The Serengeti luxury safari camp receives one of Tanzania’s most prestigious tourism accolades at the World Travel Awards Africa Gala Ceremony in Zanzibar

Delhi, September , 2026: Mapito Safari Camp, Serengeti, part of the Marriott Autograph collection, has been named Tanzania’s Leading Luxury Tented Safari Camp 2026 at the prestigious World Travel Awards, recognising the camp’s distinctive approach to luxury hospitality, immersive safari experiences and its growing contribution to Tanzania’s high-end tourism landscape.

The award was presented at the World Travel Awards Africa Gala Ceremony, held on 28 August 2026 at Diamonds Bijoux in Zanzibar, bringing together leading names from across Africa’s travel and tourism industry. The 2026 ceremony marked another significant moment for Tanzania as it hosted the prestigious Africa Gala Ceremony in Zanzibar.

Located in the heart of the Serengeti, Mapito Safari Camp offers travellers an elevated interpretation of the classic African safari, combining the intimacy of a tented camp with contemporary luxury, personalised service and an immersive connection with the surrounding wilderness.

The recognition comes at a significant time for Mapito, which has emerged as one of Tanzania’s newest luxury safari destinations. The camp is part of Marriott International’s Autograph Collection, bringing together the character and individuality of an independent safari experience with the standards of a globally recognised hospitality group.

For Indian travellers, the award further strengthens Tanzania’s position as a compelling luxury safari destination, particularly for discerning travellers seeking experiences that go beyond conventional luxury holidays.

“We are incredibly honoured to receive this recognition from the World Travel Awards. Mapito was created with a simple ambition – to offer guests an exceptional Serengeti experience where luxury, nature and a genuine sense of place come together. This award is a wonderful recognition of the team behind Mapito and of the passion with which they welcome guests from around the world,” said Rishen Patel, Founder, Delaware Investments.

Mapito’s location offers guests access to the extraordinary wildlife experiences of the Serengeti, including opportunities to witness the Great Wildebeest Migration, while returning to a refined and intimate camp environment at the end of each day. The experience is designed around a balance of adventure and comfort, with thoughtfully designed accommodation, elevated dining and personalised hospitality.

Mapito’s recognition comes at a time when Tanzania is enjoying unprecedented recognition across the international travel industry. At the 2026 World Travel Awards, Tanzania was named Africa’s Leading Destination for the third consecutive year, following its wins in 2024 and 2025. The country’s flagship safari destination, Serengeti National Park, was also named Africa’s Leading National Park for the eighth consecutive year, having held the title every year from 2019 to 2026. Serengeti was additionally recognised as Africa’s Leading Big 5 National Park 2026. It is within this increasingly celebrated destination that Mapito has earned its latest accolade.

With its combination of iconic wildlife, expansive landscapes and increasingly sophisticated luxury hospitality offerings, Tanzania continues to attract travellers looking for meaningful, experiential journeys. For the Indian luxury travel market, Mapito presents an opportunity to experience the Serengeti through a new lens – one that combines the timeless romance of a tented safari with contemporary comfort and globally recognised hospitality.

Marriott International, Inc. has signed an agreement to open the first Autograph Collection safari camp globally. Expected to debut in Q3 2025, Mapito Safari Camp, Serengeti, Autograph Collection will deliver a distinctive and immersive safari experience in Tanzania’s world-renowned Serengeti wilderness, marking a milestone expansion for the brand into experiential, nature-based travel.

Mapito Safari Camp, Serengeti, Autograph Collection is set in the heart of the Serengeti ecosystem, near the Fort Ikoma gate of Serengeti National Park. Positioned between Central Serengeti and the western migration corridor, the camp lies directly along the Great Migration route, where vast herds of wildebeest, zebra and antelope pass through between May and July each year. The surrounding area teems with wildlife year-round – including lion, elephant, buffalo, leopard and giraffe – offering remarkable encounters in every season.

“Mapito Safari Camp will mark a defining moment for Autograph Collection as we introduce the brand’s first safari experience in one of the world’s most breathtaking wildlife destinations,” said Jerome Briet, Chief Development Officer, Europe, Middle East & Africa, Marriott International. “The Serengeti’s scale, beauty, and cultural heritage will make an unforgettable setting for a property that will embody the individuality and character that Autograph Collection is known for.”

Mapito Safari Camp, Serengeti, Autograph Collection is expected to offer 16 tented suites, including a two-bedroom villa. Each suite will feature an outdoor deck, fire pit and retractable roof for open-air stargazing – a first for the region. Plans for the camp include a spa, fitness centre, swimming pool and multiple dining options, such as ‘The Boma’, a communal restaurant inspired by traditional bonfire gatherings.

Design inspiration will be drawn from the surrounding landscape and local Ikoma culture, and the camp will aim to incorporate sustainable practices that support conservation and minimize environmental impact.

Guests can anticipate a range of immersive experiences, from spectacular daytime game drives and evocative night safaris that unveil the Serengeti's nocturnal rhythms, to walking safaris, hot air balloon flights, bush dining, and meaningful engagement with the local Ikoma tribe.

“We are excited to collaborate with Marriott International to bring Autograph Collection to the Serengeti,” said Rishen Patel, developer of Mapito Safari Camp, Serengeti, Autograph Collection. “This camp will offer an intimate, and immersive experience that reflects both the natural wonder of the region and the timeless storytelling and craftsmanship of the brand.”

Autograph Collection’s global portfolio currently includes over 330 hotels that are carefully selected for their vision, passion, and unique perspectives on design and hospitality. Each property offers immersive moments that are Exactly Like Nothing Else.