Minister Pindi Chana recently set up camp at Mount Kilimanjaro to oversee efforts in controlling the remaining fire-affected areas. Photo: Courtesy
By
Adonis Byemelwa
Minister
of Natural Resources and Tourism Ambassador Dr. Pindi Chana (MP), has expressed
her congratulations to the Serengeti and Mount Kilimanjaro for winning
prestigious tourism awards in Africa.
She
also thanked the President of the United Republic of Tanzania for his continued
efforts in promoting the country’s tourism sector globally, particularly
through the film Tanzania: The Royal Tour and Amazing Tanzania.
In
a statement released by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Dr. Hassan
Abbasi, during the World Travel Awards Africa Gala, Tanzania was declared the
top destination attracting tourists in Africa for 2024. Additionally, the
Tanzania Tourist Board was named Africa's Leading Tourist Board for the same
year.
Tanzania’s
Serengeti National Park and Mount Kilimanjaro emerged as winners in key
categories for the Best Tourist Attractions in Africa for 2024. The Serengeti
was named Africa's Leading National Park, while Mount Kilimanjaro won the award
for Africa's Leading Tourist Attraction.
In
addition, the Serengeti triumphed over other leading African wildlife
destinations, such as the Maasai Mara in Kenya, Kruger National Park in South
Africa, Botswana's Central Kalahari, Namibia's Etosha, and Uganda's Kidepo
Valley.
Mount
Kilimanjaro, Tanzania's iconic peak, was also praised for its role in promoting
tourism and stood out in a competitive field, outperforming renowned sites like
the Ngorongoro Crater, South Africa’s V&A Waterfront and Robben Island,
Botswana’s Okavango Delta, and the Pyramids of Giza in Egypt.
Mount
Kilimanjaro continues to shine in Africa’s tourism landscape, having won the
award for Africa's Leading Tourist Attraction six times between 2013 and 2018,
and now, from 2019 through 2024. Meanwhile, the Serengeti National Park has
secured consecutive wins as Africa's Leading National Park since 2019.
Tanzania
has cemented its status as a premier safari destination after Serengeti
National Park and Mount Kilimanjaro secured top awards at the 2024 World Travel
Awards. Serengeti was named "Africa’s Leading National Park," while
Mount Kilimanjaro earned the title of "Africa’s Leading Tourist
Attraction," beating stiff competition from across the continent.
The
awards, presented at a gala in Mombasa, Kenya, further solidify Tanzania’s
global tourism appeal. Serengeti National Park triumphed over renowned
competitors like Kruger National Park (South Africa) and Maasai Mara National
Reserve (Kenya), marking its sixth consecutive win in this category. Mount
Kilimanjaro also outshined other iconic attractions such as the Pyramids of
Giza and Table Mountain.
"This
accolade is a testament to the Serengeti's status as a vibrant showcase of the
continent’s natural beauty," said Serengeti Senior Assistant Conservation
Commissioner (SACC), Stephano Msumi. He emphasized that the park’s commitment
to conservation and sustainable tourism remains stronger than ever.
Renowned
for the Great Migration and its breathtaking savannahs, Serengeti is one of the
world's most celebrated ecosystems. The park’s success is a tribute to the
relentless efforts of park rangers, conservationists, and local communities who
ensure its rich biodiversity is preserved.
Mount
Kilimanjaro, often called the "Roof of Africa," offers adventurers a
unique trek through diverse climatic zones, culminating at its snow-capped
peak. "This accolade highlights our unwavering dedication to showcasing
the beauty and thrill of this majestic peak," said Betrita Lyimo, Northern
Zone Conservation Commissioner for Tanapa.