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Kenya named top safari destination in Africa

Saturday December 18 2021
Elephants walk in front of a tour van at the Masai Mara National Reserve on August 14, 2018.

Elephants walk in front of a tour van at the Masai Mara National Reserve on August 14, 2018. PHOTO | FILE

By ANTHONY KITIMO

Kenya remains a world-leading safari destination in 2021, according to the World Travel Awards. 

This marks the seventh time in a row that the country has been recognised as the premier wildlife tourism stop at the prestigious annual global awards. 

Kenya beat Botswana, South Africa, Tanzania, Namibia, Zambia and Zimbabwe.

Lions and elephants at the Masai Mara Game Reserve.

Lions and elephants at the Masai Mara Game Reserve. PHOTO | FILE

The announcement was made on Thursday during the WTA grand final winners’ day, held to celebrate excellence in travel and tourism.

National carrier Kenya Airways was recognised as Africa’s leading airline, with its business class also emerging top in the continent. Ethiopia Airlines scooped both the leading brand and economy class awards in Africa in 2021.

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Zebras graze in the Masai Mara National Reserve.

Zebras graze in the Nashulai Masai Conservancy inside the Masai Mara National Reserve. PHOTO | FILE | NMG

Kenya Tourism Board CEO Betty Radier termed the win a testament to the country’s superior offering of the safari product and experience.

“This recognition is an endorsement of Magical Kenya, known as the home of authentic African Safari. Without a doubt, this is well-deserved, and I believe that we shall get even better. We shall continue with our commitment towards preserving and showcasing to the world the unique wildlife heritage bestowed to our country for the sake of generations to come,” she said.

Dr Radier added that the country would continue to build on its potential growth areas, including “the Magical Kenya Signature Experiences, where travellers have an opportunity to experience a foot safari or even track wildlife while on foot.” 

Wildebeests run across a sandy riverbed of the Sand River as they arrive into Kenya's Maasai Mara National Reserve.

Wildebeests run across a sandy riverbed of the Sand River as they arrive into Kenya's Maasai Mara National Reserve from Tanzania's Serengeti National Park during the start of the annual migration July 18, 2020. PHOTO | AFP


During the Covid-19 pandemic, when travel restrictions hit the sector, the Ministry of Tourism and Wildlife launched a virtual live stream campaign to showcase game safaris in parks and reserves across the country.

The campaign was broadcast worldwide as part of the Magic Awaits destination marketing campaign in 2020. 

In August this year, Kenya partnered with video sharing platform TikTok to showcase the great wildebeest migration at the Maasai Mara game reserve.

“Kenya is a rich and diverse country, with an incredible wildlife offering which we want to highlight as well as protect... Kenya Tourism Board is keen to ensure MagicalKenya remains top of mind among consumers,” said Dr Radier.

A monkey plays on top of a parked vehicle at Keekorok lodge Masai Mara on June 25, 2020.

A monkey plays on top of a parked vehicle at Keekorok lodge Masai Mara on June 25, 2020. PHOTO | FILE | NMG

Other category winners were as follows.

  • Africa’s Leading Airport Hotel 2021 -- Four Points by Sheraton Nairobi 
  • Africa’s Leading All-Inclusive Resort 2021 -- Diamonds Dream of Africa
  • Africa’s Leading Business Travel Destination 2021 -- Nairobi
  • Africa’s Leading City Hotel 2021 -- Fairmont The Norfolk
  • Africa’s Leading Cruise Port 2021 -- Port of Mombasa
  • Africa’s Leading Hotel 2021 -- Fairmont Mount Kenya Safari Club
  • Africa’s Leading Hotel Brand 2021 -- Serena Hotels
  • Africa’s Leading Luxury Tented Safari Camp 2021 -- Olare Mara Kempinski Masai Mara
  • Africa’s Leading Meetings & Conference Centre 2021 --  Kenyatta International Convention Centre
  • Africa’s Leading Sports Resort 2021 --  Ocean Sports Resort, Watamu
  • Africa’s Leading Tented Safari Camp 2021 -- Finch Hattons
  • Africa’s Leading Tour Operator 2021 -- Pollman’s Tours & Safaris
  • Africa’s Leading Tourist Board 2021 -- Kenya Tourism Board
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