Tanzania's Serengeti National Park has been named East Africa's most preferred national park for 2026, edging Kenya's Maasai Mara National Reserve in a regional recognition that underscores the country's growing reputation as a leading wildlife tourism destination.
The award, Overall Winner – Most Preferred National Park in East Africa 2026, was presented during the East Africa Public Service Awards held at Serena Hotel in Dar es Salaam on June 30. Maasai Mara was named the first runner-up.
The recognition comes as Tanzania continues to position tourism as a key driver of economic growth, with conservation authorities investing in wildlife protection, visitor services and sustainable tourism to strengthen the country's competitiveness in the regional and global travel market.
According to the organisers, Serengeti was selected for its performance in protected area management, wildlife conservation, biodiversity protection, ecotourism development and its contribution to promoting East Africa's natural heritage through internationally recognised conservation practices.
Speaking during the ceremony, Shariff Ali Shariff, Zanzibar's Minister of State in the President's Office responsible for Labour, Economy and Investment, congratulated this year's winners and urged public institutions across the region to continue improving accountability, innovation and service delivery.
He said strong public institutions remain essential for improving service quality and enhancing regional cooperation within the East African Community.
Receiving the award on behalf of the Tanzania National Parks Authority Conservation Commissioner, Deputy Commissioner for Conservation and Business Development CPA Musa Nassoro Kuji said the honour reflected TANAPA's sustained commitment to balancing conservation with tourism development.
"This recognition is a result of our continued investment in protecting natural resources, improving visitors' experiences and promoting sustainable tourism that contributes to national development and regional integration," he said.
He added that the award would further enhance Tanzania's international profile as a wildlife tourism destination while strengthening the global standing of Serengeti.
Widely regarded as one of Africa's premier safari destinations, Serengeti is home to the annual wildebeest migration, one of the world's largest wildlife spectacles, as well as the Big Five and vast savannah ecosystems that attract visitors from across the globe.
The latest recognition adds to the park's growing list of international accolades. In 2025, Serengeti was named the World's Leading National Park at the World Travel Awards and has also retained the title of Africa's Leading National Park for seven consecutive years.
The awards ceremony was attended by government officials, diplomats from East African countries and representatives from public institutions, highlighting efforts to recognise excellence and innovation in public service across the region.
