Mount Kilimanjaro has done it again. At the World Travel Awards Africa Gala Ceremony in Zanzibar on 28 August 2026, Kilimanjaro National Park was crowned Africa's Leading Mountain National Park 2026 — retaining a title it also held in 2025 and adding another accolade to Tanzania's already glittering awards cabinet.
The World Travel Awards, often described as the "Oscars of the travel industry," recognise excellence across every sector of tourism. In the category for Africa's Leading Mountain National Park, Kilimanjaro National Park — home to the highest peak on the continent — took top honours for 2026. The award was received on behalf of the park by its Commanding Officer, Angela Nyaki, at the Africa Gala Ceremony hosted at Diamonds Bijoux in Zanzibar.
This is not a one-off. Kilimanjaro National Park also won Africa's Leading Mountain National Park in 2025, making 2026 a successful title defence. Winners are chosen through a global vote by travel professionals and the public, so repeat success reflects sustained recognition of the park's conservation, visitor experience and iconic status among travellers worldwide.
Kilimanjaro topped a strong field of nominees for the 2026 category, which included some of Africa's most celebrated highland reserves:
Kilimanjaro's win was part of a remarkable clean sweep for Tanzania at the 2026 Africa Gala. The country was named Africa's Leading Destination 2026, the Serengeti was named Africa's Leading National Park, Zanzibar took Africa's Leading Beach Destination, and the Tanzania Tourist Board retained its title as Africa's Leading Tourist Board for a fifth consecutive year. Together, the results underline Tanzania's standing as one of the continent's premier travel destinations.
At 5,895 metres (19,341 feet), Kilimanjaro is the highest mountain in Africa and the tallest free-standing mountain in the world — a snow-capped giant rising almost from the equator. A UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1987, the park protects a dramatic sequence of ecological zones, from lush rainforest and giant heath to alpine desert and glaciers, along with wildlife and plant life found almost nowhere else on Earth. Add well-managed climbing routes and the once-in-a-lifetime achievement of standing on the Roof of Africa, and it is easy to see why the mountain remains a favourite among travellers and voters alike.
An award like this is more than a headline — it is a reminder that Kilimanjaro delivers a world-class experience when you plan it well. If the recognition has inspired you to climb, the essentials are simple: choose the best time of year, pick the route that suits your fitness and schedule, understand how hard the climb really is, pack the right gear, and book through a reputable, licensed operator — see our guide to the best Kilimanjaro tour operators.
Kilimanjaro National Park was named Africa's Leading Mountain National Park 2026 at the World Travel Awards, announced at the Africa Gala Ceremony in Zanzibar on 28 August 2026.
Yes. Kilimanjaro National Park also won Africa's Leading Mountain National Park in 2025, so the 2026 result is a back-to-back win.
Established in 1993, the World Travel Awards recognise excellence across the global travel and tourism industry. Winners are decided by votes from travel professionals and the public, and the programme is widely regarded as one of the industry's most prestigious.
Tanzania was named Africa's Leading Destination 2026, the Serengeti won Africa's Leading National Park, Zanzibar won Africa's Leading Beach Destination, and the Tanzania Tourist Board retained Africa's Leading Tourist Board for a fifth year.
No — the award recognises the park's overall excellence. To climb, you still book through a licensed tour operator and trek with a registered guide on one of the official routes.
Source: World Travel Awards (worldtravelawards.com), Africa Gala Ceremony 2026, Zanzibar, 28 August 2026, as reported by Daily News, TanzaniaInvest and Breaking Travel News.
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