Tanzania wins at World Travel Awards

It’s official: Tanzania is Africa’s Leading Destination 2025, for the second year in a row and third time overall. Tanzania truly made history, winning 27 out of the 60 awards presented in Dar es Salaam on 28 June 2025. Besides hotels and various tourism companies, the government side won awards for this year’s Best Tourist Attractions, Best Safari Destination in Africa and Best Airport in Africa. This is even more impressive bearing in mind that only one year prior, Tanzania “only” won five awards.

President Samia Suluhu Hassan left nothing to chance, putting the focus on driving tourism in Tanzania through numerous initiatives: the Royal Tour documentary promoted the country’s attractions internationally, increased budget allocations opened doors for the tourism sector as well as for investors and improved infrastructure made conservation areas more accessible.

Reading all this, it doesn’t come as a surprise that the Tanzania Tourist Board also won Africa’s Leading Tourist Board 2025.

What is the World Travel Awards?

Since 1993 the World Travel Awards have been recognizing excellence in tourism and hospitality worldwide. On 28 June 2025 the World Travel Awards Africa and Indian Ocean Gala Ceremony was held in Dar es Salaam for the first time, which makes these victories even more special to Tanzania.

Not only do the awards acknowledge outstanding performance in the travel and tourism industry, they also play an essential part in increasing destination visibility, competitiveness and investments.

Of course, we cannot list each and every award Tanzania has won (and yes, we are proud that the country won so many), but let’s have a look at the highlights, shall we?

 

National parks on the pedestal

Tanzania is home to 22 national parks, and seven of them won awards at the WTA 2025, with the Serengeti National Park coming first twice: once as Africa’s Leading Big 5 National Park 2025 and once as Africa’s Leading National Park 2025. Despite these two achievements and being one of the most famous national parks in the world (rightly so!), Africa’s Leading Tourist Attraction 2025 is the Ngorongoro Conservation Area. Here, you can not only be wowed by unique landscapes, but also by the highest wildlife density in the country.

Further Tanzanian national parks winning awards this year:

• Africa’s Leading Cultural National Park – Ruaha National Park
• Africa’s Leading Honeymoon Destination – Kitulo Plateau National Park
• Africa’s Leading Scenic National Park – Nyerere National Park
• Africa’s Leading Elephant Paradise National Park – Tarangire National Park

On top of all that, the Kilimanjaro National Park took the pole (pole) position as Africa’s Leading Mountain National Park. If you want to stand on the roof of Africa yourself or explore these beauties straight away, we can understand. But where to stay? How about award-winning lodges?

 

Lodges claiming the crowns

Chem Chem Lodge

The Chem Chem Lodge can be found close to Lake Manyara and has perfected the art of “Slow Safari”. Here, time seems to pass a little slower than everywhere else. In the eight tented suites you can rest after having explored the country with the Maasai on foot or marvelling at the diverse wildlife on the 20,000 hectares connecting Tarangire and Lake Manyara National Parks, managed by Chem Chem. No wonder it was crowned Tanzania’s Leading Luxury Safari Lodge 2025.

Gran Meliá Arusha

Tanzania’s Leading Hotel 2025, the Gran Meliá Arusha, is located in the city of Arusha, spoiling guests with breathtaking views on the spectacular Mount Meru. With a spa, two pools, cosy rooms and several restaurants, this luxury hotel leaves no wish unfulfilled. Explore the city itself, head out on a safari in Arusha National Park, and end your day with high-class cuisine and a sundowner while watching the sun go down.

Red Level Presidential Suite @ Gran Meliá Arusha

This unique hotel scored twice at the WTA, winning also the prize for Tanzania’s Leading Hotel Suite 2025. A king-sized bed, mountain view and 164qm2: uniting traditional luxury with African hospitality, this suite is truly one-of-a-kind. Next to amenities of the highest class, you also enjoy the hotel’s RedLevel VIP service for a perfect experience from A to Z.

 

Zanzibar

The dreamy island of Zanzibar was also victorious at the World Travel Awards 2025, claiming top spots for both Africa’s Leading Festival & Event Destination and Africa’s Leading Beach Destination. With its endless stretches of white sandy beaches with the glistening Indian Ocean on one side and postcard-perfect palm trees on the other, this accolade is more than deserved!

The (official) perfect place to experience these pristine beaches, is the Tulia Zanzibar Unique Beach Resort, which won the award for Zanzibar’s Leading Boutique Resort 2025. The spacious accommodation is located on the northeast of Zanzibar and welcomes you with a huge garden along the beach, only sixteen villas and a wonderful feeling of peace. Experiencing the best beaches in Africa in the best boutique hotel in Africa – what more can you wish for?

 

Want to see it all for yourself?

Winning these many awards at the WTA shows that Tanzania has become a tourism powerhouse in Africa and worldwide, committing to further develop sustainable tourism which benefits nature, people and the country.

If you want to see all of this by yourself, have a look at our sample itineraries and get in touch. Together we’ll create your tailor-made journey through Tanzania, which would win “Africa’s Best Itinerary” at the WTA (if this category existed).