company’s commitment to quality and the unmatched experiences they provide.
Famous for offering breathtaking views over the Serengeti National Park, Serengeti Balloon Safaris has built a reputation for creating unforgettable moments, blending spectacular aerial vistas with close-up wildlife encounters.
As pioneers of balloon flights in Tanzania, the company has continuously set the bar high in safety and service, consistently earning recognition from Tanzania National Parks as the Best Balloon Operator.
Corse emphasized that their pilots, recognized for their exceptional expertise and deep understanding of weather dynamics, have flown over 250,000 guests, ensuring each journey is as magical as the last.
In June 2024, the company expanded its operations with a successful inaugural flight over Tarangire National Park, adding it as its fourth destination. This new route offers a fresh perspective on Tanzania’s natural beauty, providing an alternative to the iconic Serengeti experience.
The flight launched from the northwest Silale Swamp, lifting 22 guests in two balloons just after sunrise. As the balloons ascended to 800 feet, passengers enjoyed panoramic views of the park’s woodlands, ridges, and diverse wildlife.
Sightings included elephants, buffalo, porcupines, and numerous bird species, culminating in a soft landing near the Tarangire River. Guests were treated to a luxurious “Out of Africa”-style breakfast under an acacia tree, followed by a celebratory champagne toast.
Claire Warner, one of the passengers on the inaugural flight, described the experience as unforgettable. “The views were incredible, and the descent over the woodland canopy gave us fantastic wildlife sightings. Landing near the river among the majestic baobabs was magical,” she said.
Serengeti Balloon Safaris now operates in four premier locations across Tanzania: the Serengeti, where flights run year-round; the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, operational from December to March; Ruaha National Park, from June to October; and now Tarangire, available from March to June. Marketing Manager Pascal Kirigiti highlighted the company’s ongoing commitment to innovation and excellence, explaining that the Tarangire route exemplifies its dedication to enhancing guest experiences.
The company’s efforts to promote conservation, maintain rigorous safety standards, and collaborate with the Tanzania Civil Aviation Authority have cemented its status as the leader in the industry.
By continuously pushing boundaries and delivering world-class adventures, Serengeti Balloon Safaris has not only set a benchmark for ballooning in Africa but has also positioned Tanzania as a premier destination for unique and captivating experiences. This historic recognition underscores their unwavering pursuit of excellence and their vital role in showcasing the beauty of African tourism to the world.
